University of Leicester
Giant Coffee Cup
The University of Leicester required a high-impact, visual solution to communicate its commitment to sustainability and encourage a shift in student and staff behaviour.
The goal was to promote the reduction of single-use waste at their on-campus cafes through an eye-catching, durable outdoor installation.
The challenge was to successfully drive a “Bring Your Own Cup” initiative. With this, Leicester University needed more than just standard signage – they required a landmark piece that could
– Capture attention: ability to Stand out in a high-traffic outdoor environment
– Communicate data: display real-time (or updated) environmental impact statistics
– Withstand the elements: remain pristine and stable through varied UK weather conditions.
Our Solution was to manage the end-to-end journey of this project, from the initial concept to final installation. The steps included:
1. Design & Development
We designed a giant, hyper-realistic coffee cup that acts as a 3D billboard. The design features a prominent “impact header” that visualizes the weight of waste saved – specifically highlighting that 1.81 tonnes of cups and lids have been diverted from landfills, an amount equivalent to a large giraffe.
2. Robust Manufacturing
Because the cup sits proud outside the University Cafe, durability was non-negotiable.
– Weather-resistant build: Engineered using strong, robust materials to maintain structural integrity.
– Steel base plate: To ensure safety and stability in high winds, we developed a heavy-duty steel base that secures the unit to the pavement.
3. Custom print wrapping
We applied a high-quality, full-colour print wrap to the cup’s exterior. The graphics serve a dual purpose:
– Incentivization: Clearly stating the 15p saving for customers using reusable cups.
– Storytelling: Detailing the community’s efforts since 2019 to prevent waste from ending up in UK incineration or landfill sites.
4. Delivery & Installation
The completed unit was delivered and installed directly on-site, providing an immediate visual boost to the university’s Food and Drink department’s green credentials.
We look forward to collaborating with the University of Leicester on future projects.
If you have a giant coffee cup, or retail display enquiry – contact our team today: info@threepd.co.uk