Concept for K-Cup Improvement
about the project
Hive Coffee Project. In analyzing Fair Trade Coffee impact on plant, people, and profit categories, findings revealed coffee as frequently linked to social issues associated with worker rights, and that Fair Trade practices can have negative outcomes on workers and consumers when incorrectly managed. Additionally, conventional coffee products like Keurig's K-Cups can harm the environment due to lack of recyclability.
Keurig K-Cups also tend to be more expensive for manufacturers and consumers compared to traditional coffee products, despite making use of lower quality packaging materials. Assessing standards specific to Fair Trade agreements, and looking to other relevant certifications claiming to support workers, are important in determining product social impact. In terms of K-Cup packaging, a recyclable or compostable material would be more beneficial than making use of plastic.
With the aim of designing a more sustainable product by considering K-Cup impact on planet, people, and profit, several areas have been identified for sustainable improvement. A product concept and fictitious outreach campaign illustrates such improvement areas while marketing the product.
