How Coffee Grounds Become Durable Espresso Cups

Every day, millions of people brew coffee—and every day, those same people throw away used coffee grounds. While some reuse grounds for deodorizing, composting, or fertilizer, very few realize just how versatile spent coffee can become. But what if your leftover coffee grounds could be transformed into something you’d actually use every morning? Something sturdy, functional, and even stylish?

The answer is yes—and it’s already happening. German designer Julian Lechner has created a line of durable espresso cups and matching saucers made almost entirely from recycled coffee grounds. One product, the Kaffeeform espresso cup, is now commercially available and built to last, even in a dishwasher.

From Spent Grounds to Sleek Espresso Cup

At the Amsterdam Coffee Festival, Lechner unveiled his creation: the Kaffeeform espresso cup. This isn’t just a prototype or art piece—it’s a fully functional, commercially sold cup made using waste from Berlin cafés. The secret? A clever mix of recycled coffee grounds, wood particles, and natural binding agents. The resulting composite is moulded, dried, and finished into a material that looks and feels like dark wood composite—think marbleized grain with the warmth of espresso.

The material mimics the appearance of fine wood grain and carries a faint scent reminiscent of coffee, even when the cup is empty. It’s not just about aesthetics: the cup is designed to be durable, waterproof, and dishwasher safe. It holds up under regular use just like any other ceramic or composite espresso cup.

The Long Road to a Functional Coffee Cup

Lechner didn’t stumble upon this idea overnight. He first conceived of turning coffee waste into a reusable material while studying design at the Free University of Bozen in Italy back in 2009. At the time, he began experimenting with recycling coffee grounds, but quickly realized the real challenge wasn’t sourcing the grounds—it was perfecting the recipe.

Over five years of research and experimentation, Lechner tested various combinations of coffee grounds, wood shavings, and natural glues to find the right balance. The goal: a material that was solid enough for daily use, yet made entirely from recycled and renewable components. The final formula—a precise mix of coffee waste, wood fragments, and natural binders—resulted in a malleable yet sturdy substance ideal for moulding into cups and saucers.

Kaffeeform: More Than Just a Cup

The original Kaffeeform product was the espresso cup, the first commercial item ever made entirely from coffee grounds. But Lechner didn’t stop there. Understanding the needs of coffee drinkers, he expanded the range to include matching saucers. Each small plate features a recessed groove that cradles the bottom of the cup, minimizing movement and reducing the risk of spills or breakage.

The set is now sold through the official Kaffeeform website. You can buy a single cup, but the standard offering is a set of four cups, with or without saucers. Though based in Germany, the products are accessible internationally online. The design reflects both functionality and sustainability, appealing to eco-conscious coffee enthusiasts who value both form and environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kaffeeform made from?

Kaffeeform is made from a composite of recycled coffee grounds collected from Berlin cafés, mixed with wood particles and natural binding agents. This mixture is moulded into shape and hardened to create a durable, material that resembles dark wood composite.

Are Kaffeeform cups dishwasher safe?

Yes, Kaffeeform espresso cups and saucers are designed to be durable and are safe for use in dishwashers. They are waterproof and built to withstand regular washing without losing their shape or integrity.

Where do the coffee grounds come from?

The coffee grounds used in Kaffeeform products are collected from local cafés in Berlin. These are leftover grounds that would otherwise go to waste, giving them a second life as part of a reusable product.

How long did it take to develop Kaffeeform?

The development of Kaffeeform took over five years. Designer Julian Lechner began experimenting in 2009 while studying in Italy, and it took several years of testing different ratios of coffee grounds, wood shavings, and binders to perfect the material.

Can I buy Kaffeeform products outside of Germany?

Yes, Kaffeeform products are available for purchase through the official Kaffeeform website. Though the company is based in Germany, they ship internationally, allowing customers worldwide to buy the eco-friendly coffee cups and saucers.

What does a Kaffeeform set include?

A standard Kaffeeform set includes four espresso cups, and saucers are also available. The saucers feature a recess for holding the cup securely, helping to prevent spills or tipping.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Reusable Cups

For your new Kaffeeform espresso cup, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for floral and citrus brightness, Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and stone fruit layers, or Classic Blend for a balanced, chocolatey foundation. All three highlight the cup’s material clarity and heat retention. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.