Reusable Cup Deposit Programs

Innovation is bringing us new hope

Germany is seeking to reduce its contribution to environmental waste by incorporating a reusable cup system into its cafes and restaurants.

The program was introduced in 11 cafes in Hamburg and is based on a relatively simple process. It consists of cafes holding 'Refill It!' cups which are made from biodegradable, plant-based lignin. The cup can be filled up with any beverage at the cafe locations it is offered in and can then be reused or returned to the shop – where it will be washed and resold to another customer. The program was designed in order to "reduce the 320,000 disposable coffee cups" that are thrown away in Germany each hour.

This reusable cup program works to make consumers more aware of their consumption habits and those habits' effect on the environment, while providing them with resources to lessen that impact.