EMI KOROITANOA
With Fijians working towards completely phasing out the single-use plastic bags, Weta Coffee has taken “the bull by the horns” and implemented a "no plastics" policy within their business.
The café, which opened in the heart of Suva located inside ‘Mobil on The Go’ on Victoria Parade earlier this year, chose to use Ecoware packaging for serving food and drinks to their customers.
Operated by locals Darran and Mue Fisher, they use paper EcoBowls, wooden cutlery, kraft paper food trays, bin liners and more, which are all plant-based alternatives designed for composting.
‘Weta Coffee’ takeaway cups are a more sustainable alternative, made from responsibly sourced paper and lined with IngeoTM bioplastic – an innovation that is 100 per cent plant-based and sourced from field corn.
Weta Coffee director, Mue Fisher commended the move by the Government in reducing Fiji’s reliance on plastic. “I think it’s a step in the right direction,” Mrs. Fisher said.
“There are many more steps that are needed to be taken but never the less Government should be applauded for taking these bold steps.”
“We’re also really happy that the last budget passed a zero percent duty on this sort of packaging,” she added.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, during the announcement of the 2019/2020 National Budget, said the Fiji needs a “whole-of-society” approach.
“One that is guided by government actions and commitment, but that inspires ordinary people to take ownership over the protection of our natural environment, we’ve been steadily promoting the usage of locally-produced, reusable plastic bags,” the A-G said.
“To spur that emerging industry, the duty on materials used to manufacture non-woven bags will be dropped to zero.”
“And to protect our budding local reusable bag manufacturers, fiscal duty will be raised to 32 per cent on imported reusable non-woven bags,” he added.
The café has pledged to maintain strict ecofriendly practices.