The coffee In 95% of cases, the drinks served by die Bar Company at events are served in disposable paper cups. This is set to change as a result of new legislation.
Why introduce a new rule on disposable cups?
In the Netherlands, we throw away 19 million plastic cups and food packaging items every day. Some of these end up as litter in the environment. And, of course, we don’t want to burden the next generation with this. The ban on free single-use plastics prevents environmental pollution and is therefore, in our view, a positive step. Reuse is becoming the new norm.
This is set to change on a per-event basis
New rules will apply to the use of disposable cups containing plastic at events. We currently use the most environmentally friendly disposable cups available, but even these cups have a coating to prevent the coffee from seeping through. As a result, these cups are also covered by the new legislation.
Different rules apply depending on the type of event (an open or a closed event).
The difference between open and closed events
A private event takes place at a fenced-off venue. Examples include a trade fair, a company party or a festival at a private venue (indoors or outdoors). Bar Company operates in 98%, where the majority of its events are held at private venues.
If the area is not private, we refer to it as a public event. Examples include a street fair, a marathon or a public city event such as carnival or King’s Day.
What changes will there be for our customers (private events)?
At private events, the use of disposable plastic cups and containers is prohibited from 1 January 2024 no longer permitted. A circular system, under which cups and packaging are returned for reuse or high-quality recycling, is then mandatory.
There is an exception to this rule when cups are recycled to a high standard. For food safety reasons, European regulations impose strict requirements on high-quality recycling. At present, for example, it is only possible to recycle cups or containers made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to a high standard. Our current coffee cups are made from a different material and are therefore not eligible for this exception.
Open events
At open events, visitors pay from 1 July 2023 a surcharge for disposable cups and containers if they contain plastic. In addition, they must be able to use a reusable alternative with a return scheme, or a cup or container they have brought with them (bring your own).
And what about the other drinks?
At BC, we also make the tastiest cocktails and smoothies on site. We always serve the cocktails in the appropriate glass, and the same policy will apply to the smoothies as to the coffee cups.
Further information
Would you like more information or some advice? Please send us an email or call us on 0882035100. We’re here to help.
A coffee bar at your event
Curious about what a barista can offer at your event? Find out more about hiring a coffee bar:
