It’s estimated that approximately 2.5 billion coffee cups are thrown away each year. Only 1 in 400 of which are actually recycled (even if they’re put in the recycling bin!). Enter Travel Mugs.

Many single use cups are lined with plastic to make them waterproof; this is unable to be separated from the cardboard outer, it’s also resistant to degradation, taking up to 30 years to break down.

Not only can the cups not be recycled, they can’t be made from completely recycled materials either. This is due to certain health and safety regulations pertaining to the cup’s composition and the fact that it comes into contact with what you’re drinking.

The Benefits Of Reusable Cups:

For many people, preparing a coffee at home or stopping for one at a coffee shop is a well-established part of their daily routine. Getting into the habit of a reusable cup as part of this routine, and then rinsing it out properly after each use could be considered mild annoyances, however we think that the long-term benefits of owning a reusable cup far outweigh them.

They can save you money. Big brands such as Costa and Starbucks run loyalty schemes or a discount for those who bring a reusable cup. A scheme that independent businesses are also starting to adopt. To save even more money, you can even prepare your coffee at home and take it with you.

Your coffee tastes better. Whether they’re fully insulated or not, your travel mug will keep your coffee hot for longer. Tip: Preheat your cup (or ask the barista to) for a minute or two, to save losing immediate heat. In addition, you’re also avoiding drinking your coffee through a plastic lid (some of are manufactured using BPA). Although there’s conflicting evidence about the dangers of BPA, if you choose a ceramic or stainless steel travel mug, you’re avoiding the potential risk.

Oh, and they also look good.

Let’s take a look at the specifications and details of the two brands we currently stock at Adams+ Russell.

Circular and Co

Specification:
Each cup contains material from 6 single use paper cups. They’re made in the UK and are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan (which has been designed to be an impressive 10 years) They’re leakproof and offer 360° drinking through their unique push lid mechanism. They’re also BPA and Melamine free. (Melamine is used in a similar way to BPA and is generally considered safe, however it can have potential health risks as well)

Perfect For:
The commute to work, if you travel by car, they fit in any cup holder. They’re double-walled insulated, keeping the contents warm for approximately 1 – 2 hours.

They’re not only well-designed, they look good too. They’re available in a range of colour combinations, there’s sure to be one that fits your aesthetic. Perfect for those who look for something bright and want to show off their personality. These cups are an affordable, practical and functional solution to coffee on the go.

Another design by Circular and Co is the Circular NOW cup. A familiar design with a snap fit lid and available in 3 colour combinations. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and hassle free. View each style and the range of colours below.

Plus, if you’re brewing at home, we recommend our Fairtrade Honduras Women’s Cooperative. This coffee is the definition of versatile. It works well in home espresso machines to create your coffee shop favourites, and also makes for a deliciously sweet, chocolatey filter.

In The Spotlight: The Brutrek Steel Toe 3.0 + Free Coffee

What Is The Brutrek Steel Toe?

Whether you consider it a travel mug with a cafetière built in, or a cafetière you can seal and drink from, there’s a couple of things for certain. The Steel Toe is trendy, robust and quite frankly; a genius solution to coffee on the go. Simply brew as you would in a cafetière, replace the lid and plunge. The Bru-stop™ technology halts the brewing process once fully plunged. The tempered stainless steel plate creates a physical, sealed barrier between the water and the grounds. Choose a free bag of Feature Roast to come with it

Specification:

20fl oz capacity (for reference, a coffee shop ‘large’) The materials used are high quality. The stainless steel used is 18 / 8 graded, meaning it is extremely resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Like the Circular and Co travel cup, the steel Toe is made from BPA free plastic.

Perfect For:

Those who like to brew on the go, the Brutrek Steel Toe is the perfect companion for your next big walk or camping trip. Plus, not only is it great for coffee, you can also use it brew loose leaf tea and to make cold brew. It’s also the ideal size for those who like a ‘big’ coffee and are limited by the size of most travel mugs on the market.

Take a look below at the available colours and a detailed brew guide for the Steel Toe. Also, our recommendations for coffees that taste amazing when brewed in it. Our award winning Colombia Dora Mendez and sweet and creamy even when drunk black. Prefer something a bit fruitier? Try Ethiopia Sidamo.

How Long Do Travel Mugs Keep Drinks Warm?

If you’re brewing at home, we recommend preheating the travel mug before use. Coffee shops will usually do this for you too if you ask.

Circular and Co: Approximately 1 – 2 hours.

Brutrek Steel Toe: 2 – 3 hours, longer if you keep it completely sealed with the latch down.

How To Clean A Travel Mug

Although it may say on the label that all / certain parts of these travel mugs are dishwasher safe, we strongly recommend that like all other coffee accessories, they’re washed by hand. This preserves the technical features of each product and ensures they have a long and productive lifespan. Spare parts for the Circular and Co range are available directly from their website.