International Paper: Converter, Extrusion Coated Paper Cups
Everyday consumers are becoming more aware of the disposable foodservice items they use everyday. What resources are used to create these products? Where do the items go when they are thrown away? This consumer interest, as well as increasing emphasis on corporate social responsibility, is driving the foodservice industry to look for eco-friendly solutions for disposable serviceware. And with many new earth-friendly alternatives coming to market, a solution with a story and message that is meaningful to a consumer’s lifestyle is even more valuable.
In 2006, International Paper partnered with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and DaniMer Scientific to develop an all-natural, disposable hot cup that could replace the polyethylene-coated cups currently in the market. By using NatureWorks® polymer in the barrier coating, an earth-friendly cup was realized.
Both International Paper and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters are using the NatureWorks® brand on their cups as part to educate both trade and consumers on the benefits of the new eco-friendly hot cup.
“The principles embodied by the NatureWorks® brand have been key ingredients to the development of our ecotainer™ brand products. The ‘Real, Right and Renewable’ message supports our desired goal of becoming more environmentally sensitive in our product offering which in turns allows customers like Green Mountain Coffee Roasters to achieve their own sustainability objectives."
- Kristin Newman, Director of Foodservice Marketing, International Paper
"These cups, backed by NatureWorks® polymer, are part of our corporate commitment to environmental stewardship. Converting to this cup means that we consume nearly a quarter of a million pounds less of non-renewable petrochemical materials every year."
- Paul Comey, VP, Environmental Affairs, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
Using the NatureWorks brand is about more than just conveying the environmental benefits of using this new technology. It’s about appealing to healthy lifestyles, making an emotional connection to the consumer, and fitting applications using NatureWorks polymer into everyday life.