+ News and Press
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Party Time Goes Green
Wednesday 21st February, 2007 (Cayman Compass)
One thing most can say about the living in or visiting the
Cayman Islands is that the need for a cool beverage is often
at hand.
Sunset House’s Adrian Briggs, standing, with Chris Weaver,
far right,
and Barnaby Richardson of Jaques Scott.
Photo: Basia Pioro
And up until now, it’s been standard
practice to serve those drinks in disposable plastic cups.
After decades spent in the food packaging business, Fabri–Kal’s
CEO has made it his personal mission to support the development
of an alternative.
And that’s an incredible move, coming from the CEO
North America’s sixth largest thermoformer and very
successful plastic food service products manufacturer.
But the alternative was compelling, and it’s called
Greenware.
And now, thanks to Island Supply, it’s here in Cayman.
When the company, which is part of the Jaques Scott group,
discovered it at a Florida trade show last fall, it knew they
it hit on something big.
Immediately, they began distributing it as part of its new
Green Solutions campaign.
“The price is comparable to that of conventional plastic,
but it’s environmentally friendly. It’s unbelievable,”
says Island Supply General Manager Chris Weaver.
“Really, especially in a place like Cayman where there
is no plastic recycling or a proper landfill, there should
be no reason why anyone should consider buying plastic cups
again.”
Island Supply’s prominent clients agree. You probably
didn’t know this until now, but venues like the Ritz–Carlton,
Harvey’s Island Grill, Botswain’s Beach, Sunset
House, the Cracked Conch, Calico Jack’s, and Aqua Beach
have all started carrying Greenware.
The significance of this product is far reaching as it takes
petroleum completely out of the equation.
That’s because Greenware is made entirely of corn.
The cups and lids are thermoformed out of NatureWorks Poly
Lactic Acid, a polymer derived from corn starches.
PLA is produced by isolating the starch stored in corn kernels,
which is then stored into sugars. During a process of fermentation
and separation, the sugars become lactic acid, which is used
to create the plastic polylactide.
Unlike petroleum–based plastic, the resources used
to make Greenware are 100 per cent renewable. And Greenware
breaks down. Under ideal composting conditions, the cups break
down completely into entirely natural molecules in only 50
days.
Adrian Briggs of Sunset House and Red Sail Sports knew it
was the right move.
“As a diving base, Sunset has always tried to protect
the environment and this fits perfectly,” he says.
“Considering the cost, this is a product that every
business on the island should be using.”
But he thinks more can be done for Cayman’s environment
than changing cup brands.
“Government itself needs to make an effort to make
Cayman a truly green Island,” he says.
“For instance, why not reduce tariffs on Greenware?
It’s benefiting the Island and reducing its cost will
be a fantastic incentive for all the Island’s bars and
restaurants.”
Capturing the momentum of the support the first of the Green
Solutions products introduced to Cayman is receiving, Island
Supply means business. It is teaming up with Greenware and
Heineken to create an environmental fund, which will support
initiatives to green Cayman.
“We couldn’t have a better convergence, with
Heineken and GreenWare behind us, we hope other businesses
will be able to see the value of fostering a sustainable future
for Cayman,’ said Mr. Weaver.
With businesses showing this kind of dedication to the future,
it looks like Cayman is in for an interesting ride.
