ecoffeecup
Ecoffee Cup is a UK-based designer and manufacturer of reusable drinkware and circular reuse systems, serving cafés, corporates, airlines, hospitality, and consumers across the UK, Europe, and the US with branded cups and tap2borrow-enabled deposit-return infrastructure.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ecoffeecup does
Ecoffee Cup (Ecoffee Cup Limited, registered in England) is a UK-based designer and manufacturer of reusable drinkware founded in 2014 by David and Ali McLagan after the founders discovered that paper to-go cups were not recyclable. The company sells a portfolio of six cup lines — Classic, Frio, Kora, Kora+, Nova, Aero, and the Ziro vacuum bottle — built from plant-based materials (PLA from sugarbeet, Durasense Pure Scandinavian bio-polymer) and stainless steel, and operates manufacturing facilities in County Wicklow (Ireland) and Ningbo (China), with US production scheduled from 2025 in Patterson, New Jersey.
The technology layer centres on tap2borrow, a debit-card tap and QR/RFID-enabled reuse system paired with the Kora+ cup, offering deposit-return borrowing, real-time inventory tracking, POS integration, and customer-loyalty hooks. Production and distribution are regionalised: distribution hubs in the UK, Amsterdam, and the US support just-in-time multi-location delivery, and the products are certified for EU, US FDA, California Prop 65, and Japan food-contact compliance. Ecoffee Cup's product range is supplemented by Innovation-focused applications such as the Aero aviation cup, designed for Airbus/Boeing flight deck and cabin crew holders with EASA security clearance.
Ecoffee Cup monetises through a mix of consumer e-commerce (own storefronts for UK, EU, US), wholesale programmes (minimum 96 units), short-run custom branding (minimum 144 units), private label / bespoke design (minimum 2,016 units), and managed reuse-system services covering drop-collect-and-wash, inventory and logistics, insight/engagement consulting, and integrated-technology deployment. Customers span cafés and coffee chains (Monmouth Coffee, Boston Tea Party, Blue Bottle, Pret, Pukka), corporates (Bloomberg, Salesforce, Fendi, Fortnum & Mason, Rabobank), aviation (easyJet), sports and hospitality (Arsenal, TUI, Le Meridien), education (UCL Student Union), and licensed-IP collaborations (Van Gogh Museum, William Morris Gallery). Revenue is not publicly disclosed; the company is founder-owned with no disclosed institutional equity investment beyond a 2018 Triodos Bank relationship.
ecoffeecup firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ecoffeecup
- Legal name
- Ecoffee Cup Limited
- Website
- https://ecoffeecup.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Ecoffee Cup is a UK-based designer and manufacturer of reusable drinkware and circular reuse systems, serving cafés, corporates, airlines, hospitality, and consumers across the UK, Europe, and the US with branded cups and tap2borrow-enabled deposit-return infrastructure.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ecoffeecup industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Reusable Drinkware
- NAICS
- All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing (326199)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Plastics Products (3080)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Reusable & Refill Packaging Systems (Returnable Packaging, Refill-at-Home/In-Store) (IMALAMAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Beverage Packaging (Bottles, Cans, Cartons, Kegs) (IMALAHAD)
Keywords
Where ecoffeecup is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Amsterdam
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices7 records
Markets served
ecoffeecup business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Reusable Cup Hardware Sales: Sale of reusable drinkware products including Classic, Nova, Kora, Frio, Aero, and Ziro lines. Products sold in standard colours, patterns, and custom branded configurations. Wholesale and B2B channels as well as direct-to-consumer retail.
- Private Label & Custom Design Services: Bespoke cup design and manufacturing for global brands. Portfolio service for custom designs. Minimum 2,016 units for private label programs. Short-run customisation from 144 units with up to three colour print.
- Reuse System Services: Full circular reuse system including integrated technology (tap2borrow, RFID tracking), inventory and logistics management, drop-collect-and-wash services, and insight/engagement support. Just-in-time multi-location delivery with distribution hubs in Europe, UK, and USA.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Wholesale pricing - minimum order 96 units |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Custom branded cups - minimum 144 units |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Private label - minimum 2,016 units |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Consumer retail pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels10 records
ecoffeecup product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ecoffee Cup designs, manufactures and sells reusable drinkware products including coffee cups (Classic, Nova, Kora, Aero), cold cups (Frio) and stainless steel bottles (Ziro), made from plant-based materials such as PLA from sugarbeet and Durasense Pure Scandinavian bio-polymer. The company also offers a complete reuse ecosystem comprising custom design and private label services, tap2borrow RFID/QR deposit-return technology, drop-collect-and-wash logistics, inventory management and engagement services for businesses implementing reusable cup programs.
Product overview
Ecoffee Cup is a reusable drinkware company offering a portfolio of branded reusable coffee cups and comprehensive reuse systems. The core product line includes six distinct reusable cup products: Classic (the original PLA-based cup for everyday reuse), Frio (cold drink cup for iced beverages), Kora (cost-effective volume returnable for deposit-return schemes with RFID/QR technology), Nova (premium Irish-made cup with lower CO2 footprint), Aero (aviation-specific cup for flight crews), and Ziro (vacuum stainless steel bottle). The products are available in multiple sizes (6oz to 17oz) and can be customised through short-run branding or full private label programs. Beyond physical products, Ecoffee Cup provides a complete reuse ecosystem including integrated tap2borrow technology (RFID/QR-based), insight and engagement consulting, drop-collect-and-wash logistics, and inventory management services. This multi-product, service-inclusive approach enables businesses to implement full circular reuse solutions tailored to their operational needs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Nova™: Premium reusable cup made in County Wicklow, Ireland from Scandinavian biopolymer; designed for high-volume HORECA reuse, stackable, highly durable, barista's favourite
- Aero™
- Frio™
- Kora™
- Ziro™
- Portfolio
- Kora+
- Classic
Products and services
- Classic The original Ecoffee Cup made from PLA derived from sugarbeet. Available in five sizes (6oz, 8oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz) and twelve standard colours, dishwasher-safe and microwave-reheat compatible. Sold wholesale to B2B customers and direct-to-consumer.
- Frio Reusable cold cup made from PLA derived from sugarbeet, designed for iced coffee, smoothies and bubble tea on-the-go. Available in two sizes (12oz, 16oz) with a two-part reusable straw.
- Kora Cost-effective, volume returnable reusable cup made from post-consumer PP with QR and/or RFID options, designed for high-volume deposit-return systems. Available in two sizes (12oz, 16oz), stackable, and compatible with tap2borrow technology.
- Nova Premium reusable cup manufactured in County Wicklow, Ireland from sustainable Scandinavian biopolymer (Durasense Pure derived from upcycled vegetable oil and lignocellulose). Stackable, highly durable, designed for busy café environments with lower CO2 impact from materials, manufacturing and shipping.
- Aero Award-winning reusable cup designed for aviation use, fitting Airbus and Boeing cup holders and flight deck cup holders. Made from PLA derived from sugarbeet in 350ml/12oz size, with flight deck spill-proof design and EASA security clearance.
- Ziro Premium grade stainless steel vacuum bottle with 12-hour hot and 24-hour cold retention. Fully sealable, available in two sizes (12oz, 17oz), short run customisable with etch or over-print options.
- Portfolio Custom design and private label service enabling businesses to create bespoke Ecoffee Cup products from scratch. Portfolio service offers full creative control for private label projects from 2,016 units.
- Integrated Technology (tap2borrow) RFID and QR-based technology system enabling tap2borrow functionality for cup borrowing and returning, inventory tracking, customer engagement and digital loyalty programs. Links to POS systems and app-based reward platforms, paired with Kora+ reusable cups.
- Insight and Engagement Reuse consulting service offering site audit, staff onboarding, team training, marketing support, qualitative and quantitative research, and data capture and reporting for clients implementing reusable cup programs.
- Drop, Collect & Wash Cup collection and hygiene service including scan-in-scan-out QR drop bins for Kora+, analogue drop bins, cup collection and restock services, and on-site or off-site wash solutions.
- Inventory & Logistics
- New Product Development Innovative bespoke circular product development service for creating new reusable drinkware products, trusted by global brands. Includes custom design and manufacturing for new reusable cup, bottle or accessory products.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 300 million single-use cups saved from landfill
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use ecoffeecup
Customer profileNamed customers21 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
ecoffeecup technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
ecoffeecup partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Monmouth Coffee CompanycoreLondon iconic coffee company since 1978. Since 2022, Monmouth has implemented a deposit-return program at 4 locations, including their flagship Borough Market store. The program has saved over 1 million single-use cups and 80+ tonnes of CO2. Ecoffee Cup provided custom Classic cups and ongoing reuse system support.
- Boston Tea PartycoreUK café chain that achieved world first in 2018 by banning 100% single-use across 23 cafes. Ecoffee Cup has been their partner since the beginning, providing Kora cups for their deposit-return system. Saved over 1.2 million cups from landfill.
- Bread 41coreAward-winning Dublin bakery. Since 2023, Bread 41 uses locally-made Nova cups on deposit-return system. Saved over €7,500 in first months and 400,000+ cups. Partner on B-Corporation journey.
- easyJetcoreAirlines partnership since 2023. Industry-first in-flight reuse program with bespoke Aero cups for Airbus aircraft. 14,000 crew received personal kits. Removed over 20 million single-use items annually, preventing 1,000+ tonnes of waste.
- BloombergcoreNew York-based global media organisation with 26,000 employees. Since 2020, EMEA head office uses Nova cups. Program reduced single-use by over 70% across 6 locations, saving 2+ million cups and 2,000+ tonnes CO2.
- Van Gogh MuseumminorOfficial licensing collaboration bringing Vincent van Gogh's artwork to Ecoffee Cup collections. Products include Almond Blossom, Old Vineyard, Flowering Plum, and Skulls designs.
- William Morris GalleryminorOfficial licensing collaboration bringing William Morris artwork to Ecoffee Cup collections.
- tap2borrow PlatformcoreIntegrated technology partner for tap2borrow functionality allowing debit card tap borrowing of cups, QR-based tracking, POS integration, and loyalty/reward program capabilities.
- Loughborough UniversityminorEarly adopter partner since 2014. One of the first institutions to implement Ecoffee Cup reuse program.
- Eden ProjectminorEarly adopter partner since 2014. One of the first institutions to implement Ecoffee Cup reuse program.
- IntertekminorIndependent test house for product safety testing and EU food contact compliance verification.
- TUV RhinelandminorIndependent test house for product safety testing and compliance verification.
- SSVminorIndependent test house for product safety testing and EU food contact compliance verification.
- TeracycleminorClosed-loop recycling partnership ensuring product components (packaging, broken cups, silicone) are commercially recycled, composted or repurposed rather than ending as waste.
- Royal MailminorUK delivery partner for consumer orders. Standard service allows 5 working days for delivery.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ecoffeecup competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- KeepCup: Australia-origin reusable coffee cup brand, widely considered the category creator and Ecoffee Cup's most direct B2B and DTC competitor in reusable takeaway drinkware globally.
- Huskee: Reusable cup brand offering proprietary cup lines and a reuse/trade-in scheme to cafés, competing head-on with Ecoffee Cup's Classic, Kora, and Nova HORECA programs.
- Stojo: Collapsible reusable cup and bottle brand with strong DTC consumer distribution in the US and EU, overlapping Ecoffee Cup's consumer (DTC) and takeaway cup markets.
- JOCO: Designer reusable glass cup brand sold in cafés, retail, and DTC channels; competes in the premium reusable-cup category alongside Ecoffee Cup Classic, Nova and Ziro.
- CupClub: UK-based cup reuse scheme and rental/reuse platform serving cafés and cities, conceptually a peer to Ecoffee Cup's Kora/tap2borrow deposit-return system.
- Globelet: Smart reusable-cup network with tracking technology and deposit-return schemes for foodservice, directly overlapping Ecoffee Cup's Kora+ RFID and reuse-system offering.
- Mu Mug: Designer reusable bamboo-fiber coffee cup brand competing in the consumer and corporate gifting space alongside Ecoffee Cup Classic and bespoke branded lines.
- rCUP: UK reusable cup brand positioned on circular, recycled-content materials for takeaway and café use, closely paralleling Ecoffee Cup's UK HORECA channel.
Emerging players
- Plaine Project: Reusable water bottle brand with a mission-driven sustainability positioning that overlaps Ecoffee Cup's Ziro stainless line and broader reusable drinkware thesis.
Others
- Vegware: Specialist compostable food-service packaging supplier serving cafés and caterers; not a reusable competitor but a channel-adjacent peer in sustainable foodservice packaging where buyers compare Ecoffee Cup's reusable systems vs. compostable disposables.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat8 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ecoffeecup social profiles
Digital presenceecoffeecup compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
ecoffeecup financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ecoffeecup leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
ecoffeecup funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ecoffeecup M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ecoffeecup
What does ecoffeecup do?
Ecoffee Cup designs, manufactures and sells reusable drinkware products including coffee cups (Classic, Nova, Kora, Aero), cold cups (Frio) and stainless steel bottles (Ziro), made from plant-based materials such as PLA from sugarbeet and Durasense Pure Scandinavian bio-polymer. The company also offers a complete reuse ecosystem comprising custom design and private label services, tap2borrow RFID/QR deposit-return technology, drop-collect-and-wash logistics, inventory management and engagement services for businesses implementing reusable cup programs.
Is ecoffeecup a public or private company?
ecoffeecup is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was ecoffeecup founded?
ecoffeecup was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ecoffeecup based?
ecoffeecup is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does ecoffeecup make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Reusable Cup Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are private Label & Custom Design Services and reuse System Services.
Who are ecoffeecup's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are KeepCup, Huskee, Stojo, JOCO, CupClub, Globelet, Mu Mug and rCUP. Plaine Project is listed as an emerging player. Vegware is listed as an others.
Does ecoffeecup have an API?
No public API is recorded for ecoffeecup.
What industry is ecoffeecup in?
ecoffeecup's product category is Reusable Drinkware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAMAE, Reusable & Refill Packaging Systems (Returnable Packaging, Refill-at-Home/In-Store), with a secondary code of IMALAHAD, Beverage Packaging (Bottles, Cans, Cartons, Kegs). Its NAICS code is 326199 and its SIC code is 3080.