It’s important to understand the full process that takes place in getting the Branded Bamboo Coffee Cups into use and looking at how they are made and the impacts as a result when answering this question. Bamboo is fast-growing and can be cultivated without pesticides, so it makes sense that they are an eco-friendly option when it comes to reusable coffee cups. However, it’s also worth thinking about how truly “green” a product is if they are transported so far, to combat this we don’t air-freight and do all our cup branding in house within the UK.
Branded Bamboo Coffee Cups go through the following production process:
- Harvest bamboo
- Grind and refine stalk and husk
- Creation of fibrous pulp
- Addition of corn starch resin
- Creation of soft dough
- Dough placed in heat press mould
- Decal added reheated in press
- Sanded, polished, coated
- Bespoke artwork printed onto the cups so they are branded
- Finished product delivered in quantities as small as 36 units
What material are Bamboo Coffee Cups made from?
Bamboo Coffee Cups are made with naturally sustainable bamboo fiber, combined with corn starch to form a paste (80%) which is then mixed with a resin. This helps ensure the bamboo cups are both durable and suitable for the high temperatures required of them with coffee and tea. They are BPA free as well as from phthalates and petrochemical plastics. The resin contains melamine in accordance with EU regulations to ensure food safety to the very highest standards.
Manufacturing Process of Bamboo Coffee Cups
The manufacturing uses minimal energy and CO2.
Post life cycle, what happens if my bamboo coffee cup is no longer usable?
The Branded Bamboo Coffee Cups themselves are fully compostable with the bamboo material biodegrading in a fairly short period of time. The silicone is also fully recyclable allowing the lids and grips to be reused on another cup or recycled which is great as there is a global shortage and prices are creeping up as a result. The bamboo itself is a grass species that can grow up to a meter a week. When harvested, it re-shoots from its extensive root system and does not require replanting.
So far so good…
Bamboo has many other uses and is an increasingly important resource globally. It can also be used as food, substrate and shelter and is sustainable and cost-effective yielding far more tons per hectare than any tree or a plant such as cotton with very little maintenance required.
All our branded bamboo coffee cups originate from the Zhejiang province in China and specifically from one of the world’s oldest, sustainably managed forests. The raw material harvested is the waste from chopstick manufacturing.
Bamboo also helps reduce CO2 in the air by 4 times more than an equivalent area of trees whilst also generating 35% more oxygen! In other words, the farmer’s lungs are grateful for each branded bamboo coffee cup purchased that helps this industry continue to grow.
Pesticides and fertilizers used in growing bamboo
A great benefit of using bamboo as the organic base for products is that there are no need for pesticides or fertilizers when growing bamboo. This allows a natural eco-system of insects, birds and small animals to exist in harmony.
Bamboo helps reduce CO2 and can generate up to 35% more oxygen than equivalent stands of trees. One hectare of bamboo sequesters 62 tons of carbon dioxide per year while one hectare of young forest only sequesters 15 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Durability of Branded Coffee Cups
The bamboo cups have recently been tested for durability and came through with flying colours. The branded bamboo coffee cups are proven to last and are robust enough to withstand most falls although can break depending on the height, surface dropped against and angle of impact but will last for years if treated well. They are not microwave friendly as this can weaken the material over a period of time so not recommended but can go in the dishwasher. The printing technique used is done to last with the ink applied that is especially designed for silicone material and also used on silicone swimming hats.
Bamboo cup silicone Lids and Sleeves or grips
Bamboo Cup lids and sleeves are made with highest food grade quality silicone, which is BPA and phthalate-free and has Europe (LFGB), Japan and US FDA food safe approval. Designed for temperatures above 120 degrees Celsius and can be recycled after a lifetime of use.
In summary the branded bamboo coffee cups are:
- Made with natural bamboo fiber, corn starch and resin binder
- Pesticide-free, fast-growing and renewable crop
- Naturally sterile, with no plastic after-taste
- Free-from BPA or phthalates
- Natural, matte, tactile surface: not “plasticky”.
- Durable, but can break if crushed purposefully or treated roughly
- Tight-seal ‘no-drip’ food grade silicone lid
- Top shelf Dishwasher-safe.
The volumes of single use coffee cups that are disposed of are quite simply staggering, about 2.5 billion takeaway coffee cups are thrown out each year in Britain. Of course, a reusable cup does cost more than a single use cheap one but it quickly pays for itself, particularly with the discounts on offer in most high street coffee store chains.
Larger chains are taking a stance on this and encouraging consumers to use reusable cups which is helping reduce this throwaway culture and the branded bamboo coffee cups provide a great opportunity to not only save money on each coffee purchased but also to do your bit for the eco system.
Other benefits are also that you don’t get the awful cardboard taste when using reusable cups that you do with paper ones and look great at the same time with a stylish cup.
The branded bamboo coffee cups are durable enough to survive drops and bashing around in a handbag but replacement parts are available should they be needed. As well as being practical the bamboo cups are of course aesthetically pleasing and attractive on the eye.
Summary of Branded Bamboo Coffee Cups
Overall the branded bamboo coffee cups get top marks for their overall life cycle carbon footprint, particularly when compared with any single use or compostable cups, as well as ensure a stylish and user-friendly end product so we strongly recommend them for all coffee drinkers.
However, they do come at a price, so perhaps for a more affordable you may consider UK manufactured Americano Cups found here. If you are happy with You get what you pay for then pick yourself up a branded bamboo coffee cup for an unbeatable price here or perhaps get a set of bespoke printed cups starting with an order of 36 units here.
Branding the cups ensures that they really stand out with a professional look to increase your organisations’ brand awareness. Colleagues, clients, students, customers, friends and family will be impressed with the sustainable approach when they see your branded bamboo coffee cups. Whether it be in your café, school, church or university, perhaps the local council, hospital or private organization or even sports club or market stall, the opportunities are endless. One thing all users have in common is that each and every single use of a branded bamboo coffee cup is a visible show of strength to help combat the use of single use cups, in the fight to refill rather than landfill.
Looking to buy Branded Coffee Cups?
We can custom print your coffee cups. These make an ideal gift for your staff, customers and clients alike.
