Business to begin making sustainable paper cups for drinks industry

A Snaith-based printing and marketing business is launching the UK’s first sustainable disposable pint and half pint standardised paper cups for the drinks industry, with funding from HSBC UK.

Just Peel, established in 2010, has used a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK to purchase specialist machinery and produce fully brandable, PE and PLA plastic free, CE-marked pint and half-pint paper cups.

The business is the first in the world to gain the plastic free trustmark for its cups, which are produced from sustainable materials and are fully biodegradable, as well as recyclable.

It has already secured significant interest for its product from leading international breweries and soft drink producers, as well as festival organisers and large event operators.

Just Peel’s product allows consumers to use disposable cups with confidence that they will not contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution.

The company expects to start production in January 2021 and aims to produce more than 100 million cups over the next 12 months.

In addition, the business plans to create up to 20 new jobs and increase turnover by over 20% over the same period.

Alison Hobson, managing director and founder of Just Peel, said: “The demand for easily recyclable disposable cups has been growing massively in recent years, however there was no real alternative to a 100% plastic or PE and PLA lined paper cups for the drinks industry.

“We saw this gap and, by working with innovative manufacturers, and support from HSBC UK, we have been able to bring a paper cup without the need for a PE or PLA lining, CE standard approved and UK-made to the market.”

Scott Johnston, relationship manager for HSBC UK, added: “At a time when many businesses are consolidating and economising, Just Peel has demonstrated real ambition.

“It has taken an innovative idea and made it a reality through hard work, a deep understanding of their industry and the boldness of making significant investment.”

Just Peel works primarily in the drinks and beverage industry helping brands promote themselves at the point of sale across print and digital channels.

It currently employs 10 people and counts Britvic, Timothy Taylor’s and Heineken among its clients.

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