From First to Third Wave: Coffee Culture and the Adoption of Biodegradable Cups
3 min read
Updated: Mar 21
Did you know your daily coffee habit is part of a global shift that’s reshaped both culture and sustainability? From instant brews in styrofoam cups to ethically sourced beans in biodegradable cups, coffee’s evolution tells a surprising story.
The way we drink coffee has changed dramatically over the years, and these changes have helped make our planet cleaner.
Let’s explore how coffee cups have evolved throughout history to become more environmentally friendly.
The Three Waves of Coffee
First Wave: Just Give Me Caffeine! (1950s–1980s)
In your grandparents’ day, coffee was simply a morning wake-up drink. People bought brands like Folgers and Maxwell House, which typically came in large cans from the grocery store.
At the time, styrofoam cups were the norm for serving coffee. While these cups were inexpensive, they were terrible for the environment, taking centuries to decompose in landfills. Environmental concerns, however, weren’t yet on most people’s radar.
Second Wave: Coffee Gets Fancy (1980s–2000s)
Then Starbucks arrived! Coffee evolved beyond a simple beverage as people started ordering “caramel macchiatos” and “frappuccinos.” Coffee shops transformed into popular hangout spots for friends and students.
The cups evolved too. Paper cups with plastic linings replaced styrofoam. While these were somewhat better for the environment, they still posed ecological challenges. The addition of cardboard sleeves helped protect hands from the heat.
Third Wave: Coffee Gets Super Fancy (2000s–Today)
Today, we have what experts call “third wave” coffee shops—places like Blue Bottle, Intelligentsia, and numerous small local establishments. These shops treat coffee with the same reverence as fine wine, tracing each bean’s origin to specific farms and detailing their roasting processes.
Environmental consciousness became a core value of these coffee shops. Many pioneered the use of biodegradable cups that naturally break down into soil rather than lingering eternally in landfills.
How Coffee Cups Got Greener
In the early days when major corporations dominated coffee sales, environmental waste wasn’t a consideration—cups were purely functional containers.
As coffee shops evolved into social hubs, companies began focusing on their public image. They introduced bring-your-own-mug discounts, though disposable cups remained the norm.
Third wave coffee shops revolutionized this mindset. Their environmentally conscious customers and sustainability-minded owners championed a shift toward plant-based, compostable cups instead of plastic ones.
This shift proved influential. When independent coffee shops adopted eco-friendly cups, larger corporations took notice. Today, even fast-food chains are working to develop more environmentally sustainable cup options.
What This Means For You
Take a closer look at your coffee cup next time you order! If it’s plant-based or marked “compostable,” you’re supporting an environmentally conscious coffee shop.
Want to make an even bigger impact? Bring your own reusable mug—most coffee shops offer discounts as a reward for this eco-friendly choice.
When you do use a compostable cup, check if your community has composting facilities. Disposing of it in the proper composting bin ensures it will naturally break down into soil.
The Future of Coffee Cups
Coffee shops pioneered the adoption of eco-friendly packaging, setting a trend that restaurants and food companies are now following.
Innovative solutions are emerging across the industry. Some shops have launched cup “lending libraries” where customers borrow reusable cups and return them on their next visit. Others are experimenting with biodegradable materials like mushroom-based composites and seaweed derivatives.
From your grandparents’ era to today, the evolution of coffee culture has transformed how we think about cups. This shift toward sustainability began with the pursuit of better coffee—and resulted in rapid adoption of biodegradable cups that are gentler on our planet.
So next time you’re sipping from an artisanal coffee cup, remember: you’re holding a small piece of environmental progress in your hands!
Contact SoGreenPack for a complete line of compostable drinkware, tableware, and cutlery for the food & beverage and foodservice industries. Shipping from the US, we are able to meet your business demands within 7 days or less.