INDUSTRY INSIGHT


Outbreak sees return to disposables


The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has given most companies challenges and hurdles to overcome and will probably have lasting effects. But what about vending? Is it possible that some focus will switch from environmental protection to hygiene?


Already in retail the impact of the virus is growing every day with consumers visiting shops less frequently, taking their own bags and using contactless payment methods in order to avoid handling cash as well as taking other steps to make the shopping experience as hygienic as possible. The contactless limit for spending has increased from £30 to £45


from April 1. This had been in the pipeline for a while but has now been expedited to support consumers who want to avoid physical contact in shops. Because of all of this it is possible that when things finally get back to normal, the way we shop and go about our daily lives will be changed forever and one sector which is already seeing a switch is the disposable packaging industry. Coffee chain, Starbucks, appeared to do u-turn on the use of


reusable cups which are now being temporarily banned. Previously, the coffee specialist was offering a 25p discount for those using reusables, however the outbreak has led to them applying the discount to customers who bring a reusable cup with them, although all drinks are served in paper cups. The change is having an impact on packaging companies such as


4 Aces. Managing director, Chris Penn explains: “Before the outbreak, many of our clients were either transitioning to reusables, or were already committed to reusables. Due to the pandemic, a focus on all things reusable and eco-friendly has quickly turned to disposables in order to avoid the spread of the virus. “Movements such as Starbucks’ change of approach to reusables has seen our customers’ priorities switch from focussing on the environmental benefits, to all things hygiene and minimising the chances of catching the virus. This turnaround came somewhat out of the blue. It could present some challenges in terms of stock control but Chris says: “Thanks to our effective system, we have been able to


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meet demand and maintain appropriate levels of stock for any further changes in behaviours. “This has involved being efficient and organised in the accuracy of our inventory records. With such a sudden rise in demand, it would have been very easy to offer more products than we had available. “At 4 Aces, a concise stock control system is vital to operating


efficiently and being able to offer the best products and service to our customers. This no more so than since the coronavirus outbreak.” “Regular sales forecasts have meant that from the initial increase in demand we have been able to source disposable products in time for further increases, and any other unforeseen changes in purchasing patterns.” There’s no crystal ball to indicate whether or not our new found focus on hygiene will be lasting once the crisis is over or whether we will just go back to life as we knew it. Nevertheless, companies must be able to meet the existing demand in the circumstances and for 4 Aces having a sound stock control system is the key.


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