From a Melbourne Cafe to a Global Movement: The KeepCup Story

Did you know that billions of disposable coffee cups end up in landfills every year, most of them non-recyclable? KeepCup was born to change that.

In 1998, siblings Abigail and Jamie Forsyth opened a café in Melbourne and quickly became concerned about the mountain of waste generated by disposable coffee cups. By 2007, they decided to act. They designed the world's first barista-standard reusable cup, aiming to shift the culture from "use once and throw away" to "reuse."

The first KeepCups hit the market in 2009, and coffee lovers immediately saw them as the solution to a growing problem. Today, KeepCups are used in over 75 countries, preventing millions of single-use cups from ending up in landfills every day.

KeepCup isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about creating positive habits. People love how these cups look and feel, and they keep using them because they stand for something bigger—a future where convenience doesn't come at the expense of the planet.

What started in a Melbourne café has grown into a global sustainability movement. KeepCup's success shows us that small changes in our daily lives can have a massive impact. Join the reuse revolution and make a difference, one coffee at a time!

Here are some key insights and tips from KeepCup’s success:

1. Identify a Problem and Address a Real Need

   
   

   Abigail and Jamie Forsyth saw the environmental issue of disposable coffee cups and turned it into a business opportunity. Entrepreneurs should always start by identifying real problems in their industry or daily life and developing solutions.

2. Innovation is Key

   
   

   KeepCup's success is rooted in innovation. The founders designed a reusable cup that not only addressed sustainability but also met barista standards and looked stylish. Entrepreneurs need to create products that are unique and functional, providing clear value to their customers.

3. Inspire Behavior Change by Creating Value

   
   

   KeepCup didn’t just sell a product; it built a movement around the idea of reuse. By aligning the brand with a positive behavior change, they fostered a loyal customer base. Entrepreneurs should think beyond transactions and aim to build a brand that resonates with values their customers care about.