CRUSH CUP: REVIVAL OF TERRACOTTA

The UK faces a pressing issue with over 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups discarded annually, with limited recycling. These cups, made of paper and plastic, are challenging to recycle due to waterproof coatings. Their disposal contributes to landfill waste, emitting potent greenhouse gas methane. This situation offers research opportunities in areas like public perceptions, coffee consumption practices, and the takeaway coffee culture. Drawing inspiration from India's traditional tea culture, specifically the kullads and Bhar cups, this proposal aims to establish a sustainable service paradigm for daily coffee consumers. The use of terracotta cups as an alternative to disposable coffee cups.

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Expected Impact of this project?

The impact of the project on solving the coffee cup waste problem in the UK due to the takeaway coffee on the takeaway coffee culture could be significant.

If the project is successful in developing a new, recyclable, durable, and affordable solution to the coffee cup waste problem, it could have several positive impacts on the takeaway coffee culture.

- It could encourage more people to bring their own reusable cups. This would reduce the number of disposable cups being used and discarded, which would help to reduce waste and protect the environment.

- It could make it more convenient and appealing to use reusable cups. This could lead to more people choosing to use reusable cups, which would further reduce waste.

- It could raise awareness of the environmental impact of disposable coffee cups. This could lead to more people making more sustainable choices when buying coffee.

Overall, the impact of the project on solving the coffee cup waste problem in the UK could be significant. By developing a new, recyclable, durable, and affordable solution to the problem, the project could help to reduce waste, protect the environment, and make the takeaway coffee culture more sustainable.