The edible coffee cup: A fun and above all sustainable alternative

The edible coffee cup is rapidly gaining popularity. Whereas just a few years ago it was seen as a gimmick, more and more catering entrepreneurs are embracing it as a full-fledged alternative to the familiar and now defunct disposable coffee cups.

Although the use of disposable cardboard coffee cups is still tolerated for now, many hospitality operators are already looking for alternatives. In doing so, they are not only anticipating the actual coming into force of European legislation, they are also responding to an increasing need of guests who want to use less disposable plastic themselves. 

'In the Netherlands, we throw away over 4 billion disposable cups every year, which is a huge waste stream,' says Miroslav Zapryanov, founder of Cupffee and producer of edible coffee cups.

'Some of those cups come from the hospitality industry. They are the takeaway coffee cups for on-the-go, for example. The cups are routinely thrown away after use but not necessarily, and fortunately more and more catering entrepreneurs realise this. We get very positive reactions to our edible coffee cups and I can see why. With the edible coffee cup, you comply with the new regulations in one fell swoop. Moreover, you meet your guests who themselves increasingly indicate they want to use less disposable plastic but at the same time attach great value to their takeaway coffee, for example', says Miroslav.

Cupffee cups are much more sustainable than disposable cups with the plastic inner layer. They consist only of natural, locally produced ingredients and are 100% vegan. The only thing released during production is steam and the smell of freshly baked biscuits. Thanks to the unique recipe, the cups remain leak-proof for up to a day and the crispy wafer does not affect the taste of coffee, tea or hot or cold chocolate. The cups are fully biodegradable.

Cupffee is about more than just offering a sustainable alternative. 'Above all, it is also about breaking patterns. Disposable cups have been taken for granted for so long and the result is a huge mountain of waste,' says Miroslav. 'This problem can only be solved when we are able to replace old habits with new ones. The hospitality industry plays an important role in this. Hospitality entrepreneurs have long known how to inspire their guests and show them that things can be done differently, and even now we notice that they are keen to lead the way and are willing to try new things. That together with their guests, cup by cup, they want to make the world a little greener'.