This company provides reusable cups to cafes and restaurants, coupled with an app-based borrowing system. Users can borrow a cup from participating locations and return it to any other location within the network, reducing single-use cup waste.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
The widespread use of single-use disposable cups in cafes and restaurants contributes significantly to landfill waste, with billions of cups discarded annually. Recycling and composting efforts often fall short, and disposable cups can leach microplastics into beverages.
Solution
Okapi Reusables offers a reusable cup borrowing system for cafes and their customers, reducing reliance on single-use disposables. Customers download the Okapi app, pay a one-time membership fee, and can then borrow reusable cups from participating cafes. These cups can be returned to any participating location within the network, promoting a circular economy. Okapi provides cafes with the reusable cups, return bins, and promotional materials, enabling them to offer a sustainable alternative to disposable cups.
Target Audience
Okapi Reusables targets environmentally conscious consumers who frequent cafes, as well as cafes and restaurants seeking to reduce their environmental impact and attract sustainability-minded customers.
Features
- Mobile app for customers to borrow and return cups
- Stainless steel, double-walled cups in 8, 12, and 16-ounce sizes
- Borosilicate glass cups in 16, 20, and 24-ounce sizes
- Dishwasher-safe cups and silicone lids
- Return bins and signage for participating cafes
- Cafe map to locate participating locations
- Social media and email promotion for participating cafes