Christmas is just around the corner and if there’s one drink that encapsulates the annual festive cheer it’s hot chocolate! Synonymous with cold days and relaxing evenings in front of the fire, hot chocolate is everybody’s favourite winter beverage.
If you’re the owner of a hot chocolate bar, winter is peak season so these are exciting times! However, with the government recently banning takeaway outlets from using single-use plastic, you’ll need to make sure you’re stocking the right cups and packaging for your items.
In this post we’ll discuss the essentials you need to sell your scrumptious hot chocolate this winter, and we’ll also cover the new rules that restrict the type of packaging you’re allowed to use.
Changes In The Law
Before we go into what you need for your hot chocolate bar, first let’s go over the recent changes in the law as they’re very important.
Along with the moral and ethical incentives, if you own a business then avoiding single-use plastics is now a legal requirement, too.
Since October 1st, the use of single-use plastic items for food and beverages by takeaways and food outlets have been banned. The list of items the government is banning includes single-use plastic cutlery, plastic packaging, polystyrene containers and, most importantly for you as the owner of a hot chocolate bar, cups.
The ban covers online and over-the-counter sales and it includes items from new and existing stock. So if you’ve got a load of stock left over from last year, sadly you’ll be unable to use it or you’ll be breaking these new laws.
Failure to abide by these new rules could land you in hot water – hotter than the chocolate you’re serving! Anyone found still using single-use plastic by local authorities or Trading Standards departments will face fine and prosecution.
So assuming you’d rather avoid hefty fines and protect your business’ reputation, it’s best to abide by the rules and stick to sustainable, biodegradable packaging.
Cups
So now we’ve got a good understanding of the new laws that were recently put in place, it’s time to dive into what you’ll need to make your hot chocolate bar a roaring success!
Let’s start with the obvious – cups! If you’re serving drinks then clearly you’ll need something to serve them in. Having said that, but keep in mind you can’t just use any old cups. Hot chocolate is served at high temperatures, so there’s a risk customers could get scolded if the liquid escapes.
In all honesty, this is what made plastic and polystyrene cups so useful, as they provided a cost-effective way to safely serve hot drinks. But with the new laws consigning these single-use items to the history books, you’ll need to find an alternative that’s not only strong and leakproof, but that’s also a good thermal insulator!
Thankfully there’s an option that ticks all of these boxes – our disposable cups for hot drinks! Made from kraft paper, these cups are produced using renewable and biodegradable food packaging and have a lower carbon footprint than plastic-lined disposable cups.
As well as the environmental benefits, kraft paper is also great for insulating heat, ensuring your customers can enjoy their heart-warming drinks without the worry of them going cold.
Lids
Along with your cups, you’ll also need some lids as these will help ensure the hot liquid doesn’t escape and potentially scold your customers. Lids also help retain heat for a more enjoyable experience.
Traditionally, lids were made from plastic. But as these are now banned, there are some alternative options you can choose. The most suitable option we stock are paper lids, which are both biodegradable and compostable.
These come in a range of sizes to fit cups sized 8oz, 12oz and 16oz, making them ideal for coffee shops, restaurants, events and market stalls.
Made to the highest quality, we also offer a range of biodegradable and compostable designs that have minimal impact on the environment and can be disposed of easily. They are also compatible with our range of hot cups so you can purchase your takeaway coffee containers all in one place.
Napkins
Sweet beverages can leave a sticky residue in their wake, so once your customers have guzzled down the last of their hot chocolate, they may want to wipe their mouths and fingers.
By serving napkins with your drinks, you provide a better customer experience, increasing the likelihood of them returning in future.
We serve a range of napkins that can be purchased in bulk. And best of all, these are made from paper so there’s nothing to worry about with regards to plastic packaging.
Spoons Or Spatulas
In some cases, hot chocolate can settle at the bottom of the cup which can take away some of the flavour. To counter this, you may want to serve spoons or spatulas, so your customers can stir their drink to keep it from settling.
Obviously plastic cutlery is out, so you’ll need to purchase an eco-friendly alternative. Thankfully these aren’t difficult to find – in fact you’ll find them right here on our website!
Indeed, we stock everything you need to get your hot chocolate business started, so if you’re looking for cups, lids, napkins and spoons/spatulas that provide the perfect experience for your customers, as well as ensuing you stay on the right side of the law, you’ve come to the right place.
If you would like to find out more about how Elpack Packaging Solutions can assist your business, or discuss your bespoke packaging needs, get in touch with our expert team today! Call us on 01425 524021 or drop us an email at info@elpack.co.uk
