The way is open for pubs to use disposable glassware with the launch of plastic tumblers that carry the required CE measure markings - and are environmentally friendly to boot.
Biopac's Kindtoo pint and half-pint glassware complies with trading standards regulations thanks to CE marks which enable barstaff to legally free-pour beer and cider.
Before the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) came into force in the UK in October 2006 it was difficult for disposable glasses to be stamped, explains Biopac sales manager Kent Davis. The MID allows disposable 'flexible glasses' to be CE marked providing they undergo testing for 'dimensional stability'.
That also makes biodegradable plastic glasses possible - Kindtoo glassware is made from polyactic acid, which comes from corn starch and, unlike conventional plastic glassware, is fully compostable.
"Most of our clients in the licensed trade are delighted at being able to offer this alternative - and are keen to reap the PR benefits," says Kent.
Lee McDonald, licensee of the Rainbow in Birmingham, is already using the disposable tumblers. "Our pub has many outside events and since I made compostable cups available to people who make bookings with us, no-one has asked for anything else," he says.
Adam Shelton at the 1,000 capacity Warehouse venue in Digbeth, West Midlands, has also swapped regular plastic glassware for the disposable kind.
"We are popular with young people and students and we are constantly being asked to find an alternative to the plastic glasses we have to use," he says. "Now we have one."