Upcycled Coffee Cup Bags

These disposable coffee cups are being used in a clever closed-loop recycling system to create shopping bags. Luxury papermaker James Cropper Paper is collaborating with British department store Selfridge & Co to offer an environmentally friendly version of the company's signature yellow bags. The Oxford Street Selfridges store and headquarters will be upcycling coffee cups gathered from their food hall and offices. Environmental solutions provider Veolia processes and bales the cups before they're sent off to James Cropper Paper's CupCycling plant.

This closed-loop recycling system is just one example of how companies are making coffee cups more sustainable. James Cropper Paper partnered with other retailers to create high-quality paper from cups, including Lush's recycled coffee cup packaging.