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Coffee container made from coffee grounds

The Berlin product designer Julian Lechner dealt with the raw material coffee grounds and the question: How can this natural raw material be further used? With the addition of other biodegradable products, an elegant series of espresso, cappuccino and coffee-to-go cups was created that is impressive. It is also nice that all cups are recyclable and even dishwasher safe. The "Kaffeeform" brand was awarded the “Best of the Best” award for the Red Dot Design.

Product designer Julian Lechner

1. What was or is your motivation behind Kaffeeform?

The idea and starting point was the simple question of what happens to used coffee grounds, as well as the desire to further utilize this good, natural raw material and to create something completely new from it. At Kaffeeform, we have specialized in the innovative development of sustainable products from production waste, and the circular idea and the recycling of supposed leftovers are essential for us.

With the cups and, above all, the take-away cup Weducer, we first want to declare war on the cardboard and plastic cups and thus tackle the littering of nature and the world. We are continuously working on further possible uses beyond the cups. The aim is to ban all petroleum-based plastic in the long term and replace it with materials made from renewable raw materials.

In addition, we naturally want to stimulate, inspire and motivate a discourse through our products and work to become active ourselves.

2. What do you advise our readers: What can you do specifically for a better future?

Of course there are large initiatives and organizations that can be supported, but often there is a lack of time and money. Often, however, it is the small actions and things in everyday life that are a start and that can make a big difference as a whole.

So everyone can first check their everyday life and routines and see what could be improved. Don't let the water run for hours in the shower just because we can. Appreciate drinking water too. Instead of walking more often by car, cycling, or using the train and public transport. Find out about green electricity, even if it is a bit more expensive, but think about where I could save electricity. Avoid plastic packaging and bags when shopping, if you can at the market or buy from local producers and of course organic where it makes sense. Do I really need new things, and if so, can I also buy used or vintage items? Recycling and waste avoidance where possible. Talk to friends and family about environmental and sustainability issues, raise awareness among the people around you. Maybe pick up rubbish lying around on the beach or on the street, even if it's not your own. And of course avoid disposable products and instead of the paper cup, enjoy your daily coffee in a reusable cup 😉

In short: live consciously, question routines and turn the small screws in everyday life where possible.

3. How do travel and sustainability fit together for you?

Of course, travel, especially long air travel, is contrary to the idea of ​​sustainability if you are very strict. But often you have to travel and fly for professional reasons, and vacations are also personally important and okay, I think. Traveling is of course very educational and it is a great opportunity to get to know other countries and cultures, to think outside the box and to broaden your horizons. And of course for relaxation too!

Here, too, less is sometimes more. Do you have to fly away three times a year, does it have to be the fourth short city trip, or is a long, intensive trip perhaps more relaxing in the end? Do we have to stay in the luxury resort with a pool, or are there local hotels and pensions that focus on sustainability? Also, domestic German or European train journeys are often not only more pleasant, as they correspond better to our inner pace and the way we travel, they often do not take longer or are much more expensive, and you save all the stress of traveling to the airport, waiting, and security .

The goal should of course be to keep your own CO2 footprint as low as possible. Fortunately, there are now initiatives like Atmosfair, with which you can calculate the CO2 footprint of your flight and compensate it immediately, so you can give a piece back.

Coffee mug to go
Coffee grounds raw material
Coffee mass
Final product cups
View into the production facility

Would you like to find out more about Kaffeeform? Then click here.

Photos: Kaffeeform

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