A Cup of Life: Redefining Coffee Culture

Miki Kawamura's Award-Winning Design Combines Coffee Cup and Vase

Europe's coffee culture, while rich and vibrant, has led to an environmental concern: disposable coffee cups. Overflowing from garbage cans at train stations, in pedestrian zones, and parks, these cups have become a symbol of waste. Kawamura's design aims to address this issue by proposing a long-term, environmentally-friendly alternative to the disposable coffee cup.

The unique properties of "A Cup of Life" lie in its dual functionality. Each small cup consists of two parts. The upper side features a seed bomb, while the middle can be used as a coffee cup with coffee powder in it, folded into a mountain shape along bent lines. This design, inspired by drip coffee, allows the cup to be used as a potted plant after drinking the coffee, thus promoting sustainability.

The cups are made of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) cardboard and coated with biodegradable and environmentally friendly Polylactic Acid (PLA) on the inside. This choice of materials reflects Kawamura's commitment to environmental sustainability. The full-pack measures 138mm x 87mm, while the coffee cup is 106mm x 87mm in full size, with a thickness of 45mm and a width of dents in the center of 43mm. The seed pack is 16mm x 87mm.

The design process began in April 2018 in the Czech Republic and was completed in May of the same year. The project was exhibited in Prague in September 2018. The underlying research focused on finding a package design that is suitable for the environment and can replace the current "littered coffee cup." The challenge was to find materials that are good for the environment and have excellent water resistance. This was solved by using FSC cardboard, coated with a biodegradable material.

"A Cup of Life" is a response to the garbage problem, particularly the issue of disposable coffee cups. By giving the coffee cup a second purpose as a vase, Kawamura aims to reduce waste. This design has been recognized for its innovation and environmental consciousness, winning the Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2019. This award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.