Manchester bee-themed takeaway drinks cups are set to be rolled out across the city region - raising money for a key charity in the process.
The launch of the cup - embossed with the image of a worker bee - follows the introduction of Manchester bee drinking straws in 2018. Civic leaders have welcomed the introduction for celebrating Manchester's heritage and reducing the impact on the environment.
Manchester Museum is among the first attractions to use the new cups, which are available to all coffee shops, cafes, bars and restaurants to order.
The official launch of the cup will take place at the Northern Restaurant and Bar show being held at Manchester Central on March 14.
The environmentally-friendly takeaway cups are certified plastic-free and can be easily recycled. Around five per cent of all sales will be donated to the We Love MCR Charity, said Stockport-based catering equipment business Stephensons, which also launched the bee straws in the city.
Granted the rights by Manchester City Council, Stephensons are one of the few companies to have the official rights to use the iconic bee symbol.
The cup's design originates from the striking Manchester bee mosaic in the city's town hall, with the symbol visible throughout the city, from lamp posts to street art, bins and beyond.
Lord Mayor of Manchester councillor Donna Ludford, chair of We Love MCR, said: "After the success of the bee straws, which I love to see across our city, I can't wait to see the beautiful coffee cups in cafes, bars, and venues throughout Manchester. They'll make a great impact in helping reduce waste, and the donations made to We Love MCR will help us to improve more lives across Manchester."
Leader of Manchester City Council, councillor Bev Craig, added: "The Manchester worker bee positively represents Manchester, so to see it on biodegradable coffee cups across the city will be a great way to celebrate our heritage whilst making a positive difference to our communities and our environment.
Cups are available in 8oz and 12oz sizes, with a 16oz version to follow.
They are expected to be sold to hospitality outlets, venues and event organisers, alongside independent coffee shops, universities, museums and beyond.
Stephensons managing director, Henry Stephenson said: “"We came up with the idea of putting the bee mosaic on a disposable cup when we launched the straw back in 2018, but it was only until recently that the technology finally arrived, allowing us to put the bee on a truly sustainable, certified plastic-free cup.
"As a Manchester-based business since 1868, we understand the pride and identity people associate with the Manchester bee, so to have the bee as a continued symbol of the city’s desire to limit single-use plastics is fantastic."
The straws, now used from Manchester City's Etihad Stadium to Manchester's Christmas Markets, have helped raise more than £5,000 for the We Love MCR charity since their launch.
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