How to Avoid the Double-Cupping Phenomenon in Coffee Shops？

In 2018, Starbucks, one of the largest coffee chains in the United States, announced a plan called the “Starbucks Sustainability Commitment,” pledging to reduce waste by 50% by 2030. This plan includes phasing out plastic straws, promoting reusable cups, and reducing the practice of double-cupping.

Before this initiative, double-cupping was very common in the United States, where many customers would habitually request an extra cup to insulate their hot drinks. However, this practice not only wastes resources but also places a significant burden on the environment.

As environmental awareness grows and policies encourage sustainable practices, more companies are taking steps to optimize packaging and reduce waste. YamiPak Coffee explores the environmental and economic impacts of the double-cupping phenomenon and provides practical solutions to help coffee shops balance sustainability with customer satisfaction.

The Current Waste Problem in the Coffee Industry

Globally, the coffee industry has become heavily reliant on single-use packaging, and this reliance is only increasing. The growing demand for takeaway coffee, coupled with the convenience it offers, has driven the consumption of disposable paper cups, plastic lids, and stirrers to unprecedented levels.

To give you a sense of the scale, an environmental organization conducted a study that found approximately 1 million disposable coffee cups are thrown away every single minute worldwide. Shockingly, most of these cups cannot be recycled, adding significantly to global waste.

In the United States alone, Starbucks, one of the leading coffee chains, used over 4 billion paper cups in 2020. What’s concerning is that this number keeps rising. The expansion of food delivery platforms and the growing popularity of self-service coffee machines are only fueling this trend further.

Even though many paper cups are marketed as “eco-friendly,” the reality is that they are extremely difficult to recycle, which creates additional challenges. Most paper cups have a thin lining made of polyethylene (PE) plastic. This lining is designed to prevent liquids from leaking, but it comes with a downside.

Specialized equipment is required to separate the plastic from the paper, and without it, recycling becomes nearly impossible. As a result, less than 1% of paper cups worldwide actually get recycled. Adding to the issue is the fact that only a limited number of recycling facilities globally are equipped to handle such mixed-material products. Because of this, the vast majority of paper cups end up in landfills or are incinerated, contributing to environmental pollution.

Although public concern about environmental issues has undoubtedly grown over the years, meaningful changes in consumer behavior are still lagging behind. Many consumers continue to prioritize convenience above all else. For instance, they often opt for disposable cups or packaging rather than reusable or eco-friendly alternatives, simply because it’s easier and quicker.

Another major barrier is the lack of awareness among consumers. For example, a survey conducted in the United States revealed that over 60% of respondents didn’t realize that paper cups can’t be processed through standard recycling systems.

Lastly, some consumers hesitate to adopt sustainable solutions because they perceive eco-friendly products or programs as more expensive. This perception makes them reluctant to change their habits, even if they care about the environment.

Environmental and Financial Impacts of the Double-Cupping Phenomenon

1. Environmental Impacts

One of the biggest environmental concerns with double-cupping is that it directly doubles the resources needed for each drink. This practice results in a massive waste of natural resources, which is becoming increasingly unsustainable. To put this into perspective, producing disposable paper cups requires a substantial amount of wood. Research shows that manufacturing 1 million paper cups requires cutting down approximately 5,000 trees.

With double-cupping, this number is doubled, which exacerbates global deforestation and puts even more pressure on our already dwindling forests. The production of a single paper cup consumes about 3 liters of water and 0.5 kWh of energy. Double-cupping significantly increases these figures, creating serious challenges for regions that already struggle with water scarcity or rely heavily on energy imports.

2. Financial Impacts

From a financial perspective, double-cupping also comes with significant costs for coffee shops, and these costs can quickly add up. Adding an extra paper cup to each drink costs between $0.05 and $0.10. For a mid-sized coffee shop that sells 1 million drinks annually, this means an additional $50,000 to $100,000 in yearly expenses, which is a considerable amount.

The situation becomes even more challenging during busy periods when the demand for double-cupping spikes. This not only increases costs but can also lead to material shortages. These shortages may disrupt services, further affecting a shop’s revenue and customer satisfaction.

For example, a coffee chain with 50 stores in the U.S. found that double-cupping added $300,000 to its annual costs. By switching to double-walled cups, promoting reusable cups, and reducing the use of extra cups, the chain managed to cut its expenses by 40% and improve its profit margins by 5 percentage points.

Double-cupping also eats into profit margins, which are already narrow in the competitive coffee market. To give you an idea, packaging costs typically make up 5%-10% of the price of a $5 beverage. With double-cupping, this percentage rises to 10%-20%, which can be particularly harmful for products with low margins. Research shows that small coffee shops generally have average profit margins of 8%-10%.

However, the added costs of double-cupping could lower these margins to just 5%-7%, making it even harder for these businesses to stay profitable.

Costa Coffee, a major coffee chain, successfully phased out double-cupping and focused on promoting reusable cups. As a result, the company significantly boosted its eco-friendly image. In a 2022 survey, over 65% of customers said they preferred Costa Coffee because of its sustainability practices.

This change helped the brand grow its market share by 10%, showing the financial and reputational benefits of sustainable practices.

Finally, double-cupping can lead to customer dissatisfaction, which in turn can harm a brand’s reputation. For instance, double-layered cups can sometimes make it harder for lids to fit securely, increasing the risk of spills or leaks. Such issues can frustrate customers, leading to complaints or even canceled orders.

In today’s eco-conscious world, excessive packaging can make a brand appear less environmentally responsible. This perception might prompt eco-conscious customers to switch to competitors who prioritize sustainability.

Solutions to Avoid the Double-Cupping Phenomenon

1. Use Single Cups with Eco-Friendly Coatings

One of the most effective ways to reduce the double-cupping phenomenon is to use single cups with eco-friendly coatings. These cups, coated with polylactic acid (PLA), offer a sustainable alternative to traditional polyethylene (PE)-coated cups.

What makes PLA special is that it’s derived from renewable resources, such as cornstarch. Even better, it decomposes into compost under industrial conditions, making it environmentally friendly. The great news is that manufacturers can produce these cups using existing equipment. This means the expenses involved in switching to PLA-coated cups are minimal.

For instance, a coffee chain in Denmark decided to switch to PLA-coated cups. As a result, within the first year, the chain reduced its waste by an impressive 25%. Not only that, but customers also responded positively, praising the initiative for being eco-friendly.

2. Use Double-Walled or Insulated Paper Cups

Another practical solution is to replace traditional single-layer cups with double-walled or insulated paper cups. These cups provide built-in insulation, which means there’s no need for an additional outer cup.

Double-walled cups are much sturdier. They’re less likely to deform or leak, which significantly improves the customer’s experience. While these cups may cost slightly more upfront, they eliminate the expense of extra cups or sleeves. This makes them a smart investment in the long run.

For example：Take the case of a well-known coffee brand in New Zealand. This company replaced all its single-layer cups with double-walled ones. As a result, the brand successfully reduced the occurrence of double-cupping by a remarkable 80%.

3. Introduce Recyclable or Biodegradable Sleeves

If replacing single cups isn’t feasible, consider using recyclable or biodegradable sleeves. These sleeves, often made from kraft paper, are a cost-effective and customizable alternative that can reduce reliance on double-cupping.

These sleeves are not only easy to handle but are also fully recyclable, making them a great eco-friendly option. Coffee shops can personalize these sleeves with their branding.

This approach not only improves customer engagement but also reinforces the business’s commitment to sustainability. Here’s something to think about: Switching to recyclable sleeves instead of extra cups can lower packaging costs by as much as 40%. At the same time, they still offer the same level of insulation.

4. Promote the Use of Reusable Cups

Encouraging customers to bring their own reusable cups is another effective way to cut down on waste. Plus, it’s a great way to enhance a brand’s green image.

Implementation Strategies:

• Incentives: Why not offer customers discounts or rewards? For instance, a 5%-10% discount for using reusable cups can go a long way in motivating them.
• Marketing Campaigns: Use social media or host events like “Green Friday” to highlight the benefits of reusable cups. This makes sustainability fun and engaging.
• Collaborations: Partner with reusable cup brands to launch exclusive designs. These limited-edition cups can attract environmentally conscious customers.

Starbucks provides an excellent example of this strategy. They offer discounts to customers who use reusable cups and even introduced their own official eco-cup priced at just $1. This initiative not only increased the use of reusable cups but also boosted additional revenue.

5. Launch a Deposit-Based Cup Return Program

Some coffee shops are taking sustainability a step further by piloting deposit-based cup return programs. These programs encourage customers to return reusable cups, creating a circular system. Customers pay a small deposit, usually $1-$2, when purchasing their drink.

In return, they receive a reusable cup. After using the cup, customers return it to participating outlets. They get their deposit back, and the cups are cleaned, sanitized, and reused.

This system significantly decreases the number of single-use cups that end up in landfills. It also helps customers better understand the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Consider the success of ReCup, a coffee chain in Berlin. By implementing a deposit system, ReCup eliminated over 20 million disposable cups in just three years. Today, the program spans over 5,000 cafes across Germany.

6. Adopt Smart Coffee Cup Technology

For businesses that want to be on the cutting edge, smart coffee cups offer an innovative solution. These cups combine Internet of Things (IoT) technology with sustainability.

These materials keep drinks warm without the need for extra insulation. Built-in chips track how many times the cup is used. Customers can even connect these chips to their rewards accounts, encouraging repeated use. Customers can scan QR codes on the cups to see the environmental impact of their actions. For example, they can track the carbon emissions they’ve helped reduce.

Smart coffee cups represent the future of sustainability. They offer a unique blend of personalization and environmental responsibility, paving the way for greener coffee consumption.

7. Offer Modular Packaging Options

Modular packaging is all about giving customers choices. By tailoring packaging to individual needs, coffee shops can significantly reduce waste.  Let customers decide whether they need a sleeve or takeaway packaging.

Set eco-friendly choices, like “no additional packaging,” as the default on electronic menus or self-service kiosks. This approach minimizes unnecessary material usage. It also directly involves customers in sustainability efforts, raising awareness.

A coffee brand in Japan adopted modular packaging. The results? A 15% reduction in annual operational costs and a significant decrease in packaging waste.

8. Optimize Internal Processes and Staff Training

Streamlining internal operations and training staff can make a big difference in reducing double-cupping. Teach staff about the environmental impact of double-cupping. Encourage them to suggest sustainable alternatives to customers. Clearly define when double-cupping is necessary. Ensure it’s used only when absolutely required. Use data tools to track how often double-cupping occurs. Regularly review this data to make improvements.

9. Provide Instant Heat-Insulation Solutions

Finally, coffee shops can explore innovative solutions to address heat-insulation concerns without relying on double-cupping. Offer customers reusable heated sleeves for takeaway or dine-in orders. These sleeves add comfort without creating waste. Install heating devices in stores. Customers can use these stations to reheat their drinks, eliminating the need for extra packaging.

YamiPak Coffee’s Sustainable Solutions

The double-cupping phenomenon is an outdated practice, with its environmental, financial, and reputational drawbacks far outweighing any potential benefits. By adopting solutions such as double-walled cups, eco-friendly coatings, or recyclable sleeves, coffee shops can not only reduce waste but also lower costs and align with consumers’ expectations for sustainability.

• At YamiPak Coffee, we provide eco-friendly packaging solutions for specialty coffee roasters and cafés. Our cups are made from carefully selected materials, including bamboo fiber, recycled PET plastic, and kraft paper.
• To ensure durability, we use an eco-friendly PLA lining derived from renewable resources. This lining makes the cups safe for both hot and cold beverages. Our materials are biodegradable, toxin-free, and a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
• We offer a variety of cup sizes, including 4 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz, and 24 oz. These cups are strong, waterproof, and lightweight. Most importantly, they are 100% compostable, reducing environmental impact and supporting the circular economy.
• To help businesses stand out, we provide custom design services. Using advanced digital printing, we create personalized branding, logos, and recycling instructions. This enhances brand visibility and highlights a company’s commitment to sustainability.
• At YamiPak Coffee, we believe that sustainable packaging is the future. We combine quality with environmental responsibility to help businesses meet customer expectations. Together, we can protect the planet and build a greener future!