Matcha Ceramic Travel Cups & Packaging
This is a self-initiated product that grew from my own daily matcha ritual and a desire to create something I couldn't find on the market. As someone who drinks matcha every day, I wanted a reusable ceramic travel cup that felt as considered and enjoyable as the ritual itself—one that balanced everyday functionality with expressive design.
Inspired by the way matcha naturally rises and spills over the rim during preparation, I transformed that fleeting moment into a permanent part of the product through a sculptural 3D glaze drip. The result is a travel cup designed to carry the calm, intentional feeling of preparing matcha at home into everyday life.
Material & glaze experimentation
This phase involved extensive trial and error to achieve the intended glaze thickness, colour, and drip effect. Close communication with the factory was essential in controlling drip count and flow while maintaining sufficient glaze build at the base of the cup.
To make sure the cups met the standard I had envisioned, I travelled to a ceramic factory in China to inspect the first production samples in person. Seeing the manufacturing process firsthand gave me the opportunity to check every detail, discuss refinements directly with the factory, and bring the finished samples back to the UK as I began introducing the product to retailers.
Packaging Designed to Protect
Designing packaging for a ceramic travel cup meant balancing protection with presentation. The box needed to hold the cup securely, prevent movement and withstand the knocks and drops that can happen during shipping, while still creating an unboxing experience that felt considered and true to the handcrafted product.
The challenge was to develop packaging that didn’t simply look beautiful, but worked as an essential part of the product experience.
I analysed how different brands package fragile drinkware to understand what works, and what doesn't.
Research & Development
Keeping the Cup Secure
I explored different ways to hold the cup securely while keeping the packaging simple and efficient. The final structure uses double-wall corrugated board for additional strength and impact resistance, helping to protect the ceramic cup throughout handling and shipping.
Testing the Structure
The packaging was tested through repeated drop tests to validate the structure. The cup remained securely in place and intact, demonstrating that the packaging could protect it during handling and shipping.
Drop testing the packaging structure
Inspecting the cup after testing - secure and intact
Bringing the Brand to Life
Once the structure was working, I created a hand-painted watercolour artwork inspired by the cup’s flowing glaze drip. Layered green tones reference matcha, creating a visual connection between the packaging and the handcrafted product inside.
The Final Packaging
A ceramic travel cup and packaging system designed to feel as considered as the matcha ritual itself.
