Origami: A Revolutionary Disposable Coffee Cup

Designers Blend Ancient Chinese Art with Modern Eco-Friendly Materials

The inspiration behind Origami stems from the desire to upgrade the disposable coffee cup, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The designers have incorporated the form of ancient Chinese paper folded lanterns into the cup's design, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also simplifies its use. The cup, made from environmentally friendly and degradable reed pulp, comes pre-packed with ground coffee, allowing users to quickly prepare a cup of coffee.

Origami's unique properties lie in its simplicity and eco-friendliness. The cup's design reduces transportation costs and waste storage space, improving the efficiency of both ecological and spatial environments. The designers have utilized reed pulp's raw material and PE food-grade thin film to produce the cup, ensuring its safety for human health and the environment.

The design process, which took place at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Zhongshan Institute, from September to December 2016, involved extensive research and experimentation. The team studied numerous folding modes of Chinese ancient lanterns and conducted several experiments to harmonize the materials and usage modes. The challenge was to perfectly present the cup's appearance and functions while maintaining its eco-friendly properties.

Origami's design specifications include two sizes: a large size measuring 79mm*52mm*108mm and a small size measuring 79mm*52mm*25mm, with a capacity of 330ml. The cup is easy to use; users simply unfold the cup and tear open the thin film on top to make coffee. The folding shape of the cup not only makes it easy to carry but also reduces garbage storage space after use.

Origami's innovative design has earned it the prestigious Silver A' Disposable and Single-Use Product Design Award in 2017. This award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Origami, with its unique blend of aesthetics, functionality, and eco-friendliness, certainly fits the bill.