CUPLES Inc., with its reusable cup service, aims to shift the age-old perspective of “takeout equals disposable.” As of last month, CUPLES has widened its reach to include the Shonan region. The core of this service is a shared reusable cup model. Coffee lovers can continue enjoying their takeout beverages while being environmentally conscious. Once the drink is consumed, the cup is simply returned to any participating store, cleaned, and then recirculated for the next customer.
This approach challenges the conventional takeout model and offers a sustainable solution to a growing environmental concern. But the journey doesn’t stop at just reducing waste. It’s about evolving lifestyles without compromising convenience.
With 74 member stores, primarily located in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and an impressive 1,700 app users, the company’s footprint is becoming hard to ignore. Their ambition stretches further with a goal to onboard 300 stores in Tokyo, which will include a diverse range of eateries beyond just coffee shops. Future endeavors also spotlight collaborations with regional cities, tourist destinations, and potentially forming alliances with local government entities.
For more reuse cases in Japan
- 2024-10-17: Toyama's ROKA STYLE aims for zero waste with restored retro finds
- 2024-09-29: Secondhand fashion festival Junkan Fes returns November 3 in Kyoto
- 2024-06-03: MUSUBI Kyoto's event shows how furoshiki revolutionizes sustainable living
- 2023-10-31: Circular economy action with Sumida Ward's Coffeeloop Cup
- 2023-09-17: Junkan Fes returns on November 12 to circulate fashion