Reusable Drinkware is in, Single Use Plastics on the Way Out

Current State in the Netherlands

As the new year approaches, the Netherlands is gearing up for significant changes. Starting January 1, 2024, the country will enforce a ban on disposable plastic cups and food packaging in establishments where customers dine in. This ban will have wide-ranging implications, impacting restaurants, offices, snack bars, and even popular events like festivals.

Amid these challenges, there lies an opportunity for sustainability and innovation. Businesses can embrace this change by transitioning to reusable vessels instead of relying on single-use plastics. This not only aligns with environmental goals but also offers an additional branding surface.

The Netherlands adheres to the principle of ‘producer responsibility,’ wherein producers and importers bear partial responsibility for managing waste generated by their operations. This commitment continually evolves, with long-term plans and expectations extending as far as 2030.

Under the new regulations set for 2024, businesses are advised to price their packaging at 0.25 euros for cups and 0.50 euros for meal packaging. This pricing structure encourages the shift towards eco-friendly alternatives.

Many single-use plastic containers, such as those used for iced coffee or pre-made sandwiches, are typically made from clear plastic with labels displaying pricing and nutritional information. These conventional practices are now being reevaluated considering the changing landscape of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Other International Initiatives

With the Netherlands taking such a stance on single use plastics we can only expect for more countries to follow suit. According to the United Nations website, “175 nations agree to develop a legally binding agreement on plastic pollutions by 2024, prompting a major step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production, use and disposal.” With an estimate of 22 million tons of plastic waste flowing into the oceans, the time to take proactive steps toward halting this number must happen now, as it is forecasted that this number could triple by 2040.

Environmental Impact

Single-use plastics have garnered significant attention due to their detrimental impact on the environment. These plastics, often used for packaging and convenience items like cutlery, takeaway containers, bags, cups and bottles, contribute significantly to plastic pollution. When discarded improperly, they find their way into waterways, oceans, and ecosystems, where they persist for hundreds of years, harming marine life and disrupting fragile ecosystems. As single-use plastics break down, they release microplastics into the environment, posing potential health risks to humans and wildlife alike. Moreover, the production of these plastics consumes fossil fuels and resources, exacerbating climate change. The ban on disposable plastic cups and food packaging in the Netherlands is a significant step towards mitigating these environmental consequences, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics

As the Netherlands prepares to implement its ban on disposable plastic cups, businesses are exploring a range of innovative alternatives for single-use drinkware. One promising solution is the adoption of biodegradable or compostable cups made from materials such as cornstarch, sugarcane, or paper. These eco-friendly alternatives not only reduce the environmental impact but also provide a viable option for businesses to align with sustainability goals. Furthermore, reusable drinkware made from materials like stainless steel, glass, or high-quality plastics offers a durable and stylish choice for customers while significantly reducing waste. These options not only contribute to a greener future but also showcase a commitment to responsible and environmentally conscious business practices.

Although transitioning to reusable alternatives might initially seem challenging, there are numerous options to make this transition smoother. It’s crucial to shift your perspective, viewing it not as an obstacle but as an opportunity to enhance your brand and maintain a lasting presence in your customers’ minds. Additionally, this shift could potentially open up an additional revenue stream, as loyal patrons are often eager to support their favorite establishment, both in-person and by purchasing souvenir items like drinkware.

Stainless Steel Drinkware

Opting for stainless steel drinkware is a popular and sustainable choice, known for its remarkable ability to maintain the temperature of beverages. Stainless steel vessels are the preferred option for events like concerts and festivals, as they are resistant to breakage and shattering, unlike glass or certain plastics.

Glass Drinkware

Glass drinkware, such as pint glasses, stands out as an excellent choice for establishments like restaurants and snack bars. Notably, these items are easily cleaned in a dishwasher and boast a long-lasting quality, making them an ideal pick for seated consumers who don’t pose a risk of breakage.

High-quality Plastic Drinkware

Featuring FDA food-grade polypropylene, a material often dubbed “unbreakable,” high-quality plastic drinkware is a secure choice. Unlike alternative plastics like acrylic or SAN, polypropylene drinkware comes in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit diverse preferences and needs.

Decorating Drinkware

One of the most cost-effective ways to promote your business, build that brand awareness and create a bond with patrons is branded drinkware. Depending on your business scale, and needs there are alternatives for branding. From one color logos to full color, full coverage prints there are a variety of cylindrical printers out there to accommodate these needs.

For one to two color logos, the best place to begin would be a pad printer. At a lower price point, pad printers like the B100 for one color prints, or the 2200PS for two color applications can be equipped with tooling for drinkware. Adhesion is achieved through proper testing, analyzing the best combination of primer and ink to work with your chosen substrate. For one- or two-color pad printed logos on glass the CG Series offers excellent adhesion and dishwasher resistance to glassware.

Rotary UV printers or more commonly known as cylindrical inkjet printers convert digital graphics onto cylindrical straight walled or tapered substrates, most commonly drinkware. While not limited to drinkware, cylindrical printers are also an excellent choice for printing on candles, candle holders, cosmetic bottles, and a variety of other cylindrical vessels.

Inkcups offers the Helix® line of cylindrical inkjet printers starting at the Helix® ONE, Helix®, Helix®+, Double Helix®, and Revolution®. With patented Helix® technology this line offers excellent quality printing no matter what the output needs are. The Helix® ONE is the most compact version, perfect for entry level or low production runs. The next three, the Helix®, Helix®+ and Double Helix®, offer three more levels of output, with the Helix®+ being entirely unique in its ability to grow with a customer, beginning as a single Helix®, upgradable to a double tunnel machine as production increases. At the high-speed end of the spectrum, the Revolution® can print upwards of 600 parts per hour with integrated pre-treatment for optimal adhesion and a streamlined process.

Whether you’re considering the addition of a cylindrical printer to your business for in-house drinkware printing or if you’re a print shop gearing up to meet the expected surge in demand for branded drinkware following the implementation of new regulations, Inkcups is here to kickstart your journey. With our unmatched service and support, combined with our extensive expertise in drinkware printing, an Inkcups cylindrical printer featuring Helix® technology is the ultimate path to achieving success.

Contact us today to get started.