The IdeaCreate a 100% post consumer material based recyclable paper cup, that is manufactured with sustainable methods and materials. The traditional paper cup is redesigned using plantable flowering seed paper and design/text printed with 100% vegetable-based ink.
The “Seed Cup” seeks to provide an environmental and economical solution for businesses and promote sustainable living for consumers.
Waste ReductionCreating a 100% plantable and recyclable paper cup provides the perfect solution for businesses and consumers. The Seed Cup allows for waste reduction as it’s 100% biodegradable. It provides an undisruptive solution to existing business models. Businesses can provide the seed cup to distribute their products in an environmentally friendly way while promoting the idea of greener living. Recyclable Seed Cups are assured to once again be part of the natural environment, regardless of how they are disposed. The production of these cups are much more environmentally sound than producing current paper cups that use bleaching and other environmentally harmful materials.
Resources Required
The Seed Cup idea requires a manufacturing partner committed to sustainability. The main benefit of this idea is there's no additional capital investments needed by coffee houses. Finding a manufacturer capable of producing the cups is the requirement. Economies of scale make this solution affordable and will provide a seamless purchasing experience for consumers and businesses. There are no special requirements needed for storage, training or development. Costs in advertising the new cup and an initiative to promote the environmental benefits of using it can be beneficial for the company.
New or Existing Capabilities
One of the key benefits of the Seed Cup is that that all resources already exist for it be placed into production and into use. Vegetable ink is becoming more prevalent because it reduces the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Plantable flowering seed paper is also becoming a mainstream product, often used in business cards, and post card advertisements. There's no need for additional investments in research and development for this product. In fact, mainstream adoption of this cup can lead to benefits of lower prices through economies of scale.
The Whole experience
There is a delicate balance of economics, convenience, sustainability, and feasibility. The BetaCup wining concept must answer these questions to become a viable solution. The Seed Cup idea we propose provides real world answers to those concerns. The idea does not require additional capital expenditures or hardware investments by businesses.
The idea is not to disrupt the current business models, but to provide a new way for all parties to make a positive environmental impact. Instead, it provides a viable solution for businesses to continue operations without a significant impact in costs. The Seed Cup provides consumers a tangible material they are exposed to at every purchase to think about how they can reduce their carbon foot print. The cup design’s look and feel convey to the consumer that it’s no ordinary cup. It’s a powerful suggestion to the consumer that make them think about the environmental impact they can make. Even if consumers don’t take the extra step to plant the cup, it will naturally decompose in landfills.
The experience of visiting your local coffee shop is unaltered. A delicious cup of coffee served to go in a familiar cup, that answers to questions to convenience, feasibility, and sustainability. A coffee lover leaves the shop with a smile on their face, and everyone feeling a little warmer inside knowing that cup will eventually be providing life.

€20,000 Overall Community Prize
to be defined Sold Idea
Product Design: Help reduce waste from coffee-to-go paper cups and come up with sustainable solutions!
Closed
Announced
Submission Period (61 Days)






Useful?
IceQueen
they would have to be made to be area specific, invasive plants can be a problem!
Useful?
jodygurl
Useful?
modernrockstar idea owner
The type of plant can be identified on the cup, perhaps with even a little background info about its type. Sorting the appropriate flowers for a specific region wouldn't be too difficult. In fact, specialized distribution of specific seeds can lead to lower costs!
Useful?
emma11
Useful?
Hatch
http://www.jovoto.com/contests/drink-sustainably/ideas/5314
Indeed seed content could be tailored to seasons/ climate but it could also extend to otherwise 'non-gardeners' (perhaps those living in exclusively urban environments).
I support the idea of having a cup which has a further purpose.
Useful?
modernrockstar idea owner
There are some really great designs in the competition. In my opinion, the highly recyclable, single use solutions are the most feasible, economical, and un-disruptive solutions around.
The solution has to be ignited by the source (sbux), relying on every patron to purchase a thermo is a tough sell, although it's probably THE best solution long term.
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sakthikannan
I like to take a look. Very promising one, if not in this area will be in hell a lot of other areas.
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LioCarrasco
I really like your concept, you are really bringing a solution to paper cup consumption.
I just have one question about the inside layer of the cup.
Is this material safe in contact with the liquid? Do you use another material for the inside?
It is just because I think that they are standars for "food/drinks" standards. So are you taking this point in consideration?
Still, this is a great idea.
Useful?
Janne
Useful?
modernrockstar idea owner
Thanks for the great feedback!
The inspiration came from a seed infused post card I received. I noticed the paper looked and felt different from a traditional card. I then noticed instructions for it to be folded into a cup and then planted in a garden.
@Janne. Great point. Would I want to plant every cup I use at SBUX? Nope! But there are some benefits to this method. 1) Starbucks doesn't have to raise prices or penalize people who don't bring their own reusable cups. 2)Economically feasible 3)Reminds visitors to bring a cup next time. I think this idea is the start of a long term solution of eventually using reusable cups.
@LioCarrasco and @sakthikannan, I was thinking the cup would be made with 100% post consumer waste instead of the 10-15% used now. I don't think those cups are lined with anything inside. I don't know if wax imparts any type of taste to the coffee, but i suppose that's an option. Got any suggestions?
thanks!!!