Branded eco cup for The Pearsons pub in Whitstable

Design for products

Switch your plastic cups for custom designed reuseables.

PIXELDRINK designs bespoke illustrations for eco cups to combat the single-use plastic waste problem in hospitality.

The aim is to replace the use of single use bio plastics and encourage a re-use behaviour to reduce the amount of waste that accumulates. These cups are made from solid clear recycled plastic, they keep drinks fresh and won't blow away in the wind. They are washable in pub glass washers, and easily stackable after drying.

Creating a unique eco drinkware product couldn't be easier.

joejoslandphotography

My story

Designing for reusable illustrated drinkware stemmed from working as a manager in a New Zealand bar where bespoke glassware was part of the drinking experience, and in outdoor events where bringing your own cup was ingrained in outdoor drinking culture, if you didn't have your own cup, you couldn't get a drink. The cup epitomised design, individuality and sustainability.

Back in the UK as a product designer, serving drinks in single-use cups for outside areas was commonplace and so was the waste. I couldn't get used to it, let alone drinking from the flimsy cups again, and started bringing my own cup.

If a group of four drink three pints in a sitting, this equates to 12 cups that are thrown away. There is no refill, each pint is poured in a new cup.

The single use plastic cups used in bars today are a flimsy drinking product and the amount of waste makes it all so unappealing. Bioplastics are not a solution as these do not break down easily and it's heartbreaking to see them floating in the sea. Why is this still acceptable?

What about biodegradable plastic cups?

A pub client orders 30,000 biodegradable plastic cups in one summer season. Multiply this across pubs in the UK and the waste problem has escalated. Worldwide it is a global problem, producing these cups still requires vasts amount of energy and resources.

The plastic-looking cup referred to as PLA or TPLA based compostable plastics needs additional heat for long periods or it won’t break down and confused users dispose them with other plastic products that contaminate the recycling poly process. A high number of councils won't accept them in compost bins so they end up in landfill.

…or worse in our seas.

Contributing to another waste stream is not the answer and the extra waste is a responsibility the hospitality sector doesn’t need, and ultimately has to pay to remove.

We should be helping to design systems that make it easier to re-use and reduce waste.

Offering a refillable cup system, reduces the quantity of cup waste and promotes your business at the same time, it's a no-brainer!

Decorate your drinkware with an illustration that personalises your venue and styles your promotions.

Email to get started

DESIGN FOR:

a circular future

Full design

& production service

Circular economy through the re-fill & £1 deposit scheme system.

A space to design

& promote

Zero plastic waste

affecting wildlife

Improved drinking experience

Happier fish

Bespoke artworks designed to last

Designed & manufactured in the UK

Personal illustration service

Cups are shatterproof with nucleated bases keeps drinks fresher for longer

A £1 deposit scheme pays for the initial cost of the eco cup set-up

Design adds some personality and an environmental statement.

As a designer with over 15 years experience I can work with you to create a unique design to wrap around the cup, and manage the process to delivery. Promotional messaging, sponsors logos and cool graphics will encourage customers to switch to a better drinking product with an illustration that enriches your brands identity,

To cover the cost of the scheme, customers can pay a £1 deposit with their drink and either keep the cup as a souvenir, or return it to the bar for a refund. Alternatively you could offer them as part of a drinks promotion to keep your punters coming back.

The best thing would be to offer them free with no flimsy plastic alternative.

Help stop the single-use cups seen littering the street, beaches and overflowing out of bins. Reduce your waste output and encourage a circular eco economy as well as a better designed drinking experience.

Email design@pixeldrink.com to make a change.

Transform your space.

Does your product need attention?

Design for South Quay Shed

A recent commission to produce an illustration that encompasses the harbour scenery, and the facilities of the South Quay Shed in Whitstable, incorporating sponsorship logos from their partners.

Manufactured in pint and half pint cups, a positive move to reduce their single-use plastic waste.