This projects aim was to create a product/system to reduce single use cups and bottles. My product is a closed loop system for shopping centre food courts. I began by researching whether there was such a need for this system. Within shopping centres are many food outlets that offer drinks both hot and cold in a range of sizes. These sizes are often the same across the retailers or with an insignificant difference. The common sizes used are shown below.
I then looked at what alternatives for single use plastics exist on the market and two key ones are shown below.
I decided I would use a double insulated stainless steel cup as its thermal properties make it good for both hot and cold drinks. Depending on the drink the cup would come with the suitable lid whether that be a coffee cup lid made from injection moulded plastic or a juice/milkshake lid made from injection moulded plastic and a stainless steel straw. The cups could be branded to the specific shopping centre through laser engraving or embossing.
Shown above are some models I made using the lathe so that I could find an elegant yet comfortable form for the cup. Shown below is the system diagram.
