AN Ennis-based company has appealed to the government to exempt paper cups from the so-called “latte levy” being introduced for single use cups.

Cup Print has joined the Irish paper packaging industry in urging Minister of State Ossian Smyth to exempt certified recyclable and certified compostable products with established waste collection streams from the forthcoming levy on cups for hot drinks.

As the Public Consultation on draft regulations to levy single-use disposable cups opens to industry and the public for a six-week period, the Clare company argues that appropriately certified compostable and recyclable cups have an important role to play in helping Ireland achieve its sustainability goals.

The latte levy, proposed in the Circular Economy Act which was adopted in July 2022, is expected to be introduced early next year with a levy of 20c on cups for hot drinks.

Green Party Deputy Smyth has said that the intention of the legislation is to encourage customers to switch to reusable items, with the eventual intent of an outright ban on coffee cups and other single use items. 

Polling data published by Ireland Thinks on behalf of the Restaurants Association of Ireland in June 2022 however found that almost two-thirds of Irish adults oppose a ban on paper-based coffee cups, and would prefer to see the Government focus on improving recycling and composting facilities.

Cup Print supplies cafes and retailers across the country with custom-branded coffee cups, specialising in both certified compostable and certified recyclable paper cups.

The company insists Ireland has made great strides towards sustainability, with cafe owners across the country investing in serving drinks in more sustainable products.
Domestic homes have made similar strides too with greater awareness about recycling and composting.

Cup Print manufactures products with clear labelling compliant with the EU Single Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) – certified compostable cups only come under the SUPD because of the plant-based bioplastic coating that provides a moisture barrier to prevent scalding and leakages.

To reach adequate standards of biodegradability, certified compostable products, including cups, containers and lids require industrial composting conditions, as the Irish climate, like all of northern Europe, does not have adequate temperature requirements for small-scale composting. 

The company states one of the advantages of certified compostable paper cups is that they can be easily and environmentally disposed of in the correct waste stream, with other compostable food packaging and food products, and without any need of cleaning or segregation.

“We recognise the huge value of the brown bins that are now in virtually every household in Ireland,” said Terry Fox, General Manager of Cup Print.

“Similarly, we see huge potential for investment in further composting and recycling resources in Ireland and across Northern Europe over the next decade, and feel that the Government should also invest in improving the recycling infrastructure to enhance recycling rates of ‘on the go’ packaging, as well as making composting bins in public areas more readily available for transport to industrial facilities.

“Cup Print recognises that Ireland must do more to reduce its plastics use and littering levels, but banning compostable and recyclable paper-based cups in favour of 100% plastic reusable cups isn’t the way to go about it.

“The market will be driven towards cheap and low-quality items made entirely of plastics, with limited reuse potential.

“We call on the Government to exempt certified recyclable and compostable products from this punitive levy and not stand in the way of further progress in the development of renewable fibre cups in Ireland,” continued Mr Fox.

He insists Cup Print stands ready to work with industry stakeholders during this public consultation process, particularly with the restaurant and cafe industry battling a cost of living and
energy crisis.

In the event of an outright ban on paper cups and other single use products, a transition to using multiple-use items such as cups and bowls will require restaurants to install new energy-intensive washing and drying systems, with substantial refurbishment costs. 

“Many of Cup Print’s customers have taken significant steps to source certified compostable and recyclable products, and the announcement of a public consultation to advance the latte levy is another blow to them during an exceptionally difficult time.

“Cup Print and our customers stand ready to engage with Minister Ossian Smyth and his Department to work towards meaningful change and improvement of pathways and facilities for recycling and composting in Ireland,” said Mr Fox.