A popular bubble tea shop located within the Link at the University of Otago is facing notable challenges due to the university’s strict ban on disposable cups.The shop, a branch of the Chatime chain, claims it is being unfairly targeted by the policy, which aims to promote sustainability on campus.

However, the university maintains that all vendors operating within the central Dunedin campus where fully informed of the requirement to adhere to the university’s sustainability strategic framework before signing their leases.

The Bubble Tea Dilemma

Bubble tea, a Taiwanese specialty, typically consists of tea, sweetened milk, and various flavorings, often served with tapioca pearls.The customary presentation involves a plastic cup sealed with plastic film, which is then punctured with a straw for consumption. This packaging poses a direct conflict with the university’s sustainability goals.

Chatime’s Outlook

Violetta Li, manager of the Chatime outlet, acknowledges awareness of the university’s sustainability strategy and expresses support for the initiative. However, she states that she had not initially known there was a blanket ban on all disposable cups. The Chatime location at the university opened in 2021, adding to the chain’s presence, which includes another outlet on George St.

• Initial Efforts: Upon opening, the shop initially used paper cups in an attempt to be environmentally conscious.
• Unexpected Hurdle: They later discovered that the ban extended to all single-use drinking vessels,not just plastic.
• Reusable Cup Challenges: The company then transitioned to reusable cups, but encountered issues with size discrepancies compared to standard coffee cups, which increased costs. Furthermore, their supplier went into liquidation during the first year of the switch.

Despite offering incentives such as deals on reusable cups and discounts for customers who brought their own, the Chatime outlet is struggling to maintain profitability without a single-use cup option. We’re struggling here, Li said, emphasizing the financial strain.

Rule Inconsistencies and Financial Strain

Li further explained the rationale behind their current use of paper cups: And the reason why we’re using paper is not as we want to break the rules. We don’t want to be the people that’s helping others break the rules either. The shop now has a surplus of reusable cups and fears it cannot survive under the current regulations. They also point to perceived inconsistencies in the rules, noting that miso soup is served nearby in paper cups, and other disposable food containers and plastic packaging are permitted.

University’s Response

When asked about a potential review of the single-use cup ban, a university spokeswoman referred to a previous statement provided to the student magazine Critic te Ārohi. The statement indicated that the university has been in discussions with Chatime since before a lease was signed and woudl prefer to continue to liaise directly with them on this issue. The university has been disposable cup-free as January 2020,well before Chatime opened it’s campus location in late 2021.

And, yes, all food and beverage vendors on central campus are aware of the requirements to align with the sustainability strategic framework prior to signing leases.

University of Otago Spokeswoman

While the university dose not have a specific policy regarding single-use takeaway food containers,it asserts its commitment to sustainability as an association.

Looking Ahead

The situation remains unresolved, with Chatime seeking a viable solution that allows them to operate sustainably while adhering to the university’s policies. The university, on the other hand, is committed to its sustainability goals and prefers to address the issue through direct communication with the vendor.