At Alectro, we’re constantly on the lookout for sustainable and impact-driven alternatives to everyday items. This is an opportunity to share the brands that we love and that are making the world a greener place to live.
KeepCup designed and manufactured the world's first barista standard reusable coffee cups.
We caught up with Zac Nicholson, Growth Marketing Manager at KeepCup, to discuss their journey and the future.
Why does KeepCup exist?
Simply put, to "Create a world that neither wants nor needs single-use cups and bottles."
In a Melbourne cafe in 1998, siblings Abigail and Jamie Forsyth had a game-changing idea: embrace reusability. As disposable cups surged in popularity, they grew concerned about the mounting packaging waste, particularly non-recyclable ones. In 2007, driven by a passion for sustainability, they embarked on a mission to design the perfect reusable cup – one that combined functionality, eco-friendly manufacturing, and aesthetic appeal.
Their brainchild, KeepCup, hit the market in 2009 at a local design market. It instantly resonated with environmentally conscious consumers seeking an alternative to single-use cups. This marked the genesis of the reuse movement, supported by cafes and coffee roasters.
Beyond local success, KeepCup transcended borders, spreading to over 75 countries. Today, millions of reusers opt for KeepCups, diverting countless disposable cups from landfills daily.
What are the key things that you do best?
"The world's first barista standard reusable cup."
So what does "Barista Standard" mean?
Barista standard captures design considerations for user-friendly products. KeepCup, endorsed by the coffee industry, aligns with café needs and cup sizes for various drinks. Fits under group heads, press-fit lids, industry volumes, easy pouring, and a pleasant drinking experience.
What are the trends in your market space?
"More and more single-use bans are coming into affect across the globe."
Plastic pollution is being combated globally. In 2019, 180 countries pledged to reduce ocean plastic, and notable plastic bans :
US Microbeads Ban:
Banned microbeads in cosmetics (2015).
Australia's Plastic Bag Bans:
Victoria and other states banning plastic bags.
Mexico City's Plastic Bag Ban:
Ban restricts most businesses (2023).
Canada's Single-Use Plastic Ban:
Aim to ban by 2021. Trudeau said in a statement: “As parents, we’re at a point when we take our kids to the beach and we have to search out a patch of sand that isn’t littered with straws, Styrofoam, or bottles.”
Thailand's Plastic Bag Ban:
A national campaign orchestrated by the government and retailers aims for a total ban by the year 2021. Several animals were found last year with plastic in their digestive systems, which increased the country’s determination to reduce waste.
EU's Single-Use Plastics Ban:
The EU banned 10 throwaway plastics including Styrofoam and single-use straws. All plastic water bottles will need to contain 30 percent recycled content by 2030. The ban will come into force in 2021.
California's Ban:
In the U.S., more than 470,000 people signed a petition asking Target to ditch plastic bags for good. Both IKEA and Costco have stopped providing plastic bags at cash registers.
Britain's Straw Ban:
In 2015, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland introduced a 5p charge for carrier bags in large stores. By December 2024, more rules on lightweight bags and food containers will be implemented. Over the next five years, policies on single-use plastics will roll out. In April 2018, a ban on plastic straws, cotton buds, and stirrers was announced, effective from April 2020. Wales aspires to be zero-waste by 2050, phasing out single-use plastics to lead in recycling.
Bangladesh Plastic Bag Ban:
Total ban since 2002, alternative jute bags. This followed extreme flood damage caused by littered plastic bags that submerged more than two-thirds of the country.
Thanks to Zac at KeepCup for taking the time to talk to us.
If you're interested in finding out more, make sure to keep an eye on their socials @keepcup and visit their website for updates or more information!
If your company is embarking on its sustainability journey, reach out to us to discover how Alectro's Virtual Sustainability Officer® can swiftly assist you in measuring and managing your carbon footprint.
Let us know who you'd like to see us cover next in our Brands we Love series by emailing hello@alectro.io
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