In Melbourne, coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a way of life. The city is renowned for its vibrant café culture, expert baristas, and a fierce commitment to quality, innovation, and community. But there’s another part of Melbourne’s coffee identity that has made waves across the globe: the KeepCup.
From humble beginnings in a Melbourne café to becoming a globally recognised symbol of sustainability, KeepCups have changed how people drink coffee, and how they think about waste.
Born in Melbourne, Built for Baristas
The KeepCup story begins in 2009, when Abigail and Jamie Forsyth, siblings and co-owners of a Melbourne café chain, grew frustrated by the volume of disposable coffee cups piling up in their bins each day. While reusable mugs existed, none were designed with busy baristas or takeaway coffee culture in mind - they were bulky, didn’t fit under espresso machines, and lacked the style coffee lovers expected.
So they created something better: a barista-standard reusable cup that was lightweight, durable, stylish, and made to fit perfectly under group heads. The KeepCup was born, and Melbourne café-goers embraced it almost instantly. It matched the city’s already eco-conscious mindset and elevated takeaway coffee into something more thoughtful.
A City That Set the Standard
KeepCups didn’t just gain traction because they were practical - they resonated with Melbourne’s values. The city’s independent cafés are deeply rooted in community, sustainability, and a sense of responsibility to the environment. As cafés started offering discounts for BYO cups and proudly stocking KeepCups on their shelves, using one became a statement of support for local businesses, the planet, and quality coffee.
Soon, bringing your own cup wasn’t just accepted, it was expected. You’d see KeepCups on trams, in universities, in co-working spaces, and in meetings. It became second nature - and part of Melbourne’s identity.
Global Growth, Local Roots
What started in Melbourne quickly expanded across Australia and then internationally. The KeepCup design struck a perfect balance between functionality and culture — making it an ideal fit for eco-conscious coffee drinkers in London, New York, Tokyo, and beyond. As awareness around single-use plastic and environmental waste grew, so did the popularity of KeepCups.
KeepCup’s global success also helped spark a broader movement. Today, many major café chains accept reusable cups, and entire cities have introduced bans or levies on disposable ones. But Melbourne remains the home of the original movement and proudly continues to lead by example.
Why It Still Matters Today
In 2025, the mission of the KeepCup is more important than ever. With billions of disposable coffee cups still ending up in landfill each year, choosing to reuse is a small act with a big impact. KeepCups are a practical solution, but they’re also a symbol, a reminder that daily habits can be reimagined for the better.
So next time you grab a flat white or long black in Melbourne, take note of the locals with their colourful KeepCups in hand. It’s not just about convenience. It’s about community, culture, and caring for the world we share - one coffee at a time.
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