We’ve all grabbed a takeaway coffee and tossed the cup in the nearest bin without thinking twice. But do you really know what your cup is made of – and where it should go after use?

That’s the question behind our #KnowYourCup campaign: a movement designed to cut through the confusion around disposable cups, empower businesses and consumers with the facts, and promote responsible waste management.

Why We Launched #KnowYourCup

The idea began with a simple realisation: even people working in the packaging industry didn’t fully understand how cups were made, or the challenges of recycling them. If insiders were confused, what hope did the average coffee drinker or food business have?

We knew it was time to change that.

#KnowYourCup is about transparency, education, and positive disruption. Through workshops, interactive content, and expert talks, we’re shining a light on cup materials and disposal methods - from compostable coffee cups and CPLA lids to the reality of recycling infrastructure in the UK.

Cups Aren’t All Created Equal

One of the biggest issues in cup recycling is the variety of materials and the myths that surround them. Here are some of the most common:

• Paper cups with plastic linings – Widely used, but difficult to recycle unless sent to specialist facilities.
• Compostable cups (PLA or CPLA) – Plant-based, but need to be disposed of in the right composting system to break down effectively.
• Reusable cups – The most sustainable choice, but only if used often enough to offset their production footprint.

The point is: not all cups should go in the same bin, and understanding the differences helps avoid contamination that can undermine recycling efforts.

Driving Real Change

The campaign didn’t just start online. We began by looking inward: surveying our own teams to see what they knew about cup recycling and installing cup recycling bins at our offices. From there, we partnered with events like Packaging Innovations at Birmingham NEC to place purpose-designed cup recycling bins on-site, manufactured by Swanline Group.

The results? Increased cup recycling rates in places where none existed before – plus a lot of eye-opening conversations with businesses, suppliers, and consumers alike

Why This Matters for Your Business

Whether you’re running a café, coffee roastery, or food truck, your customers are paying attention to your packaging choices. By understanding cup materials and disposal, you can:

• Stay compliant with evolving packaging regulations.
• Educate your customers and build trust through transparency.
• Reduce waste costs by choosing the right materials and bins.
• Strengthen your brand as a responsible, eco-conscious business.

Every cup you serve is a chance to show your values - and every informed decision adds up to meaningful environmental impact.

Join the Movement

The #KnowYourCup campaign is more than an initiative - it’s a call to action. Together, businesses and consumers can shift how cups are used and disposed of, reducing waste and building a more sustainable future.

At Agora, we’re committed to giving you the facts, providing eco-friendly packaging solutions, and helping you meet your sustainability goals with confidence.

Want to learn more about sustainable cups and packaging? Explore our Sustainabilty Page or contact us for advice on choosing the right packaging for your business.