Serving great coffee is just the start. The cup it goes in? That’s the part your customer holds, photographs, and walks away with. If you’re using compostable cups with your branding on them — you’re on the right track. But here’s the truth: plenty of businesses still get small things wrong, and those little missteps can add up fast.
Whether you’re a new café, a food truck operator, or someone rethinking your packaging, here are a few branding mistakes to avoid — and how to get it right the first time.
1. Printing That Doesn’t Pop
Low-contrast logos. Faded text. Designs that look great on a screen but go flat in print.
We see it all the time. A café puts time and money into getting custom compostable coffee cups, only to end up with branding that’s barely visible. If your name or message doesn’t stand out, you’re losing free advertising with every takeaway order.
Tip: Stick with bold colours and high contrast. And always check a physical proof when possible. Our team at CupBrands can guide you through it — no guesswork needed.
2. Forgetting to Tell the Compostable Story
Customers love sustainable packaging — but only if they realise it’s sustainable. Plenty of businesses invest in compostable cups and never tell people. That’s a missed opportunity.
No signage. No info on the cup. Nothing to help the customer connect the dots.
Tip: Add a simple line to your cup design. Even just “Compostable. Commercial facility required.” It shows thoughtfulness and sparks conversation. You can also pair it with a social media post explaining what makes your cups different.
3. Too Much Branding, Not Enough Breathing Room
You’ve got a logo, a slogan, a QR code, and maybe even your opening hours. But when everything’s crammed onto the cup, nothing stands out.
This isn’t a business card. It’s a coffee cup. If it’s hard to read, people won’t even try.
Tip: Keep it clean. Prioritise one or two key elements — your name and a short message. If you want to add extras like social handles or compost info, use the back or a subtle side panel.
4. Choosing the Wrong Size or Style for Your Menu
You’ve got your cups branded and stacked. But they’re not the right size for your drinks — or worse, the lids don’t fit properly.
Some cafés go with one standard size to save time, but that can create issues for everything from flat whites to iced lattes.
Tip: Match your cup sizes to your menu items. If you offer 8oz, 12oz, and 16oz drinks, you’ll want branded cups in each size — and lids to match. We make it easy to customise across sizes so your brand looks consistent without compromise.
5. Overlooking the Feel of the Cup
Looks matter, but so does feel. If your cup is flimsy, even a beautiful design won’t save it. No one wants coffee leaking onto their hand or the lid popping off mid-walk.
Tip: Compostable doesn’t mean weak. The cups we supply are made to handle hot drinks without going soggy, leaking, or collapsing before your customer finishes their coffee. They feel sturdy in the hand and leave a better impression than lower-quality options.
Want to Get It Right From the Start?
We’ve helped countless Irish businesses put their best brand forward on compostable cups. If you’re not sure what size, design, or material will suit you best, we’re happy to walk you through it.
Our custom printed compostable coffee cups come in a range of sizes, with quick turnaround times and practical advice to help you get everything just right.
Get in touch to chat with our team — no jargon, no pressure, just honest help.
