Compostable Cups: Obsession with Plant-Based Products

Did you know your coffee cups can determine whether customers will buy your coffee? Research shows the modern customer buys more of sustainable products. Plant-based products and packages that can decompose attract more purchases.

The research from New York University showed customers want to reduce their impact on the environment. Rather than mere talk, many customers follow through to search for sustainable products.

Plant_based_products
Obsession with plant based products

The study analysed 71000 products from 36 different categories of consumable goods. It categorised products as sustainable if they were plant-based, non-GMO, or certified.

Most of these sustainable products showed a 50% increase in sales after five years. Surprisingly, many plants-based products are not widespread. They comprise only 17% of the market.

New York University’s research isn’t the first to prove the power of green products. A series of studies have shown a shift in consumer buying. More people are even willing to pay extra amounts for eco-friendly products.

For instance, an Accenture study says 80% of people feel it’s vital for companies to produce green products. 77% of surveyed participants say plastic is terrible for the environment. They also perceived paper as the most eco-friendly material.

Why the Obsession for Plant-Based Products?

Compostability of Plant-Based Packages

Plant-based packages now feature in almost all the industries. Instead of plastics, many manufacturers are now shifting to corn starch plastic. In the paper cup industry, polyethene used to rule. Currently, a polylactic coat is far more preferred.

Most of the plant-based products in the paper cup industry now brace the tag “compostable”. That compostable paper cup or coffee sleeve can decay into carbon dioxide and water. The compostable paper cup has now replaced plastic cups, styrofoam cups and porcelain.

In the entire packaging industry, bio-plastics are the in thing. Instead of petroleum-based plastics, the biodegradable plastic has taken over. The bio-plastic features starch as the primary raw material.

Worry over the Environmental Impact of Plastics 

People are now keen on the material used in product packaging. Thanks to environmental awareness, almost everyone knows the ills of plastics. Customers now have all the information on their hands. They even pay more attention to the culprits behind the environmental crisis.

Plastic effects have also created a risk perception. The currently seen shift is a reaction to a product that exposes people to health problems. To escape any potential health threats, customers are switching to safe products.

PLA
Cornstarch PLA

The increasing backlash on unsustainable products pushes brands to reinvent packaging. For instance, in cafes, customers resist brands that persist with single-use plastic.

Lately, there’s more preference for compostable options. Companies are now scrapping a PE coated paper cup to offer a compostable paper cup.

It’s encouraging to see sustainable products getting deserved publicity. But green products’ success comes at a cost to brands that persist with outdated packaging.

Brands that persist with outdated packaging face a tainted image. They can introduce sustainable packages, but they will struggle to overcome negative sentiment. It would be best if every business championed compostable products. Lagging may come at a high cost.

on Product’s Environmental Impact

68% of customers expect businesses to lead in the drive for environmental change. Meanwhile, 87% of the customers will buy from you if you advocate for societal issues.

What are you doing for the environment? Are you on the forefront to solve societal issues like waste and pollution? Customers judge your business based on its response to societal problems.

With more attention to products’ impact, you’re safer going the sustainable way. People know there’s nothing much they can do to push brands to sustainability. But one of their biggest weapons is their purchasing power. They know they can use their finances as a tool to drive environmental change.

Customers tell their family friends about a brand’s CSR efforts. With a green approach, you can expect more awareness and increased customer feedback. Thus, it would be wise to shift to eco-friendly products.

Playing their Part for a Clean Planet

Most people want to play a role in protecting the environment. Proactiveness to preserve the planet has become a self-fulfilment move. There’s a lot of joy in knowing your efforts contribute to something worthwhile.

It’s the same thing that drives environmental activists—that innate need to create a positive impact. The modern consumer is mindful of their buying habits and how each item affects the ecosystem.

Cleaner planet
Keeping our planet clean

To protect the environment, customers now prefer to use less, reuse, upcycle, or compost. Products that can rot naturally are thus on high demand to reduce waste. Another reason to buy a plant-based product is compostability. By composting, the bio-based products can turn into rich nutrients for their gardens.

Money is the eco- consumers voice. Rather than complaining, the consumer chooses where to spend their hard-earned cash. Thus, people spend more on goods that leave no waste and reduce the carbon imprint.

Buy Green for the Experience

Why is there so much joy in using a compostable paper cup or a reusable water bottle? People buy green for the experience that comes out of using such a product.

New research shows people buy green because of the enjoyment that comes with consumption. Using a green product is out of a belief that society upholds such consumption. Green-consumption, thus, leads to happy feelings and enhances the consumer experience.

The green consumption effect varies depending on a product’s environmental attributes. Product with higher environmental characteristics amplify consumption experience and increase social worth.

Based on the study, brands can identify how they can benefit more from green products. Businesses can promote green products vital for a better consumption experience.

Time for Businesses to Switch to Plant-Based and Compostable Packages

The motives behind the preference for compostable packages are clear. Customers want safe and eco-friendly products. Many people care about their safety and the planet’s health. Sustainable products self fulfil and are a source of pride for many customers.

Compostable products can help you bait the growing eco-conscious market. You’ll enhance consumer experience and win a bunch of loyal customers. Loyal customers can turn into your ambassadors and help you grow your business.

The reinvention of the paper cup is here to stay read more