SSP UK, an operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations, has replaced plastic lids on its own-brand hot beverage cups with a plastic-free alternative.  

The new lids are crafted from bagasse, a byproduct of sugar cane, and are set to eliminate more than eight million single-use plastic items from its own brands a year. 

SSP UK will introduce the eco-friendly lids across its AMT Coffee and Upper Crust brands.  

The bagasse lids are claimed to be free from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or 'forever chemicals'.  

SSP UK and Ireland CEO Kari Daniels said: "This is a significant step forward in our sustainability journey.  

"Making the move to bagasse lids not only reduces our reliance on plastic but, because the plants can regrow, we are securing the longevity of our supply chain from renewable sources." 

The announcement coincides with Earth Day, emphasising the global theme of 'Planet versus Plastics'.  

SSP aims to eliminate all unnecessary single-use plastics from its own-brand packaging by 2025 and make them reusable, recyclable, or compostable.  

The company has already transitioned its own-brand cold drinks cups to recycled polyethylene terephthalate, incorporating recycled material. 

SSP's sustainability strategy is built around ten key commitments within the realms of Product, Planet, and People.  

It includes a science-based target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040, starting from a 2019 baseline.  

The strategy also supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on responsible consumption and production, zero hunger, and climate action. 

SSP UK is a member of the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap, a leading UK initiative to combat food waste, and partners with organisations to redistribute surplus food.