Albany’s Packaging Mandates Could Hurt Buffalo’s Neighborhood Cafés

by Lasha Takalandze

In Buffalo’s Medical District, Penny’s Coffee Shop is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. It’s a neighborhood space — where students study, healthcare workers recharge, and friends gather in a warm, welcoming environment inspired by our beloved family dog named Penny.

Like many small, family owned businesses, we work hard every day to create that experience while managing rising costs and tight margins. That’s why I’m concerned about the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act currently under consideration in Albany.

I understand and sup port the goal of reducing waste. Small business owners care deeply about the communities we serve, and that includes protecting our environment. But this bill, as writ ten, risks creating unintended consequences that could make it harder for neighborhood cafés like mine to survive.

At Penny’s, packaging is essential to our daily operations. Every cup of coffee, every pas try, and every to-go order depends on safe, reliable materials. These are not optional conveniences — they are the foundation of how we serve our customers efficiently and responsibly.

The legislation’s aggressive packaging mandates would increase costs throughout the supply chain. Suppliers will face new compliance requirements, and those costs will inevitably be passed down to small businesses like mine. Unlike large corporations, we don’t have the buying power to negotiate lower prices or the resources to quickly overhaul our systems. When costs rise, we face difficult choices: raise prices, reduce portions, or cut back on what we offer. None of those options are good for our customers, many of whom are already feeling the pressure of higher living expenses.

Space is another challenge. Small cafés like ours operate in tight quarters, with limited storage and little flexibility. The idea that we can easily adapt to multiple types of packaging, bulk inventory requirements, or new compliance systems sim ply doesn’t reflect reality. What may work for large chains is often impractical for neighborhood businesses.

Buffalo’s small business community has shown resilience through economic uncertainty, from the pandemic to ongoing inflation. But policies that add layers of cost and complexity risk push ing many businesses to the brink. We all want a cleaner, more sustainable future. But achieving that goal requires practical, balanced solutions — not one-size-fits-all mandates that overlook the realities small businesses face.

Lawmakers should take the time to engage direct ly with small business owners and craft policies that support both environ mental progress and eco nomic sustainability. Buf falo’s neighborhood cafés are part of what makes our communities strong. Albany should stand with us by opposing the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act in its current form.