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Swap to these leak-proof, insulated and collapsible cups, for a more sustainable brew
The world runs on coffee, but that daily caffeine fix comes at a cost. A staggering 2.5 billion single-use coffee cups end up in landfill every year, which is bad news for the planet. While technically recyclable, the mix of paper and plastic in most disposable cups makes the process tricky.
Lowelle Bryan, a specialist at WRAP (The Waste and Resources Action Programme) explains that a lot of cups are made with paper that’s lined with plastic. The paper and plastic lining can’t be easily separated at a recycling mill, so, these cups need to go to a specialist recycling facility via dedicated cup recycling points.
That’s where the best reusable coffee cups come in. Not only do they offer a sustainable alternative to single-use cups, they also elevate your coffee ritual. Imagine ditching flimsy, heat-sucking disposables for a stylish, sturdy cup that keeps your brew hotter for longer. As well as feeling better about your enviromental impact, a reusable coffee cup can also save you money. Many coffee shops offer discounts for bringing your own cup, so, your reusable travel mug will pay for itself over time.
With this in mind, it’s best to choose a coffee cup you’ll actually want to use everyday, so make sure it will hold the size of coffee you usually order and consider whether you’ll benefit from an insulated coffee design – these tend to be leak-proof, so there’s no risk of your latte damaging your stuff during the morning commute.
We’ve tried and tested the best reusable coffee cups, from budget buys to chic designs, so you’re bound to find something to suit your taste and help you get your daily caffeine fix.
We test all of our products in everyday settings to replicate how you will be using them. Products are rated on several criteria and, while these can vary depending on the type of product being tested, we take into consideration everything from performance to value to design and usability.
For this review, first and foremost, we prioritised practicality. We filled the cups with hot drinks and assessed them on quality and functionality, considering how comfortable they were to hold, and whether they kept our drinks hot. Any leak-proof claims were also put to the test in our bags and we even shook the cups vigorously, just to be sure. Any other environmental considerations such as recycled materials didn’t go unnoticed.
Beyond capacity and looks, consider material. Insulated cups will keep your drinks hot or cold for longer but if this isn’t a deal-breaker for you, there are glass and flexible designs for when you’re on the move, too. Also consider whether you’ll need a leak-proof cup. If you want to pop your coffee cup in your bag, this will be a must. Finally, think about the lid – some cups come with small mouthpieces, while others feature small or wide water-bottle-style designs instead.
The idea of a reusable coffee cup is to use it for as long as possible. Take-away coffee cups are typically made of paper but come with a plastic lining to stop drinks leaking. The paper and plastic need to be separated, which can make it more difficult to recycle the cups. When plastic isn’t recycled, it ends up in landfill, where it can be left to languish and release microplastics into the environment.
Meanwhile, trees need to be cut down to make the paper for single-use cups, impacting ecosystems and resulting in the loss of trees as carbon sinks. Production of huge amounts of single-use cups also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
What makes the best reusable coffee cup will depend on your priorities. However, we think the Circular & Co coffee cup is a great all-rounder, from its leak-proof lid to its considered materials and handy 360-degree sipping experience. It also keeps drinks hot for longer than your average single-use cup.
Meanwhile, the Ecoffee cup and Joseph Joseph designs offer brilliant value for money, and Frank Green’s ceramic reusable cup is a clear winner when it comes to keeping drinks hot for longer. Then there’s the Ocean Bottle tumbler, which not only looks very smart but helps the brand’s mission to tackle plastic waste pollution, too.
Elevate your caffeine fix with the best coffee machines, tried and tested