The UK’s first-ever returnable cup initiative between a number of nationwide manufacturers launched in Glasgow on 27 January, aiming to chop into the 388 million disposable cups utilized in Scotland every year.
Main retailers together with Costa Espresso, Caffè Nero and Burger King® UK are becoming a member of forces to take part in “Borrow Cup”, a undertaking arrange by environmental charity Hubbub and reuse start-up Reposit. A number of native cafes, together with Tinderbox, Sprigg, Kelvingrove Museum and Glasgow Metropolis Chambers are additionally a part of the initiative, which goals to develop additional throughout the UK in future relying on the success of an preliminary three-month interval.
Prospects buying a drink at any taking part retailer can be given the choice to make use of a ‘Borrow Cup’ for a £1 deposit and can obtain a reduction or additional loyalty rewards at most taking part areas*. Cups can be found in three totally different sizes, and clients can return them at any taking part venue to both use once more, swap for a clear cup for his or her subsequent drink, get their deposit again on the until or a £1 voucher at a return level.
In keeping with WRAP2, over three billion disposable cups are used within the UK yearly. Latest analysis from Hubbub reveals that just about three-quarters of UK residents personal a reusable cup, nevertheless solely a 3rd say they use it at the very least as soon as a month3. Borrow Cup goals to check whether or not offering a reusable possibility at supply and making it extra handy for patrons by offering a dense community of return factors, leads to fewer disposable cups getting used.
So far, returnable cup initiatives have usually did not progress as a consequence of trials being too small-scale; cumbersome person experiences have deterred engagement; and a scarcity of data-led traceability and measurement has restricted additional improvement. Borrow Cup is totally different as it’s a pioneering collaboration with main manufacturers and native cafes, making a excessive focus of return factors within the busiest areas of Glasgow. The person journey is straightforward with minimal friction (no apps or sign-ups) and sturdy monitoring and measurement will assist decide how the system can grow to be environmentally and financially viable.
Gavin Ellis, Co-founder at Hubbub mentioned: “Regardless of most individuals proudly owning a reusable cup, they’re usually left at house so it’s essential we take into account different methods to make reuse extra accessible. We’ve taken learnings from different trials and created a pioneering shared system that makes it actually easy for folks to decide on a reusable cup at level of sale.
Disposable cups make up 30percent4 of the drinks waste in Glasgow’s on-street bins so we’re delighted to companion with over 50 areas together with some main manufacturers and hope this trial will shift habits and assist to make reusable cups the norm. We need to show how a collaborative mannequin can enhance the success of returnable cups, and perceive the way it can grow to be environmentally, commercially and operationally viable. If profitable, we’re optimistic that this strategy could be rolled out additional throughout the UK.”
Stuart, Co-founder of Reposit mentioned: “As an area enterprise we’re delighted to be enabling native folks, native and nationwide companies to make a easy change from single-use to returnable cups. The world is watching how Glasgow is main the way in which in order that they will observe”.
Nicola Pierce, Director of Industrial Planning & ESG at Burger King® UK mentioned: “Burger King® UK is happy to companion with Hubbub to convey Borrow Cup to Glasgow. This business collaboration permits us to discover revolutionary methods to supply our clients a handy and sustainable various and we look ahead to seeing the outcomes.”
Gareth Hopley, Head of Communication at Caffè Nero mentioned: “We now have lengthy been supporters of recycling schemes for disposable cups, such because the Valpak scheme, and we’re delighted to be partnering on Borrow Cup. We already supply extra loyalty stamps to any buyer who makes use of a reusable cup in any of our shops, and Borrow Cup will sit completely alongside aspect it. I’m positive it is going to be vastly profitable.”
Liz Higgins, World Head of Sustainability at Costa Espresso mentioned: “At Costa Espresso, we’re delighted to be a part of this collaboration. Working with Hubbub and companions on the Borrow Cup initiative presents an thrilling alternative to grasp the way to make reusable choices extra handy to everybody. We’re proud to hitch this effort throughout the business and look ahead to seeing outcomes of the trial.”
Performing Cupboard Secretary for Web Zero and Power, Gillian Martin mentioned:
“Single-use cups create over 5,400 tonnes of waste in Scotland yearly and initiatives like Borrow Cup are very important for driving change and lowering waste.
“By encouraging the usage of returnable and reusable cups, this undertaking demonstrates the facility of collaboration between main manufacturers, impartial companies, and revolutionary organisations like Hubbub and Reposit. Whereas we proceed to research waste discount insurance policies, together with analysing session responses on proposals for a minimal cost on single-use beverage cups, voluntary efforts resembling this play a important position in lowering waste, defending our surroundings, and supporting Scotland’s journey towards a round economic system.”
Hubbub are working with Carbon Brilliant to evaluate the environmental impression of Borrow Cup after which goals to develop Borrow Cup additional primarily based on the success of the primary three months.
Borrow Cup can be supplied on the following retailers throughout Glasgow; Costa Espresso (11 areas); Caffè Nero (14 areas) and Burger King® UK (12 areas). Native cafes embody Tinderbox (5 areas); Sprigg (3 areas); Kelvingrove Museum and Glasgow Metropolis Chambers (2 areas, operated by Encore).
The undertaking has been funded by the taking part manufacturers (Costa Espresso, Caffè Nero and Burger King® UK) together with Ecosurety, Bunzl, British Plastics Federation and KFC. Business companions have additionally supported the undertaking, with the cups supplied by Berry, washing gear supplied by Electrolux, RFID scanning know-how from Avery Dennison, plus undertaking help from Hold Scotland Lovely and Biffa.
For extra info on Borrow Cup go to hubbub.org.uk/borrow-cup.
