Pioneering technology for sustainable workplaces
We founded Lava Labs to prove that technology can change behaviour at scale.
Cups are where we’re starting, a challenge that touches millions of people every day. But our vision goes further: building smart, human-centred systems that make sustainable choices effortless, in cups and beyond.
Our story
From the beginning, we knew good design couldn’t happen in isolation.
We spent six years side by side with the people who would inform our system most. From customers and distributors to researchers, experts, and policymakers. Together, we dug into the barriers that made reuse so difficult and uncovered the small points of friction that stopped big change from happening.
That journey shaped instarinse®. Every prototype, every test, every late-night iteration brought us closer to a design that felt effortless in practice but robust enough for the real world.
The result is more than a product. It’s proof that when design is fuelled by collaboration and grounded in real problems, it can change behaviour at scale.
Leadership team
We bring together expertise in product design, sustainability technology, and workplace solutions. Our team combines engineering excellence with deep understanding of organisational behaviour and environmental challenges.
Theo founded Lava Labs out of a passion for electronics and a drive to tackle waste through technology. As CEO, he leads the company’s strategy and vision, shaping how design and digital systems drive behaviour change.
A former senior engineer at Dyson, Rory has taken dozens of products from concept to launch, from hand-dryers and taps to wearables and lighting. As co-founder and CTO, he leads Lava Labs’ product development and technical innovation.
With over 35 years of experience in industrial design and appliance engineering, Ian has scaled production for global brands. As COO, he ensures Lava Labs delivers robust, reliable solutions, from prototype to mass manufacture.
Our investors and partners
instarinse® is backed by leading investors and built in collaboration with trusted global partners. Together, we’re creating technology that makes sustainability effortless, scalable, and impactful.
"We’re proud to have backed Lava Labs since their first prototype to now a market launch with partner Bunzl. instarinse® is a high impact innovation that tackles the billions of disposable cups thrown into landfill each year and makes reuse effective and cheaper for organisations."
Sir Richard Olver, Founder and Chairman, QantX VC, Former Chair of BAE Systems and former Deputy Group Chief Executive of BP
Justin Turquet – Director of Sustainability, Bunzl Catering Division
We’re now inviting further forward-thinking investors and strategic partners to join us, to accelerate adoption, expand reach, and reshape the way the world reuses.