Marketplace Alternatives Plastic Straws: Product alternative Paper straws Various brands of paper straws are entirely recyclable and/ or compostable. We are currently carrying out tests on their strength, taste, etc. Bamboo straws Bamboo straws are reusable and offer a popular aesthetic appeal. Glass straws Glass straws are reusable and offer a popular aesthetic appeal.
Stainless steel straws Stainless steel straws are reusable and offer a popular aesthetic appeal. We are currently testing their washability, reusability, customer Wheat straws Wheat straws, similar to paper straws, are disposable and compostable. We are currently testing their strength, taste and compostability. Titanium straws Titanium straws are reusable and offer a popular aesthetic appeal.
Plastic Straws: Elimination Cups with built-in straws Online research shows that these options are not very desirable for customers. They are non-disposable, meaning they need a reusable system, and are not easy to clean. Plastic Straw Wrappers: Product Alternative Paper wrappers Paper wrappers are offered in certain fast-food restaurants, like McDonald s. They are recyclable/compostable, but still require energy to produce, transport and break-down, and so elimination of straw wrappers is a better goal. Plastic Straw Wrappers: Elimination Straw dispenser Straw dispensers are commonly used in diners and other establishments, and allow for straws to be contained without wrappers, while still maintaining hygiene standards.
Plastic Cup Lids: Product alternative PLA Lids After extensive research, the best product alternative to existing cup lids that we could find are PLA lids. While branded as being compostable, we have discovered that the majority of these lids end up in landfill, as they require industrial composting facilities to break down. Please see our attached document on PLA. Plastic Cup Lids: Elimination Cup re-design. Compleat have designed a paper cup (still lined with plastic) that eliminates the need for a lid, by folding to create an enclosure. However, the company does not appear to be active over the past couple of years. Paper Cups (Lined with Plastic): Alternative Product Frugalpac Frugalpac offers an innovative approach to manufacturing cups. Traditionally, disposable cups are cut into shape, lined with plastic and then folded into shape. Their plastic lining makes them near impossible to recycle or compost. Frugalpac, however, forms the paper cup and then drops a removeable plastic insert into each cup. This plastic washes out at the recycling plant, meaning the paper can be recycled. We have acquired a sample batch of the product for testing with our local cinema. Paper Cups (Lined with Plastic): Elimination Reusable Cup System Reusability is always ideal, as it cuts down on energy required to product the product, transport the product, and break down/recycle the product. Please see attached document exploring reusable cup ideas and systems that have been trialled around the world and in various industries.
Other Cinema Waste: Product alternatives Popcorn boxes, nacho trays, candy wrappers While the primary focus is on straws, straw wrappers, lids and cups, it should be noted that the other cinema waste items, such as popcorn boxes and candy wrappers, should be substantially easier to overcome. Once happy with our solution to the drinks waste, we plan to test various alternatives for these, including edible/rice paper bags, a pick n mix system, etc.