If there’s one thing Australians love more than a good flat white, it’s a clever money-saving hack—especially when it comes with a side of sustainability.
But as one Melbourne cafe’s inventive approach to coffee trays has shown, not every eco-friendly idea is met with universal applause.
In fact, this particular tactic has sparked a lively debate online, with some hailing it as genius and others, well, holding their noses.
The coffee tray controversy: A tale of two cartons
It all started when a Melbourne local took to social media to share a snap of their neighbourhood cafe’s unconventional drinks tray.
Forget the standard-issue cardboard carriers—this tray was fashioned from two empty MILKLAB cartons, taped together and punctured with four X-shaped holes to cradle takeaway cups.
The DIY creation was held together with a healthy dose of masking tape and, presumably, a fair bit of ingenuity.
‘I appreciated them using rubbish for something useful before it gets turfed or recycled. Though I think they also want less stuff in their bins haha,’ the original poster commented, sparking a flurry of responses.
Resourcefulness or rubbish? The internet weighs in
Many online commentators were quick to praise the cafe’s resourcefulness. With the cost of commercial coffee trays hovering around 20 cents a pop, it’s no wonder some small businesses are looking for ways to cut costs and reduce waste.
‘That is one way of reusing!’ one person cheered. Another, a former cafe owner, lamented not having thought of the idea themselves, noting, ‘Trays are really quite pricey… This is a good idea.’
Others pointed out that this practice isn’t as rare as it might seem. ‘This is suuuper common in WA, I’m surprised so many people are seeing it for the first time!’ one commenter wrote.
Another chimed in, ‘I’ve seen this in both Perth and Adelaide. It’s not anything new, and should be more common given how much of the alternative milks are used, and that none (as far as I know) come in recyclable packaging.’
The downside: Smells, soapy water, and staff sighs
Of course, not everyone was sold on the idea. Critics questioned whether the effort required to clean, cut, and tape the cartons was really worth it—especially when the end result might still carry a lingering whiff of yesterday’s oat milk.
‘Feels like so much effort to clean them, cut them, then tape them just to use as a tray which is cheap and recycled/recyclable anyway?’ one sceptic asked.
Others wondered about the environmental impact of using hot water and soap to clean the cartons, potentially offsetting any eco-friendly gains.
‘Seems labour intensive,’ another added, while a third pondered, ‘So paper, tape, and rinsing the old containers until they don’t smell?’
The bigger picture: Waste, recycling, and the Australian cafe scene
This debate taps into a broader conversation about sustainability in Australia’s thriving cafe culture. With millions of takeaway coffees sold each week, the waste generated by single-use cups, lids, and trays is staggering.
While many cafes have embraced compostable or recyclable packaging, the reality is that not all materials are processed as intended—especially when it comes to the complex, multi-layered cartons used for alternative milks.
Repurposing these cartons as coffee trays is, in some ways, a clever workaround. It gives the packaging a second life and reduces the need for new materials.
But as the online debate shows, the devil is in the details: Is the extra effort justified? Does the environmental benefit outweigh the inconvenience (and the potential for a faintly cheesy-smelling latte)?
Had to share what my local cafe does for trays
by u/PeteDarwin in australia
What’s the verdict?
Ultimately, whether you see this hack as a stroke of genius or a step too far may come down to your own priorities.
Are you a die-hard eco-warrior, willing to put up with a bit of extra effort (and maybe a whiff of almond milk) for the sake of the planet?
Or do you prefer your coffee trays fresh, clean, and hassle-free—even if it means a few more cents on your bill?
Your turn: Would you embrace the carton tray?
We want to hear from you! Have you spotted this DIY tray hack at your local cafe? Would you be happy to carry your morning brew in a repurposed milk carton, or do you draw the line at upcycled packaging? And what other clever sustainability tricks have you seen in your neighbourhood?
Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation brewing!
Also read: Café’s 30 per cent extra charge leaves customer stunned
