Why We Prioritise Australian Made.
We’re big on keeping things local—and not just because it feels good to support our local community, but because it’s the foundation of how we stay true to our mission: eliminating single-use waste while delivering top-quality, reusable products.
When Sam and I started Bettercup, we knew local manufacturing would be an important point of difference. But here’s the truth: we didn’t come from manufacturing backgrounds, so it was quite the undertaking to figure it all out. I’ll never forget ringing around to work out where to start and getting laughed at down the phone—“Why would you bother?” some man on the phone said. Well, look who’s laughing now! 😉
Figuring out how to manufacture locally took time, persistence, and a lot of investment. But it’s been worth every bit of effort. Today, most of our products—like our tumblers and tasters—are made just 200m down the road from our HQ in Keysborough, and we’ve recently tooled up with brand-new manufacturing capabilities to launch something very exciting: an Melbourne-made product that we’ll officially unveil in January. (Keep your eyes peeled!)
Here’s why we’ve always prioritised Australian made and why it matters to us:
Reduced Carbon Footprint
By producing locally, we’re cutting emissions that come with international transport. Our HQ is right near our manufacturing facility, meaning we save big on fuel consumption and transport miles. With international freight contributing around 30% of transport-related emissions globally, keeping things close to home is one small but impactful way we’re tackling carbon footprints.
Supporting Local Jobs and the Economy
Manufacturing locally means we’re contributing directly to the economy, creating jobs, and supporting small businesses. The manufacturing sector already adds over $100 billion to the Australian economy each year and supports close to 900,000 jobs—and when businesses like ours keep production local, that number only grows.
Faster Turnaround Times
No long wait times or shipping delays here! Manufacturing in Australia means we can move quickly to get products made, cleaned, and delivered. That’s been a game-changer for our customers, especially when they need solutions fast.
Unmatched Quality Control
We’re proud of the quality of Bettercup products, and local manufacturing allows us to stay hands-on with every step of the process. We can monitor production closely and make sure everything meets our high standards—because when your products are built to last hundreds of uses, quality really matters.
Closer Collaboration
Working with our local partners means better communication, quicker problem-solving, and a stronger sense of collaboration. We’ve been able to build long lasting and trusted relationships with suppliers and partners who share our vision of sustainability, which keeps everything running smoothly.
Australian-made has always been worth it to us. It’s better for the planet, better for our local communities, and better for our customers. And while it’s taken a lot of effort and investment to get here, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
With our new production capability, we’re set to launch something really exciting this January—stay tuned!
Christie Kamphuis, Co-Founder.
@christie@bettercup.com.au
P.S. Curious about how our locally-made products work at events? Check them out here or get in touch to chat about how we can help eliminate single-use waste at your next event.