# Single-Use Self-Serve Sleeve Covers 'Tap-Kins' Prevent Direct Contact with Self-Serve Equipment By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2020-06-21 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tapkins References: [csnews](https://csnews.com/tap-kins-disposable-sleeves) & [tap-kins](https://tap-kins.com) Self-service food and drink equipment is a mainstay part of the convenience store sector that has come into question in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the 'Tap-Kins' disposable sleeves have been created to help ensure cleanliness. The single-use sleeves are designed to be fitted over the handle on self-service machines that dispense food or drink in order to [eliminate direct contact](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicago-faucet-company) with the common surface. This could work to prevent the spread of pathogens, while also providing peace-of-mind for consumers when picking up some of their favorite fare from their local corner store. The 'Tap-Kins' disposable sleeves are intended to be held in a [compact dispenser](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cutlery-station) that can hold up to 300 sleeves at a time and can be customized with any logo. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Single-use Self-serve Sleeve Covers:** Expanding the use of customizable single-use sleeve covers in various industries such as restaurants, hospitals and airports could help to prevent the spread of pathogens and improve hygiene. - **Touchless Food and Drink Dispensing Machines:** Developing hands-free food and drink dispensing machines that eliminate the need for physical touch could become the future of self-service technology in the hospitality and retail sectors. - **Smart Sanitizing Dispensers:** Creating smart sanitizing dispensers that can detect when self-serve machines need to be cleaned and sanitized could improve hygiene standards and create a more sustainable solution for reducing unnecessary waste. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Convenience Stores:** Implementing single-use sleeve covers in convenience stores could help to reduce the spread of pathogens, and benefit businesses looking to gain consumers' trust in the post-COVID-19 world. - **Hospitals:** Using disposable sleeve covers on medical equipment could improve hygiene standards and reduce the transmission of infectious diseases in hospitals. - **Airports:** Installing touchless food and drink dispensing machines in airports could provide a safer and more hygienic experience for travelers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Grab-and-Go Glove Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glove-packs.md) - [Touch-Free Santizing Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touch-free-pen.md) - [Hands-Free Door Handle Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safe-lever-door-opener.md) - [Compostable Cutlery Dispensers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cutlery-dispenser.md) - [Shopping Cart Disinfecting Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sliball.md) - [Gesture-Based QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchless-menu-gesture-technology.md) - [Punch Cocktail Pouches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jinx-drinkx.md) - [Touchless Salad Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/servue.md) - [College-Targeted Drink Essentials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/discreet-drink-covers.md)