French start-up AUUM has developed a compact technology as an ecological alternative to cardboard and plastic cups. The solution cleans, disinfects and dries a glass in ten seconds using only 2cl of water and no chemicals. This cleaning solution could potentially save around 3 billion cups on an annual basis in the Netherlands.
Patented technology developed by AUUM uses 76 times less water than the dishwasher and generates 58 times less CO2 than the cardboard cup. The technology guarantees total disinfection without chemicals. This makes the act of reuse simple. It also prevents waste of cardboard or plastic. 120 business customers in France are already using the new technology.
No waste
“Since AUUM was founded three years ago, we have been convinced that tomorrow’s world will be a zero-waste one. Our aim was to make reusing just as easy as throwing things away. We achieve this through immediate, eco-friendly, simple and accessible cleaning. Initially, the focus was on a roll-out in France. Now we want to accelerate our international expansion. One way we’re doing this is by rolling out in the Netherlands, as it is a promising market with a strong environmental consciousness.” Speaking is Adrien Leblanc, Chief Expansion Officer & Founding Partner at AUUM.
Recycling from 2024
From 2024, all coffee cups must be washable or largely recycled. Several ISS Netherlands customers are currently testing the solution. They want to quickly deploy the concept to their customers before the ban on cardboard cups takes effect. Many companies are currently exploring alternatives to disposable cups. With AUUM, there is now a suitable and environmentally friendly solution, which also provides a better taste experience than coffee consumption in a disposable cup.
Reduce waste streams
"We have been looking for a solution to reduce our waste streams for some time," says Douwe Driehuis, Head of Innovation & Workplace Management ISS Netherlands. "A large, and eye-catching, waste stream in offices is coffee cups. Anticipating the changing legislation, we identified the AUUM-S solution as the perfect solution as a sustainable alternative to coffee cups. After the success of the concept on the French market, we wanted to partner with the company AUUM as soon as possible. This is because we want to be able to offer this solution to our customers. We are particularly excited and delighted to continue this collaboration."
