Designers Create Eco-Friendly Glass Cup for Bubble Tea That Eliminates Need for Straws

Designers Mickey Wu and Fang Shih have developed an environmentally conscious glass cup concept for bubble tea that functions without requiring a straw. The project, called FLOAT, utilizes recycled glass material supplied by Spring Pool Glass to minimize ecological impact. Bubble tea originated as a Taiwanese street beverage in Tainan and Taichung during the 1980s, featuring tapioca pearls, and has since gained international popularity with numerous regional variations. This design initiative aims to address waste concerns by rethinking the drink's container for greater sustainability. The concept emphasizes reducing plastic waste through its straw-free approach while extending the product's usable life. Additional contributors include adviser Pili Wu, photographer Oni Lai Studio, and video assistants Annie Chang, Ching Chou, and Luming Ho. The complete project documentation is available on Behance, accompanied by a video presentation. This innovation reflects growing efforts within design communities to create practical solutions for environmental challenges in everyday consumer products.