“Two drinks, please put them in a bag.” In these everyday exchanges, have you ever found the paper bag too big, or the holder unstable, so the cups tilt? Now that takeout culture has become the norm, how to carry drinks home is one of those challenges that often goes unnoticed.
Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the culture of “taking home delicious food to enjoy” has been taking root, drawing more attention to packaging and carrying methods for takeout. Many people have experienced these “small stresses” when getting takeout, such as a hot drink tipping and spilling, the bottom of a paper bag getting wet, or two cups bumping into each other and overflowing. Looking at these “small inconveniences” shows there is still plenty of room for improvement.
In addressing these issues, choosing something “eco-friendly and truly functional” has become an important standard for today’s consumers. It is not just about being “usable” but about having something that makes you feel a little better when you carry it. Eco-friendly and also considerate of the user’s experience, this is the kind of value embodied in the product “Motte”.
Motte was created to solve those “small inconveniences smartly”. At first glance, it looks like a simple paper drink holder, but its shape and structure are packed with thoughtful design to balance convenience, environmental consideration, and style.
Motte uses an S-shaped cutout design that securely holds two cups with a single sheet of paper. It is easy to fold and carry, and it also helps reduce costs for stores. In addition, by adding custom printing or original messages, it can be used as a novelty item or for corporate branding.
This product aims to be more than just a holder. It seeks to capture the user’s “ease of carrying,” the company’s “message to convey,” and the planet’s “future” all in a single sheet of paper. Born from this concept, Motte can genuinely be called a next-generation takeout item that transforms “Too Good to Waste” into something positive.
Motte Overview
Motte is a reusable paper takeout drink holder that securely holds cups despite being made of paper. Its minimal structure, crafted from just a single sheet, features a patented design that allows two cups to be carried horizontally with stability.
At first glance, it looks like just a piece of cardboard, but when unfolded, it quickly transforms into a holder with a handle. The S-shaped slit structure grips the cups from above and below, keeping drinks stable without tilting. When not in use, it can be folded flat for storage, making it highly efficient for stocking in stores.
Particularly noteworthy is the option to print elements such as a company name or a thank-you message directly on the holder. Distributing it with a corporate logo can serve as an effective promotion. In fact, it has already been widely adopted for events, exhibitions, and as novelty goods. It is a product that enables branding while minimizing environmental impact, truly achieving two benefits in one.
Representative Companies Offering This Product
Truly “Paper Magic”! The Charm of the S-Shaped Slit Design
Source: Motte Homepage
One of Motte’s greatest appeals lies in its “structural beauty.” At first glance, it looks like an ordinary piece of cardboard, but once unfolded and held, its ingenious design is striking. The S-shaped slit cut into a single sheet of paper wraps around the cups like a puzzle, holding them securely from above and below. Without using any glue or fasteners, stability and functionality are achieved purely through the shape of the paper itself.
The greatest benefit of this slit structure is that it keeps drinks from wobbling. Its design prevents cups from tilting during transit or toppling over inside a carry bag, making it a true lifesaver for today’s busy lifestyles.
Another noteworthy point is its ability to carry two cups at once. The structure positions the cups so they support each other in perfect balance, making it more than just a convenient item. It stands as a well-crafted design product in its own right. Minimal and smart, yet with a certain warmth in its form, this is the true essence of Motte’s “paper magic.”
This seemingly simple mechanism is backed by a patent, meaning Motte’s structure is truly one of a kind. This invention, which has given new possibilities to paper products, is sure to offer valuable insights for future product design and eco-friendly packaging.
The Fun of Choosing Colors and Shapes: Motte’s Color Variations and Thoughtful Design
Source: Motte Homepage
Motte’s appeal lies not only in its structure and functionality. Its visual “fun” is also a major factor in enhancing the user experience. Particularly noteworthy are its wide range of color variations and the flexibility of its size design.
First, the color lineup truly inspires the “fun of choosing.” In addition to the classic natural brown, there are a variety of options such as white, black, gray, pink, and blue. Stores can select colors to match their café’s aesthetic or brand identity, helping to create a unique atmosphere. The simple yet refined look appeals to people of all genders and ages.
Another key point is its adjustable size. The holder features perforations and cutouts that allow it to fit the diameter of the drink cup flexibly. This makes it compatible with different paper cup sizes such as S, M, and L. It is truly a “thoughtful design” that meets the diverse needs of takeout.
Durability has also been carefully considered. Rather than using thin paper, it is made from thick kraft paper that balances strength and flexibility, allowing it to withstand the weight of drinks and movement during transport.
By achieving design, practicality, and environmental consideration at a high level, Motte is more than just an eco-friendly item. “As cute as a gift, as easy to use as infrastructure” is the perfect way to describe this small yet indispensable supporting player.
Standout as a Promotional Item: A Tool to “Carry” the Message You Want to Share
Another reason Motte is attracting attention is its excellent compatibility with corporate branding. Unlike mass-produced paper or plastic bags, Motte excels in both messaging and design, making it highly eye-catching as a promotional item.
In particular, the ability to print directly on the holder gives it strong appeal despite its simplicity. In addition to standard messages such as “Thank you,” “Good job,” or “Enjoy!”, it can also feature corporate logos, event names, and QR codes, leaving a lasting impression on those who receive it.
Furthermore, when folded, Motte becomes about the size of a postcard, making it easy to distribute. It serves as “advertising that gets used” at trade shows, street campaigns, and seasonal fairs. Unlike standard flyers or brochures, its usefulness ensures it stays in people’s memories for a longer time.
With growing awareness of the SDGs and ethical consumption, there is increasing demand for “eco-friendly promotional items.” Motte fits this need perfectly, attracting attention not just as a sales promotion tool but as a “product that embodies a company’s values.”
With a single sheet of paper, Motte delivers convenience, charm, eco-friendliness, and clear messaging all at once. Its multifunctionality is quietly bringing a revolution to the world of sales promotion.
Not Just for “One-Time Use”: The Potential of a Reusable, Circular Product
Source: Motte Homepage
Motte is more than just a drink holder. Its true value lies in the “story” that continues even after use. Most standard paper takeout holders are simply thrown in the trash after the drink is finished, following a one-way path. Motte, however, is different.
Even after it is used, it can “be carried by someone else again.” This design philosophy, based on the idea of reuse, is embedded in the brand name itself.
With its durable paper material and beautiful design, Motte does not look like “just disposable packaging.” Whether bringing coffee to colleagues at the office, delivering a treat to family, or carrying drinks to a nearby friend’s home, Motte proves useful in subtle ways and can be used again and again.
In fact, posts on social media saying things like “I reused it,” “It’s still perfectly usable,” and “This is so convenient” highlight how well its durability and design go hand in hand. Just as eco-bags have become part of daily life, Motte has the potential to establish itself as a “small paper companion.”
Motte is not just about reducing waste. It is a product that embodies the idea of a cycle, where the baton can be passed to someone else.
Want to “Carry” It Worldwide: Motte’s Global Potential
Motte’s appeal extends beyond Japan. This paper drink holder has been quietly attracting attention at overseas exhibitions and markets. In particular, in Europe, the United States, and parts of Asia, regulations on single-use plastics are advancing, and while demand for takeout is growing, interest in eco-friendly and stylish takeout goods is rapidly increasing.
Motte’s unique feature of being “made of paper yet durable and cute” draws reactions overseas like “I’ve never seen anything like this!” In fact, preparations are reportedly underway to build a production system with exports in mind, along with sales pages in English and Chinese, raising expectations for future global expansion.
There is also strong resonance with the Japanese concept of “Too Good to Waste”. Motte is valued not just as a tool, but as a product that carries a culturally rooted message of environmental consciousness. This is why collaborations with overseas lifestyle shops and ethical brands hold significant potential.
Born from Japan’s spirit of hospitality, Motte may soon add new value to takeout culture around the world. Such a future is by no means just a dream.
Conclusion: The Growing Reach of Gentle Choices That Begin with “Carrying”
The takeout drinks we casually pick up come with hidden challenges, such as the environmental impact of disposable containers and the stress of carrying them. By addressing these small inconveniences and adding a thoughtful twist to “how to carry,” Motte has introduced a new possibility.
An idea made from a single sheet of paper can enhance everyday comfort, convey a company’s message, and contribute to a kinder future for the planet. This cycle is at the heart of Motte. Through its S-shaped slit structure, wide range of color variations, use as a promotional item, and potential for reuse, Motte has become more than just a paper holder. It is a “tool for communication” and a “medium for carrying connections.”
Nowadays, when choosing products, people are looking not only for “cute” or “convenient,” but also for “meaning” and “background.” In this context, Motte offers a small moment of awareness to those who pick it up, presenting them with “a slightly better choice.”
Furthermore, Motte increases its value by “being chosen.” Its environmentally friendly materials, reusable design, and aesthetic beauty together make a quiet statement that says, “This is the kind of future we want.” A single sheet of paper can say, “I chose this.” Perhaps this is precisely the kind of product that is needed in today’s world.
Even if it is not something that stands out, Motte gently fits into someone’s daily life. This very way of being quietly points to the next form of “sustainability.” From here on, it will continue to support our everyday lives quietly and surely, while adding new meaning to the act of “carrying.”
FAQ About Motte
1. What Is Motte?
Motte is an eco-friendly drink holder designed for takeout use. It can be adjusted to fit different cup shapes and sizes, offering flexibility across various drink types. Its foldable design makes it compact and easy to carry, combining portability, storage efficiency, and environmental consideration in one user-friendly product.
2. What Makes It Different from Conventional Drink Holders?
One of its key features is its ability to provide high stability while remaining lightweight and compact. Compared to traditional holders, it is easier to carry and simpler to handle after use. Additionally, Motte places strong emphasis on sustainability by incorporating organic, recycled, and domestically sourced materials wherever possible, including in its packaging.
3. How Does It Secure the Cups?
Motte uses a drawcord system on the back to hold the cup in place. After placing the cup inside, you tighten the stopper to secure it firmly. The adjustable cord allows you to control the fit, helping prevent slipping or tilting.
4. Is It Stable During Use?
Yes, it is designed to minimize shaking and tilting while carrying. By fitting closely to the cup and securing it with the drawcord, it maintains stability even during movement. The materials are also selected for durability, allowing them to support the weight of beverages reliably in everyday takeout situations.
5. Can It Fit Different Cup Sizes?
Yes, it can fit a wide range of cup sizes thanks to its adjustable drawcord. Simply loosen the cord to insert the cup and tighten it to secure the fit. It can adapt to different cup diameters and heights, making it suitable for various store cup sizes.
6. What Are the Design Features?
Motte stands out for its wide variety of design options. It features illustrations and patterns created by professional designers, allowing users to choose styles that match their preferences or brand identity. In addition to functionality, visual appeal is also a key focus.
7. Is There Global Demand for Motte?
With growing environmental awareness, Motte has strong potential in international markets. It is particularly well-suited for regions with increasing plastic regulations. As a design-forward product originating from Japan, it is also gaining attention globally, with promising opportunities for expansion.
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If you're interested in Japan’s smart approach to reducing everyday waste, the video below introduces Motte, an innovative drink holder created from the idea of “too good to waste.” This video shows how simple design can turn unused materials into practical lifestyle products.
