Reckless ‘latte levy’ makes no sense

• Published date: 30 June 2022

It states that the 2021 study conducted by Ramboll (a reputable independent Danish consultancy company, also used by the European Commission), which suggests that switching to hard plastic keep cups would be more damaging for the environment than a recyclable paper cup, was commissioned by the European Paper Packaging Alliance. This does not make the scientific points untrue

The article states that "throw-away cups are one of the most common litter items found in nature, and due to our proximity to the sea, some of these cups end up in the marine environment". Actually single use coffee cups account for less than 0.03 per cent (yes, that's 3 per cent of 1 per cent) of the overall waste generated in Ireland; and paper cups are ranked 55th in the list of most commonly found items within marine waste, according to the single-use plastics EU directive assessment.

The article states that "every year the people on this planet consume 500 billion single-use cups". The source of this statistic is not given but if it is true and if these were replaced by hard plastic keep cups and these were reused 50 times before being disposed, (French studies estimate 30 to 50 uses), we should prepare for an extra 22 million tonnes of plastic (usually polycarbonate or Tritan which have limited recyclability and are fossil-oil-based materials) going to landfill in the planet every year. In this country alone, the impact of moving from single-use to multi-use would be the same as adding a million petrol cars. The Ramboll study findings demonstrate that reusables produce 2.8 times more carbon dioxide and consume 3.4 times more freshwater than single-use, paper-based products. In short, keep cups will add to our climate change problem.

The article acknowledges the economic effects of the rising cost of living and the risk that many cafes and restaurants will crash out of the industry (further adding to high street vacancies in every city and town in Ireland). It is right on this point. There are estimated to be 15,000 employed in the coffee-related hospitality sector - the majority of coffee shop business is takeaway trade, many to-go only. UK levy impact research data demonstrates a maximum reusable cup uptake of 6 per cent (and 8 per cent ceasing to buy coffee), suggesting many traders would be forced to close. Proposed implementation of a coffee cup levy, after the Circular Economy Bill enactment, indiscriminately and disproportionately targets one product and one industry...