Disposable to-go coffee cups are the most popular option used by cafes. However, as a lot of businesses aim to become more sustainable, they look for ways to switch to reusable or other eco-friendly alternatives to regular single-use cups for their espresso drinks. Ordering wholesale reusable coffee cups can be a great way to make your coffee more environmentally friendly. There are various ways to switch from disposable to reusable cups. There are also alternatives to single-use cups that are eco-friendly and can attract environmentally conscious customers. In this post, we’ll share more about buying wholesale reusable coffee cups and their benefits. In addition to this topic, make sure to check our posts on opening a coffee shop and how to increase cafe sales.
Key takeaway: Although most cafes use disposable cups, investing in wholesale reusable coffee cups can be better in the long run. They are a more eco-friendly alternative and can help various businesses become more sustainable.
How to Use Reusable Cups in Your Business
Currently, most coffee shops use single-use cups. Some of them have switched to biodegradable alternatives that are more sustainable compared to non-recyclable and non-degradable cups. However, switching to reusable ones can be challenging. Here are the steps to do so.
- Analyze current usage and storage. Most cafes buy wholesale ceramic coffee cups for customers who drink their coffee on-premise. However, in order to switch from disposable to reusable to-go cups, it’s necessary to analyze their usage and have a lot of storage space.
- Choose the right cups. There are multiple options for reusable cups. From stainless steel to high-quality plastic cups, choose the type based on your cafe’s menu.
- Introduce a deposit and return system. A suitable way to offer reusable cups for to-go orders is to have a return system. This means that customers are charged a set amount for the cup (a deposit) and they get their money back if they return the cup back. It’s important to keep in mind that this doesn’t guarantee clients will return their cups. Therefore, it might be best to combine the deposit system with additional incentives. Discounts and rewards are good options in that regard. Some customers might choose to return their reusable cups in a week or more. Thus, it’s best to order wholesale reusable coffee cups in bulk.
- Monitor the program and improve it. All businesses should be adaptable. Therefore, in order to successfully use reusable to-go cups, make sure to monitor the deposit and return system and change it if necessary.
- Transition gradually. It’s recommended that you start with a trial deposit program. It can be piloted among your return customers. This will allow you to test the process before introducing it to all customers. Furthermore, if you buy wholesale reusable cups, make sure clients are introduced to them gradually. Offer both disposable and reusable cups (at least initially) in order to make the transition easier.
- Branding, marketing, and education are important. As sustainability is among the biggest cafe and restaurant industry trends, it can be used in the company’s marketing as well. Share content related to eco-friendly policies and announce the deposit and return program in advance.
Benefits of Buying Wholesale Reusable Coffee Cups
The fact that these cups are more eco-friendly compared to single-use ones is the main reason why businesses switch to these sustainable alternatives. Furthermore, the introduction of eco-friendly practices can be used in marketing materials in order to attract sustainability-conscious customers.
Another reason to buy wholesale reusable coffee cups is that it reduces costs in the long run. Instead of constantly buying disposable cups from distributors of restaurant supplies, reusable ones can be cheaper as they are used many times.
Reusable cups can also help a company’s marketing and branding efforts. For example, these reusable cups can be branded to promote the return program and have a QR code to get more information about the benefits of using reusable coffee cups.
Where to Buy Wholesale Reusable Coffee Cups
When it comes to wholesale sales, businesses have a few major options. They can partner directly with manufacturers, they can search for distributors that specialize in tableware and restaurant supplies, or they can sign up for wholesale platforms. These eCommerce platforms allow buyers to compare prices and the terms offered by suppliers. Furthermore, by signing up for a wholesale marketplace or platform, companies can find suppliers in various fields. From wholesale pastries for coffee shops to appliances and equipment tools.
Businesses That Buy Wholesale Reusable Coffee Cups
In addition to cafes, other types of businesses can also benefit from switching to reusable cups. Let’s see a few examples.
- Catering businesses can use reusable cups that are collected and washed after the event;
- Fast-food restaurants can also use reusable cups for their coffee drinks and cold beverages;
- Corporate offices and co-working spaces should incentivize employees to use reusable cups instead of disposable ones;
- Institutions like universities and government offices should also limit their usage of single-use cups;
- Gyms and wellness centers can serve their customers refreshments in reusable cups.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wholesale Reusable Coffee Cups
Whether you want to know more about specialty coffee or the different types of coffee shop pastries, there are multiple useful articles on BlueCart and BinWise. From tips on increasing B2B sales to details about seasonal coffee drinks, we cover various topics from different niche markets. Below we’ve shared the answers to some of the common questions regarding reusable coffee cups.
What Are the Cons of Eco-Friendly Tableware?
Although there are multiple benefits to investing in wholesale reusable coffee cups, there are disadvantages as well. One of the cons of wholesale reusable coffee cups is their higher prices compared to disposable ones. That’s also true for biodegradable or compostable single-use cups and other tableware items. In order to manage costs, businesses can order bulk coffee cups at wholesale prices. Another disadvantage is related to customer resistance. A lot of clients value the convenience of single-use cups and might be less willing to take part in a return system.
What Are the Most Eco-Friendly Single-Use Coffee Cups?
Compostable coffee cups are considered to be the most sustainable option on the market. They are usually made of plant-based materials which makes them biodegradable. An additional advantage compared to other degradable alternatives is that they can be used in composting facilities. Edible coffee cups are also a great alternative to disposable ones. They are usually made of biscuit-like material and can be eaten after drinking. This means they leave no waste behind and can improve the customer experience.
What Other Green Policies Can a Coffee Shop Integrate?
Sustainability is a major trend in the restaurant industry. That’s why there are multiple eco-friendly policies that coffee shops and restaurants can incorporate. Here are a few examples:
- Reduce beverage and food waste;
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy;
- Start a composting program that is open to the local community;
- Partner with sustainable suppliers that have integrated eco-friendly policies;
- Use seasonal ingredients in the menu;
- Create content on eco-friendly practices and educate employees and customers on the best ways to easily become more sustainable;
BlueCart: The All-in-One Wholesale Ordering Software
Whether you’re looking for a platform to order wholesale reusable coffee cups or you wish to sell bulk to other businesses, BlueCart is the right platform for you. Our solutions help both distributors and their customers. Through BlueCart, suppliers can automate various processes. Restaurants, different types of cafes, bakeries, and other businesses can also pick between different wholesalers and compare their products and prices. Schedule a free demo and see how BlueCart can help your business.