Customers increasingly judge a cafe by its cup. Single-use plastic feels dated, and in many cities it is being banned outright. Switching to compostable cups, paper straws, and recyclable lids is no longer just an ethical choice — it is a branding and compliance one.
The catch is cost: eco packaging can run 20-40% more per unit. Offset it by charging a small deposit on reusable cups, offering a discount to customers who bring their own, and buying compostables in bulk. Track packaging as its own line item in your cost reports so you always know exactly what that green halo is costing you.