OTR Baristas Welcome Customers' Reusable Cups at OTR Stores Again
Since May 2018, OTR has been reviewing internal food safety processes to allow customers to once again bring in reusable cups at OTR stores. They are pleased to announce that, effective immediately, they have rolled out these new standards across the 110 OTR stores that serve barista-made C Coffee and welcome customers to bring in their reusable coffee cups.
The main modification to the OTR procedure has involved a new sanitisation process for customers’ reusable coffee cups, in addition to OTR baristas avoiding directly handling customers’ lids. These new changes limit any food safety risks and improve hygiene outcomes for all customers who are served by OTR baristas, regardless of whether they provide their own reusable cup.
Joann Skene, OTR Community Partnerships Manager said, “We acknowledge that many of OTR’s customers care about the environment, so we are confident that this new procedure enables us to take a positive step forward to reduce landfill whilst minimising any food safety risks for customers and staff.”
Recently, OTR put the acceptance of reusable coffee cups on hold after several incidents of customers bringing in dirty, unhygienic, and contaminated cups, including one incident in which a cup was contaminated with a heavy metal.
“As the largest provider of barista-made coffee in South Australia, we had to urgently review our food safety practices in the interest of staff and customers across our OTR network,” continued Ms Skene.
“We are also proud to be working alongside our OTRGive community partners, Trees for Life and Zoos SA, who are leaders in sustainable policies. With their contribution we are confident we will continue to investigate and find further sustainable ways for OTR customers to enjoy C Coffee, because we are committed to give our customers an amazing experience!” concluded Ms Skene.
Zoos SA Chief Executive Elaine Bensted said, “It’s wonderful to hear OTR have reintroduced the acceptance of reusable cups. We all have a role to play to actively reduce litter entering the environment and causing harm to wildlife, especially our use of single-use plastics. Together, we can cause less disposable cups to be produced, lower the amount of cups sent to landfill and save the energy and resources that would otherwise be consumed.”
Trees for Life Acting CEO Vicki-Jo Russell AM stated “South Australia’s environment is the big winner in this announcement and Trees For Life is delighted to have been able to work collaboratively with OTR to achieve this outcome. Trees For Life’s passionate supporters strive every day to protect our vulnerable native plants and animals and as one of the State’s most prominent not-for-profit environmental organisations we’re always looking at ways to work with our industry partners to help influence change. We look forward to continuing to work closely with OTR as it builds its sustainability.”
OTR has also confirmed that they are looking at further environmental measures which include exploring replacements to single-use plastic straws and introducing biodegradable takeaway cup options.
24th September 2018