Choosing the Right Reusable Coffee Cup
What will the drinking experience be like?
One of the most important things, is for your coffee cup to be a pleasure to drink out of. Think about the material, texture and smell. Plastic reusable cups are notorious for tainting the smell and taste of drinks and so are silicone lids. Consider the size of the sipping hole and whether there is a way for steam pressure to escape if you’re using hot liquids. What you want, is a smooth flow of liquid. Does your nose hit the lid when you drink from it? You certainly don’t want that.
Is it user-friendly?
Do you want to use your cup on-the-go? If so, you should be able to hold it comfortably whilst walking around, without the contents spilling out or burning your hand through inadequate insulation. Do you need it to hold the contents at a constant temperature? Again, opt for double walled, possibly even copper coated. Could you use it with a reusable straw, if you wanted to? Is it dishwasher safe? If not, is it easy to clean?
Does it look like an item you want to be seen with?
Look at the style, colour and design- will you be proud to be seen using your cup for (hopefully) years to come? Do you want compliments from fellow commuters on the train, from baristas and as you queue? We sure wouldn’t say “no”!
How safe is it?
We all know to avoid products containing BPA- a plasticiser that leaches into liquids and foods in contact with it, that has been shown to have toxic oestrogen-like (linked to cancer, infertility and female characteristics in male bodies) effects in the body. But what about the now common alternative BPS? Once thought of as a safe alternative, this material is now also a health concern. Tritan® is the safest alternative we have so far which contains no BPA or BPS and is virtually indestructible as well as dish-washer safe. So, if your reusable cup contains a plastic lid for example, try to find one with a Tritan® lid.
Will it last?
The main reason for buying a reusable coffee cup is wanting to prevent unnecessary waste. So, the last thing you want, is a product that lasts just a few uses before it has to be disposed of – creating more waste. To make sure that doesn’t happen, choose durable, shatter-proof materials such as stainless steel.
Is it sustainable ‘till the end?
Due to natural wear and tear, at some point you may have to let go of your reusable cup. To make sure this doesn’t create more waste, choose a product that can be recycled at end-of-life. Although some components have to be made from plastic, you can pick ones with the least amount of plastic and silicone as these types of plastic cannot be recycled. Compostable products can be a great choice, but only if they are actually ‘composted’ as opposed to thrown out with general rubbish or recycling. Otherwise, stainless steel may again be the best choice.
With those 6 points to consider, you’ll be sure to find that perfect reusable cup you’ve been looking for. And if you’re a business selling reusable cups, bear these points in mind when deciding which products are right for your store.
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