Why Distributors Need More Than Just a Sustainable Cup
Demand for reusable coffee-to-go solutions is growing across cafés, workplaces, hospitals, and schools. For distributors, the opportunity is not just to supply a sustainable product – but to offer a solution that is practical, customisable, and easy for customers to adopt.
Harfield’s reusable coffee-to-go range, manufactured in partnership with EPIQ in Belgium, is designed to deliver real-world sustainability while giving distributors powerful tools to help customers engage with reuse.
Sustainability That Works in Real Operations
Sustainability only delivers impact when products are used repeatedly and correctly.
Polypropylene (PP) coffee cups are ideal for high-turnover catering environments because they:
- Are lightweight, durable, and break-resistant
- Withstand repeated washing cycles
- Retain shape, fit, and performance over time
- Support reuse at scale, not just one-off behaviour
This makes them perfect for cafés, hospitals, schools, and workplace catering – environments where reusable solutions must integrate seamlessly into existing service models.
Designed for Reuse – With a Clear End-of-Life Story
Reusable PP coffee cups are designed to stay in circulation long enough to deliver meaningful environmental benefit.
Key advantages include:
- Durability that supports repeated reuse
- Single-material construction for easier recycling
- A clear “reuse, then recycle” sustainability message
For distributors, this provides a sustainability story that is easy to explain, credible, and practical.
Personalisation That Lowers the Barrier to Reuse
One of the biggest challenges in encouraging reuse is engagement. Personalised cups help create ownership, recognition, and return.
Harfield’s coffee-to-go range offers:
- Low minimum order quantities for personalisation – from just 250 units
- Laser etching for subtle, permanent branding
- Printed designs in up to four colours
- The ability to add QR codes directly to the cup
This allows distributors to offer custom reusable cups not just to large chains, but also to:
- Independent coffee shops
- Hospital cafés
- School and university catering teams
- Workplace catering providers
Low MOQs make personalised reuse accessible – not exclusive.
QR Codes: Connecting Cups to Behaviour
QR codes add a powerful layer of functionality to reusable cups. They can be used to:
- Share sustainability messages
- Explain reuse and return schemes
- Link to loyalty programmes
- Support deposit or tracking initiatives
- Communicate allergen or operational information
For caterers, this turns a simple cup into a communication tool. For distributors, it creates added value beyond the product itself.
A Versatile Solution Across Multiple Sectors
Coffee shops and cafés: Personalised cups reinforce brand identity and support reuse without slowing service.
Hospitals and healthcare: Reusable cups fit controlled internal reuse systems and support sustainability goals without compromising hygiene or consistency.
Schools and education: Durable, reusable cups with clear messaging help reduce waste and reinforce sustainability values with pupils and students.
Manufactured in Europe, Built for Confidence
European manufacture with EPIQ supports:
- Shorter supply chains
- Reduced transport impact
- Consistent quality and availability
- Clear accountability and traceability
For distributors, this provides confidence in both supply and sustainability credentials.
Helping Distributors Lead the Reuse Conversation
Reusable coffee-to-go cups are no longer just a product – they are part of a wider sustainability conversation.
With low-MOQ personalisation, durable design, and clear reuse messaging, distributors can offer customers:
- A practical alternative to single-use cups
- A branded solution that encourages return and reuse
- A product that works in real catering environments
Final Thought
Sustainable change in foodservice is driven by solutions that are easy to adopt, easy to explain, and easy to scale.
Reusable polypropylene coffee-to-go cups – supported by personalisation, durability, and European manufacturing – offer distributors a credible, flexible way to help customers reduce single-use waste while maintaining operational efficiency.
Designed for reuse. Personalised for engagement. Built for reality.