No More Lids, a pioneering company advocating for a plastic-free future in UK takeaway drinks, secured the top prize at the Future of Food Competition hosted at the Royal Geographic Society in London on November 27.
Judges reached a unanimous decision, praising No More Lids’ founder and Managing Director, Chris Brown, for his groundbreaking environmental initiatives in an industry that contributes to over 10 million takeaway cups and more than 51 tonnes of waste daily.
In under two years, No More Lids has successfully distributed over 5 million of its patented, 100% compostable The Good Cups. This innovative design eliminates the need for plastic lids and linings, is fully recyclable as paper, and leaves no harmful residue in landfills. Consequently, this initiative has already removed 24 tonnes of single-use plastic from circulation. The company has attracted notable customers, including Bird & Blend Tea Co., the Natural History Museum, the Francis Crick Institute, King’s College London, and NHS Wales. These strategic partnerships lay the groundwork for expansion into major high-street and global brands.
Selected from over 200 contenders, No More Lids was among 16 finalists who presented their concepts to an audience of more than 700 attendees and industry experts. The award comes with a £10,000 prize, alongside a personal commitment from Future of Food founder Barney Mauleverer to invest in and mentor as the business grows. This success further enhances the company’s Responsible Packaging Award for 2024.
Chris Brown stated, “Winning Future of Food is a huge confidence boost. The awareness, mentorship, and recognition from industry leaders – investors and decision-makers – is as valuable as the award and prize money itself.”
Chris’s journey commenced in the hospitality sector, where he earned a degree in International Hospitality Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. He managed and owned various venues, transforming a former Royal Mail sorting facility into a successful 75-seat café. After consulting for coffee roasteries, he founded a wholesale coffee business in Cornwall in 2017, where he keenly observed the plastic waste produced by PE-lined cups and lids.
A pivotal moment occurred when his dog choked on a plastic cup lining during a walk on a Cornish beach, serving as a personal wake-up call that propelled him to seek a better alternative. Upon discovering the patented Good Cup, designed by award-winning French packaging designer Cyril Drouet, Chris became the UK and Ireland distributor, committed to driving positive change.
Chris added: “What began as a personal mission to reduce the environmental footprint of my own coffee business has evolved into something much bigger. Our goal is to replace every plastic takeaway cup and lid in the UK.”
The Good Cup features an integrated fold-and-lock lid, eliminating plastic components and consumer confusion while significantly reducing waste.
Judges, including Leon co-founder Henry Dimbleby, expressed admiration for the transformative potential and the big-name brands expected to come aboard by 2026.
Barney Mauleverer, founder of the Future of Food Competition and an ardent advocate for positive change who began his career as employee number seven at Innocent Drinks before launching the successful food and drink brand Fuel10K, remarked: “No More Lids stood out for its simplicity, scalability, and immediate impact. It’s a solution that doesn’t just talk sustainability – it delivers. By removing plastic lids and linings, saving businesses significant money and space, and reducing carbon footprints, it tackles a major environmental challenge head-on. With the added benefits of reducing the risk of drink spiking and eliminating spills and drips, it’s a clear winner for the industry. That’s why this award comes with £10,000 – plus my personal commitment to invest and mentor as the business scales.”
For more information about No More Lids, visit nomorelids.co.uk.
