Business View Magazine | February 2019

15 ready transitioned to plastic alternatives by this time. • By April 9, 2019 (Free Cone Day!)—Scoop Shops will complete the transition to wooden spoons. Pa- per straws will be available by request only. • By the end of 2020—Ben & Jerry’s will find an al- ternative to clear plastic cups, plastic-lined cups, and plastic lids. The company has a history of striving for more sus- tainable packaging solutions.Pints and“tubs”(as Ben & Jerry’s container is known in the UK and Europe) have been made with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified paperboard since 2009. But because they are coated with polyethylene to create a mois- ture barrier, they are difficult to recycle. Evans said Ben& Jerry’s is looking at options.“Over the past year, we have begun an intensive effort to find a biode- gradable and compostable coating that meets our product quality requirements,” she said. “In the short term, eliminating plastic straws and spoons is not going to save the world,” Evans said. “But it’s a good start toward changing expectations. We’re committed to exploring additional options to further reduce the use of disposable items.This tran- sition is the first step for us on amore comprehensive journey to eliminate single-use, petroleum-based plastic in our supply chain, and we look forward to reporting on our progress. “Thankfully, Ben & Jerry’s has a baked-in solution to plastic waste: it’s called our Waffle Cone,” she con- cluded.“They’re yummy, convenient, and waste-free!”