The world’s first reusable coffee cup designed for shared use.
Project Title
Original Cup Range
Design By
Returnr
Role
Design Director
Year Launched
2019
Design Awards won
4
Project Overview
The Returnr Original Cup Range was created to address the challenge of designing a reusable coffee cup that could withstand hundreds of commercial wash cycles while remaining comfortable for daily use and efficient for large scale transport. The cups are made from twin walled stainless steel chosen for its durability and sustainability. This material is nonporous so it does not retain odors or flavors and it does not degrade or shed microplastics over time. Over seventy percent of the cup is made from recycled material and the stainless steel can be recycled indefinitely with minimal energy use. The design features carefully tuned proportions and wall thickness for insulation grip and efficient stacking which reduces storage and transport volume. Two lid options were developed a reusable silicone lid for everyday use and a fully recyclable bagasse lid as a lighter alternative. Every aspect of the cup from wall geometry to rim finish was considered for the demands of commercial kitchens resulting in a product recognized as the first reusable cup truly designed for shared use.
Challenge & Results
The project required extensive prototyping and iterative testing to ensure the cups met strict performance standards in real world hospitality environments. Achieving a balance between thermal performance and stackability demanded precise engineering and close collaboration with manufacturers. The team also addressed the challenge of creating a product system that could be easily integrated into existing café workflows and return logistics. The final result is a cup range that has been widely adopted by cafés and food service providers and has contributed to measurable reductions in single use cup waste. The project has been recognized for its innovation in circular design and its positive impact on both operational efficiency and environmental outcomes.
