“Udo”: BRIGITTE tests the lid from “Die Höhle der Löwen”

“Udo” – the universal lid, which can be put on any standard cup size and has a closable drinking opening, should make to-go cups superfluous in the future and help to avoid waste. That sounds promising, but what does it show in the practical test?

Produce less rubbish with “Udo”

Carina Frings came up with the idea for “Udo” as part of a semester project: The student was given the task of designing a sustainable reusable cup that would make disposable coffee-to-go cups superfluous. For Carina, however, the problem was already obvious when setting the task: Why should you develop an additional reusable cup when we all already have cups at home?

The student’s solution was a Reusable lid, which can easily be placed on existing cups. The lid is intended to be a sustainable and reusable alternative that can be taken anywhere and is practical for on the go. Carina Fringe and her business partner Dennis Krey explain it this way:

We think: Why should we still produce a reusable cup when we all already have a suitable container for coffee-to-go at home? That’s why we only have the right lid for it. It motivates us to set an example for sustainable consumption with “Udo and to promote the topic socially.

“Udo” at “The Lion’s Den”

Not only has Carina’s invention won several awards, but with her business partner Dennis Krey she was also able to inspire investor Ralf Dümmel with the product in the VOX show “Die Höhle der Löwen”: “2.7 billion coffee-to-go lids are thrown away every year! That is over now, because ‘Udo’ turns almost every commercially available cup into a to-go cup. So you can use your favorite cup on the go without producing extra rubbish . Carina and Dennis are two great founders who immediately inspired me “, says Dümmel, who invested in “Udo”.

It is clear that recyclable products are always better than the disposable to-go cups! But does the universal lid offer a real alternative to reusable cups? And how practicable does it show in the everyday test? We took a closer look at the product in the BRIGITTE test!

“Udo” in the BRIGITTE test

This is what “Udo” promises:

The first impression of “Udo” from “Die Höhle der Löwen”

With a normal cup size with a diameter of up to 82 millimeters, “Udo” can simply be put on. Due to the conical shape, in which small steps are stamped into the lid, the product can be attached. At the top of the lid there is a drinking opening that can be closed. In terms of design and colors, the lid looks very appealing.

My experience with the universal lid

The universal lid can be used without any problems. I grab any cup from the shelf – and lo and behold: the lid fits and sits well. So if I’ve just made myself a drink and want to go somewhere, I can just put the lid on and everything is ready for the road. It’s pleasantly straightforward! In addition, hot drinks stay warm longer.

“Udo” is also very practical for the summer: Mix a delicious drink in a glass, add “Udo” on it – and in no time at all I have my drink to go, which also keeps bees, wasps & Co. away. In fact, the combination of your favorite cup or your favorite cocktail glass plus “Udo” also looks very stylish. In general, the lid is easy to clean as you can get to all areas.

Now, however, I would like to know to what extent “Udo” can keep up with or replace my closable, reusable Coffee-To-Go cups – and there are actually two disadvantages: If I use a normal cup made of porcelain or ceramic with “Udo” for To-go cups transform, the weight is noticeable. “Udo” in itself is easy, but whether I want to be outside with my porcelain or ceramic cups remains to be seen.

Also, I can’t really imagine having my somewhat heavier coffee cup from home in my backpack or handbag if I’m suddenly thirsty for coffee on the way. On the other hand, the closure of the drinking opening is not completely tight and liquid drips out as soon as I hold the cup across. So when I close my filled cup with Udo and put it in my bag or backpack for better transport, it must not tilt.

My conclusion on “Udo”

In principle, I think all ideas that contribute to avoiding waste with disposable cups are good! It sounds pleasantly uncomplicated to simply fill your half-drunk coffee cup with “Udo” in the morning and thus be able to spontaneously make it transportable. Or with “Udo” plus your favorite cup on the way to the next coffee stand in the district.

But as soon as it comes to being active outside with a normal cup or glass, the idea doesn’t go against the closable and washable drinking cups for on the go. In comparison, normal cups with “Udo” are simply too unwieldy, heavy and not tight enough.

For everyone who wants to use the universal lid for short distances in the garden, at home or for the coffee or cocktail stand around the corner, “Udo” is well suited – and definitely the more sustainable alternative than a disposable cup!

Missed an episode or want an overview? All further information about “The Lion’s Den” can be found here.

Sources used:The lion’s den, Vox, Udo