Single-use coffee cups are a true environmental disaster. Why?

Since the concept of the coffee-to-go was invented, and it became very popular in the US thanks to Starbucks… most of us grew up getting our coffee from a “paper cup”, however we’re not familiar that these cups are not just made of paper… in fact,  They’re made of paper and lined with plastic (high density polyethylene or HDPE), otherwise they wouldn’t be able to hold the hot liquid. We have written another separate article that explains in detail how disposable coffee cups are made. They get thrown out in millions every hour or so, and are not easily recyclable.

The Environmental Issues with Disposable Coffee Cups

All popular coffee chains use single-use paper cups, and 500 billion disposable coffee cups are used globally every year, with approximately 1 million single-use coffee cups are sent to landfill every minute. In the United States alone, 16 billion single-use coffee cups are disposed of every year with the average American drinking three cups a day. This type of waste stream is, in fact, not recyclable unless it is processed by a specialized recycler. This alone is a reason to stop using them.

The Health Issues with Disposable Coffee Cups (Yes, also most Biodegradable & Compostable Cups!)

Yes, when hot water is poured into a disposable cup, the hot drink in a takeaway cup can become contaminated with tiny plastic particles in just minutes due to the contact with the plastic lining according to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials (1). Biodegradable and compostable coffee cups are not really better because they have a coating on them called “water-based dispersion coating”.

Don’t be fooled by the term water in that phrase, Water-based Barrier Coating (WBBC) (2) or also called aqueous coating is used in food packaging to repel the flow of oil, grease and water through the material in order to be “water repellent”.  While conventional food packaging lining like PLA or HDPE are sheets of plastic glued to the paper or sprayed onto the paper base to leave a coating, aqueous coating behaves more like a fluid paint that soaks into the paper fibers, therefore becoming impregnated into the pulp of the packaging.

Furthermore a November 2022 study by the Australian Packaging Convenant Organisation (APCO) (3) found high levels of polymeric PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) also called forever chemicals in one quarter of the 75 fiber based packaging types they analysed.

Based on this research, we strongly recommend to stay away from single-use food packaging and opt for plastic free reusable coffee cups.

Related: Is Microplastics Leaching into Your Coffee?

3 Types of Stylish Plastic Free Reusable Coffee Cups

Here are 3 types of stylish plastic-free reusable coffee cups that you can take anywhere.

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While we take our best efforts to scout plastic-free products around the world, we are also aware that sometimes we need to make compromises for the functionality of the product based on our brand values. In this article we found a few options that have are made with plastic free, safe materials though sometimes for safety reasons, silicone sleeves are added.

1) Reusable Stainless Steel Coffee Cups, Mugs & Tumblers

We trust that we have finally found the right solution for you if you are the type of person who enjoys having their coffee or tea with them while they are on the run.

A reusable stainless steel coffee cup is made of insulated stainless steel, which ensures that hot liquids remain piping hot while cold beverages remain icy cold. Some are double-walled, ensuring the exterior will feel cool to the touch. Its streamlined form renders it resistant to spills and suitable for rough use and extended transportation.

Plus, it doesn’t absorb or transfer flavor! So no matter what drink you fill this cup with, it will taste exactly how you want it to. Some people might not agree with us on this…

However, not all stainless steel reusable travel cups are built the same. Some have lids made from polypropylene, which we accept as it’s very hard to find 100% plastic free drinkware. The good news is that numerous solutions currently employ stainless steel lids, such as the Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Thermal Insulated Bottle TK Pro listed below!

Recommended Brands and Products:

Klean Kanteen

• Klean Kanteen TK Pro Brushed Stainless Tumbler (see the picture below): this is the only 100% plastic free reusable coffee cup we could find on the market. It’s made of 100% unleaded and 90% recycled steel. The lid is also made of stainless steel, therefore no plastic comes into contact with your hot coffee or tea. This tumbler is available in different sizes:
  • • 25 oz / 750 ml: from Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia
    • 32 oz / 1,000 ml: from Amazon SA – Canada – UK

• Klean Kanteen insulated tumblers from DoneGood marketplace
• Klean Kanteen insulated coffee cups from Biome Australia

Elemental 

• Elemental Artisan Insulated Triple Wall Coffee Travel Tumbler with Ceramic Lid: this is another truly plastic free coffee cup as the body is made of insulated stainless steel with copper lining which keeps drinks hot for 6 hours or cold for 18 hours. The lid is made of ceramic for a great mouthfeel and has a silicone plug into the mouth opening. 𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙡𝙞𝙙 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙛, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙪𝙜 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙, therefore 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 100%.
  • • 12 oz or 16 oz from Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia

YETI

• YETI 10 oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler with a magnet in the lid for easy opening, closing, and cleaning  – Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia

Keep Cup

• KeepCup Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug from Amazon USA – Canada – UK

HuskeeSteel

• HuskeeSteel Stainless Steel Reusable Coffee Cup (made of 91% post-consumer recycled stainless steel)

Our Personal Tip: Buy Your Tumbler Only in a Brushed Stainless Steel Finish!

Why? We tried a few tumbers and the powder coated paint on the outside fades and peels and flakes over time making your tumbler look ugly, but most importantly also releasing toxic microplastics into your dishwasher when you wash it and in the environment. At I’m Plastic Free we stand for “buy once” products, high-quality products that exist for their longevity following the principles of the circular economy.

Image Credit: Klean Kanteen

Related: The Benefits of Switching to a Plastic Free Electric Kettle: 13 Recommended Products To Consider

2) Reusable Glass Coffee Cups

The reusable glass cup is the perfect way to make a difference in the environment while making your life easier! Its sleeve can be made from cork and rubber, so you can use it repeatedly without worrying about waste or damage. And because these cups are insulated, they’re perfect for keeping drinks hot or cold for hours. Some of them are large enough to be used as smoothie cups.

Plus, the lid has been designed with an innovative spill-proof design that lets you sip without spilling all over yourself—or anyone else who happens to be nearby!

Recommended Brands and Products:

Tupkee

• Tupkee Double Wall Glass Tumbler with Glass Lid – This is the only borosilicate glass tumbler with could find which offers a plastic-free coffee sipping experience as your lips won’t touch plastic!  It’s available in 8 ox and 14 oz from Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia

KeepCups

• KeepCups Brew & Cork from Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia
• KeepCups glass reusable cups from Biome Australia

Life Without Plastic 

• Life Without Plastic Double Wall Reusable Glass Travel Mug – from Amazon USA – Canada

Image Credit: Tupkee

Related: 12 Best Non-Toxic Cookware Brands for a Healthy Kitchen

3) Reusable Ceramic Coffee Cups

A reusable ceramic cup is another eco-friendly reusable that eliminates the need for plastic or paper cups. It is durable and will last a long time, if handled with care, even with frequent use.

The advantage of using this cup instead of other mugs is that it will save you money because you do not have to buy new cups every time you go out or want one, and it’s one of the best options for people that like the taste of coffee from a ceramic material. It is also environmentally friendly because instead of using plastic or paper cups which take hundreds of years to decompose, these ceramic cups can last for several years without breaking down or losing their shape or color! (Just be careful of not dropping them!)

Another advantage of this plastic-free reusable coffee cup is that is is dishwasher safe, so cleaning it after each use won’t take much effort.

Recommended Brands and Products:

Mora

• Mora Double Wall Ceramic Coffee Travel Mug with Lid – Amazon USA

Nova Ceramics

• Nova Ceramics has created a range of top-grade ceramic travel mugs that replicate the coffee shop feel. They keep your drink at the perfect temperature, preserving the pure flavor without any metallic or plastic undertone. They include a silicone lid and a sleeve but these can be removed. Amazon USA 

Kim Wallace

• Kim Wallace full ceramic coffee cups from Biome Australia

Related: 5 Easy Ways to Transition Your Family to Plastic Free Drinkware

Why We do not Recommend Plastic Cups & Recycled Plastic Coffee Cups

We promote “plastic free” not just because of environmental issues but also because of human health issues. As stated above microplastics has been found to migrate into coffee (or into any hot liquid). This is the reason why we think, if possible, to avoid this material when in contact with hot liquids or hot food. 

Related: The 17 Best Plastic-Free Coffee Makers: Enjoy Delicious, Guilt-Free Coffee Every Morning

Final Thoughts

The time has come to think about a more sustainable, plastic-free future. Thankfully, many forward-thinking companies have already cottoned onto this idea, no longer using plastic cups and containers. In the meantime, these types of stylish, plastic-free reusable coffee cups are a good start! And with how great they look and work, you can use them in any place or setting. 

Go forth, find your perfect match, and enjoy your coffee – whether from a cafe’ or from a plastic-free coffee maker – while keeping our planet and ourselves healthy!

References and Scientific Research Studies

(1) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389420321087
(2) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279759478_New_water-based_barrier_coatings_for_paper_and_paperboard
(3) https://documents.packagingcovenant.org.au/public-documents/PFAS+in+Fibre-Based+Packaging

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Browse the I’m Plastic Free platform to discover non toxic plastic alternatives.

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