Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1405079
30 STiR coffee and tea / Issue 4, 2021 (August / September) F By Thomas Schmid KeepCups are available in a range of attractive colors, here "Alder" (left) and "Saskatoon" (right) Credit: KeepCup Pty Ltd. or many years, single-use plastic and laminated paper coffee cups have been a nagging thorn in the side of practically all stakeholders: governments, envi- ronmental agencies and NGOs, coffee house chains, as well as concerned end consumers. Yet it has only been relatively recently that some concerted initiatives have taken shape to reduce the enormous mountain of waste created by these single-use items every year. One of the most promising solutions out there is the widespread replacement of single-use cups by reusable cups. Ideally, they would be made from environmentally friendly materials and – better still – be fully recyclable. Additionally, they should be lightweight yet sturdy enough for consumers to carry along in a bag or rucksack (think "bring your own") and have a sealable, leak-proof lid. A quick internet search reveals quite a few innovative manufacturers around the globe who have invested in exactly this type of products, whereas their approaches regarding materials, design and recy- clability vary considerably. Keep It and Make It Circular Reusables Challenge Single-Use Plastic Cups Reusables are slowly gaining ground against rightfully contro- versial single-use plastic cups and may indeed be a solution to the unsustainable waste problem. STiR talked to two ingenious manufacturers spearheading the movement. A KeepCup "Brew" being filled under a brew head. Credit: KeepCup Pty Ltd.