Client
Earthmade
year
2023
Project

Compostable coffee cup

Disciplines
Industrial Design
ENGINEERING
Colour, Material, Finish
Design for Manufacture
Art Direction

Earthmade had pioneered Bamboo-O, a compostable material that mimics plastic’s rigidity. They came to Beta with a bold goal, to disrupt the travel-mug category by creating a sustainable cup built from first principles. The Aromacup needed to feel premium, perform reliably, and avoid the waste of traditional mugs, all while staying true to Earthmade’s commitment to closed-loop design.

Aromacup

We began by experimenting with form and sealing mechanisms, using prototyping rigs to test leakproofness, cup balance, and disassembly. The challenge was to deliver a lid that felt effortless while making every part washable and removable. We refined a twist-to-open valve, a slim cup rim for natural sipping, and a keyhole locking mechanism that guarantees confidence in movement and liquid containment. Meanwhile, the soft outer shell was contrasted with ribbed texture zones to improve grip in the hand, especially when you’re rushing between meetings or on your commute.

prototyping

In parallel, we worked closely with Earthmade on materials and finishes. We explored five pastel colourways, embedding food-safe pigments at molding time so the colour is integral, not just a coating. The cup was designed to take the heat, dishwasher-safe up to 120°C and to break down gently at end-of-life. With each iteration, we pushed further for easier disassembly, more precise tolerances, and a form that felt both clean and characterful.

materials and finishes

The final Aromacup is a beautifully balanced, fully compostable travel mug. It performs like a premium cup, leak-resistant, easy to sip, simple to clean yet its secret is sustainability. It disassembles easily so every part can be washed, and at the end of its life it can be home-composted, closing the loop on disposable drinkware. More than that, the Aromacup feels purposeful in the hand. The pastel tones bring personality without fuss, the textured sections feel deliberate and tactile, and the locking lid gives confidence on the go. It’s not just a travel cup, it’s a statement that everyday objects can carry meaning, utility, and responsibility all at once.

Design