Huhtamaki, Hesburger develop fiber-based lids, cutting plastic use by 41,000 kg annually

FINLAND – Huhtamaki has developed fiber-based beverage cup lids for Hesburger, suitable for hot and cold drinks, with the switch expected to reduce the Finnish fast food chain’s plastic use by 41,000 kilograms annually.

The lids are manufactured at Huhtamaki’s Alf, Germany site from renewable plant-based fibers, and are compostable, recyclable, and contain no plastic coatings. 

The companies say the new design offers improved lid fit and a tighter spout to ensure that the lid stays in place on the mug and reduces the risk of leaks. 

The development work began in 2025, when Hesburger first introduced fiber lids, and based on customer and staff feedback, the chain decided to develop its own branded fiber lid with the goal of creating a more functional and completely plastic-free solution.

The Challenge of Fiber Lids

Plastic lids are injection-moulded, allowing precise control over dimensions, snap fit, and spout geometry. 

Fiber lids are thermoformed or pressed from wet fibre, a process that historically produced lids with looser fit and higher leak risk. 

The collaboration between Huhtamaki and Hesburger addressed these issues through redesign, achieving a lid fit that stays in place and a spout that does not drip. 

The material’s resistance to heat and moisture is critical: a fiber lid that softens when holding hot coffee would fail. 

Huhtamaki’s formulation maintains rigidity at beverage serving temperatures.

Plastic Reduction and Circularity

The 41,000 kilogram annual plastic reduction is a significant environmental impact for a single product category across a fast-food chain’s operations. 

For context, 41,000 kg is approximately the weight of 2.5 million plastic lids (assuming 16g per lid) or 1.6 million plastic lids (assuming 25g per heavier lid). 

The lids are compostable, meaning they can be processed in industrial composting facilities. They are also recyclable, though fiber-based lids are accepted in paper recycling streams only if they are free of plastic coatings, which these are. 

Mira Eklund, key account manager at Huhtamaki, stated that the development work with Hesburger has been both smooth and insightful, supporting the sustainability goals of both organizations, and that this collaboration is a strong reflection of the partnership with Hesburger.

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