Atlanta-based Freshëns Says Goodbye to Polystyrene Foam Cups

Making a difference one cup at a time, Freshëns is excited to reveal the first fully renewable and compostable paper cold cup in the United States, ecotainer.

Setting a new standard for paper cups, the new ecotainer, Paper Cold Cup will replace existing polystyrene foam cups used by the major food service retailer in alllocations across the country.

Set to debut in September in select Freshëns stores and nationwide in the fall, ecotainer will be the cornerstone of Freshëns sustainability initiative.

Freshëns is the first national retail brand to introduce the ecotainer Paper Cold Cup throughout its system. This launch represents the first large-scale cold cup introduction with a material of this type in the marketplace. And because this cup performs in a manner identical to traditional paper cold cups, consumers do not need to make compromises in the areas of aesthetics or function.

In a standard paper cold cup, the paperboard used is coated with apetrochemical based plastic, polyethylene, to make it liquid resistant. However, this cup uses Polylactic Acid (PLA) to create a water-resistant barrier on the paperboard. PLA is a biopolymer derived from plant sugars. The coating is not water soluble and will not dissolve in use with hot or cold beverages.

On the other hand, it can be consumed by microbes over time in a municipal compost environment. Combined, individual consumers in the United States alone use about 40 billion paper and 25 billion plastic and foam cups every year.

These facts illustrate what a tremendous impact our use, or misuse, can have on the environment. Premiering the first compostable and fully renewable cold cup is an honor for us, said Freshëns Quality Brands President John Stern. Mr Stern states; "Though the cup does cost a little more, we believe it is an imperative element not only in our own corporate responsibility but in that of our industry." Freshëns has chosen to make positive decisions to protect and preserve our planet for ourselves and future generations.

Freshëns Quality Brands truly delivers fuel for the body & mind. Committed to providing customers with purposeful nutrition, Freshëns offers a wide array of frozen yogurt, smoothies and snacks to both satisfy taste and supply nutrition. An industry leader with over 1,200 locations nationwide, Freshëns operates under three distinct brands, Freshëns Frozen Treats, Energy Zone and Zia. Freshëns Quality Brands is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information visit www.freshens.com.