The Kreis Cup is billed as an alternative to disposable paper cups and aims to replace the end-of-life concept of used coffee grounds.
The founders at Coffee Kreis experimented with coffee grounds collected from local coffee shops, restaurants, offices and hotels, which are normally thrown away.
"We use primarily coffee grounds combined with PLA from renewable sources, in addition to plant-based compatibilizers, lubricants and antioxidants, Coffee Kreis told Touchpoints.
The cup comes in two versions: Kreis Travel Cup and Kreis Latte Cup. Both are described as break-resistant and dishwasher friendly, making them suitable for home and commercial use.
"After a long process of testing and researching, we came up with the perfect combination of materials that make our products durable and long-lasting (7-10 years depending on whether it's home or commercial use). Also, all of the materials we use are by nature biodegradable and industrially compostable, so we’re able to receive those cups, break them down into pieces and repurpose them into new ones."
The start-up also has devised a recycling programme, intending to collect Kreis Cups at the end of their life span and repurpose them into new cups.
Coffee Kreis has started a Kickstarter campaign and is planning on starting production in August 2022.
Editor of Touchpoints magazine, writer for Packaging Europe magazine and design enthusiast!