FDBusiness.com

Tri-Star Packaging has launched, what it calls, a ground-breaking new plant-based cup lid for hot drinks that can be composted by consumers at home.

According to the food and drink packaging specialist, this lid comes top in the green stakes because other so-called ‘sustainable’ hot cup lids are usually made of plastic and have to be composted industrially.

By contrast, Tri-Star’s lid is manufactured from a sugar cane pulp known as Bagasse – a renewable material.

According to the firm, Tri-Star’s home-compostable cup lid is capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 100°C without distorting, going soft or popping off.  It is refrigerator and freezer-safe as well as microwave-proof, making it suitable for holding soup products that require heating in the home.

The lid is designed to fit most 12oz, 16oz and 20oz hot drinks cups. In a statement, the firm said: “The lid looks particularly stylish used on ripple cups – or any other cup that has a natural look, perhaps featuring browns and greens.”

Kevin Curran, managing director of Tri-Star, said: “This new home-compostable cup lid for hot drinks is truly ground-breaking.  Our aim is always to offer our customers the latest and best innovations, and this lid is the perfect addition to our range.

“Companies using our new lid will be able to highlight their green credentials to their customers and show they are a business that cares about the environment.  This will play well with modern consumers, who are very engaged with ecological issues, helping to drive loyalty and sales.  Adding this new home-compostable lid to your hot drinks packaging inventory is a small step that could have a huge impact on both the planet and your profits.”