Travel restaurateur Areas has backed its vision to protect people and planet with a new initiative – the launch of edible and biodegradable coffee cups at its outlets.

Introduced to travel retail by Bulgarian startup Cupffee, the biscuit cups are described as a sustainable and tasty alternative to traditional plastic and paper cups. These are made from natural products, low in calories and available in two formats (110ml and 220ml).

They are suitable for serving products such as coffee, since the material is highly resistant to heat and humidity. It also remains crunchy for up to 40 minutes and is leak-free for a day once the drink is placed inside.

The new coffee cups are now available in Areas establishments including its Deli&Cia outlets in Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante and Ibiza airports.

Comment: This disruptive step in how coffee is consumed at airports helps boost Areas’ sustainability credentials and drives the circular economy forward. As well as creating the new edible cups, the coffee that Areas serves is organic and sustainable.

This initiative was a recent winner in the Areas For Change Challenge, which was developed in partnership with Eatable Adventures, one of the world’s leading food-tech accelerators. That challenge is part of the company’s global ESG strategy, which focuses on people, the planet and the future of mobility.