One of the most unfortunate eco-truths about drinking coffee is that the functional lifespan of the conventional paper cup doesn’t match its ecological lifespan.
After one drink the still fully functional liquid holder is already disposed. Obviously this generates a huge amount of waste. However, the paper cup is common used (and the amount of waste just piles up) since it is the cheapest option available and is very convenient to the customer.
How could a more sustainable cup possibly offer rival that? Is it bold to imagine a solution that matches the timespan we take to drink coffee? And could it at the same time offer something extra? (The answer has been in front of us all the time. It might be as simple as a cookie!)
Inspiration
In the Netherlands we often drink our coffee-on-the go in public transport, usually the train. More than 11 million cups of coffee are annually sold at train stations in Holland (and this number will only increase even more in future due to the expending market). The time in the train is often a fixed period of relaxation till we reach our destination.
The Dutch are always in search for atmospheres as “gezellig” as possible: as comfortable, pleasant, and socially fun as it can be. This atmosphere uses many attributes, and coffee is a very important one. The lifespan of our coffee experience is about half an hour. Then the cup is thrown away. Very logical because after all: Why should a cup exist longer?
Solution
Our answer? After a search for an advanced, ecological waste management system, we found one: our own stomach. Think about it:
- it is one of the most sustainable ways to recycle,
- it is easy to find and use (everybody has one) and
- it doesn’t cost much energy.
We mixed this ancient knowledge with modern food technologies and the edible cup was born. The new cup consists of three layers, from outside inwards;
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cookie; layer of insulation (made from delicious Belgian waffles)
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high tech inter-layer; heath and liquid resistant (mixture of sugar, water, cornstarch and albumin or brown vegan rice protein);
- flavor layer (optional); adds an extra element to your taste (What flavor would you like; chocolate, caramel, honey, milk, sugar … Let's make it happen!)
We challenge the current situation in which coffee-on-the-go is associated with work and stress. Let's revive the early grandma experience; your coffee with a cookie.
Coffee should remain a moment of enjoyment…
Coffee deserves to be even tastier…