Takeaway containers are a vital part of any fast food chain, and they have come a long way since the simple cup and packet of the 1950s and 60s. Today, there are a lot of takeaway accessories which need to be supplied with the container in order to meet customer expectation. These can include spoons, cup lids and straws, as well as a variety of more elaborate systems designed to help people to enjoy their food as though they were eating in a high-class restaurant.
One of the most simple, and yet most popular, of all takeaway packaging accessories is the humble cup sleeve. These are designed to protect the person holding them from the heat of coffee or drinks cups, and will help to prevent burns or even splashes. These paper cup sleeves are also very useful to the fast food company, as they can be printed with the company brand, colours or logo in order to catch the eye. These are usually biodegradable and can be used with both PET and paper cups.
Another common item used with cup containers is the stirrer. In the past, companies were provided with metal spoons which were used to stir coffee, teas and soups. These are now not popular, as they are considered to be bad for the customer, lacking in hygiene, and also likely to be taken when the customer leaves. In order to avoid the expense of replacing metal spoons, paper or wooden stirrers are preferred. These stirrers are also biodegradable, so should be preferred over plastic varieties.
Cutlery is also more widely used than in the past, and is often supplied with takeaway meals. It is more usual to get these in plastic forms because paper and wood devices cannot support the weight of food on the end. Companies seeking to be more environmentally friendly might consider chopsticks or biodegradable spoons as an alternative.