Aqueous-Coated Cups: The Eco-Friendly Solution for Coffee Shops in the UK

Introduction

The UK is tightening regulations on single-use plastics, making sustainable packaging solutions more crucial than ever. Traditional paper coffee cups often contain a plastic lining, making them difficult to recycle. Aqueous-coated cups, however, offer an innovative, plastic-free, and fully recyclable alternative—helping coffee shops and takeaway businesses stay compliant with evolving UK environmental laws.

What Are Aqueous-Coated Cups?

Unlike standard cups that use polyethylene (PE) or bioplastics for waterproofing, aqueous-coated cups feature a water-based barrier. This makes them 100% recyclable within standard paper waste streams, reducing landfill waste and supporting a circular economy.

Benefits of Aqueous-Coated Cups

✔ 100% Recyclable – Can be processed in household and commercial recycling bins without requiring special facilities.

✔ Plastic-Free & Compostable – Free from PE and PLA coatings, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

✔ Grease & Moisture Resistant – Designed to hold hot and cold beverages without leakage.

✔ Meets UK Sustainability Regulations – Fully compliant with the UK Plastic Packaging Tax and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines for sustainable packaging.

UK Laws & Regulations on Coffee Cup Waste

The UK has introduced strict policies to reduce single-use plastic waste and encourage businesses to adopt sustainable alternatives:

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations – Requires businesses to take responsibility for the recyclability of their packaging, including takeaway cups.

UK Plastic Packaging Tax – Applies to packaging with less than 30% recycled content, encouraging the shift to plastic-free solutions.

Single-Use Plastic Restrictions – The UK government is phasing out non-recyclable packaging to cut down plastic pollution.

How Novorise is Leading the Change

At Novorise, we provide high-quality aqueous-coated coffee cups that align with UK and EU sustainability standards. Our cups help coffee shops, restaurants, and takeaway businesses stay ahead of regulations while offering customers a fully recyclable, eco-friendly alternative.

By switching to aqueous-coated cups, businesses can reduce waste, improve sustainability credentials, and future-proof operations in an increasingly eco-conscious market.