Market Trends of Europe Biodegradable Cups Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Europe Biodegradable Cups Market according to our research experts:
Food is Expected to Gain Significant Share
- By application, food, beverage end users are expected to adapt to biodegradable packaging the most. For instance, in May 2021, researchers in Denmark have created a way to replace plastic used in delivering food with grass fibers, which they say is '100 % biodegradable.'
- The novel coronavirus has aided consumers to realize the importance of always being prepared and putting health first and increased the demand for packaged food across the region. Similarly, many brands had also tweaked the packaging of the products in order to appeal to the consumers. Therefore, the packaging is now being seen as a vital bridge between consumers and brands to effectively communicate that hygiene practices are maintained, consumer safety is prioritized.
- However, most of the government has pushed the banning on single-use plastic in their countries, which has gained some time for the plastic cycle and hindered the adoption of biodegradable packaging by various companies. For instance, in the United Kingdom, The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs postponed the ban on plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds to October 2020.
- Also, the food sector is also reconsidering its approach to using recyclable or eco-friendly materials that might augment transmission threats. For instance, even before the enforcement of lockdown, some players involved in the coffee business had resumed using disposable cups. Even though this might be a momentary trend, it does not mean that the environment-friendly packaging options will not be reconsidered in the future.
- Owing to the growing needs, the region is also witnessing growth of startups. In April 2021, Picup launched its plantable paper cups in Poland. The Poznan-based startup’s 100% biodegradable cups of tea or coffee contain seeds at the bottom of the filter, allowing a tree to grow after the drink is consumed.
- For businesses that provide on-the-go services, such as coffee chains where customers may not always bring their own reusable cups, Picup provides an instant, convenient, practical alternative that leaves behind a lighter footprint on the planet and can work with brands to customise cups with their brand logos.
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United Kingdom is Expected to Grow Significantly
- With the rise of takeaway and street food outlets, grabbing food on the go is the new norm in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has recently introduced regulations that require increased recycled content for packaging.
- Companies, like GM Packaging Ltd, in the United Kingdom have launched products that are manufactured using sugarcane (Bagasse) and bamboo fiber, which allows them to meet the consumer’s needs through reliable and stable products with compostable utensils, such as knives, forks, spoons, and cups. This makes these products affordable, safe, and eco-friendly.
- The growth is also attributed to consumer awareness. Earlier most consumers were unaware that standard paper cups are difficult to recycle and are usually sent to landfills due to a Polyethylene (PE) lining that very few recycling facilities across Europe can process including the United Kingdom.
- Owing to the increasing demand, new as well as established players in the market are launching new products to gain market share in the region. For instance, in December 2020, Britain's fully plastic-free and recyclable lid-free takeaway cup was launched in the United Kingdom. The newly launched ButterflyCup which needs no separate lid was showcased at WWT (Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust) centres across the United Kingdom. The cup can be recycled in the regular paper bin along with cardboard and ordinary paper, biodegrades naturally and can be composted.
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