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 annually.
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 challenge 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 increase additional throughout the UK in future relying on the success of an preliminary three-month interval.
Clients buying a drink at any taking part retailer might 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 places*. 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 response to WRAP2, over three billion disposable cups are used within the UK yearly. Latest analysis from Hubbub reveals that almost three-quarters of UK residents personal a reusable cup, nevertheless solely a 3rd say they use it no less than as soon as a month3. Borrow Cup goals to check whether or not offering a reusable choice at supply and making it extra handy for patrons by offering a dense community of return factors, leads to fewer disposable cups getting used.
Up to now, returnable cup initiatives have usually didn’t progress attributable to trials being too small-scale; cumbersome consumer experiences have deterred engagement; and an absence 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 consumer journey is straightforward with minimal friction (no apps or sign-ups) and sturdy monitoring and measurement will assist decide how the system can turn into 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 dwelling so it’s essential we contemplate 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 associate with over 50 places together with some main manufacturers and hope this trial will shift habits and assist to make reusable cups the norm. We wish to exhibit how a collaborative mannequin can enhance the success of returnable cups, and perceive the way it can turn into environmentally, commercially and operationally viable. If profitable, we’re optimistic that this method will be rolled out additional throughout the UK.”
Stuart, Co-founder of Reposit mentioned: “As a local business we are delighted to be enabling local people, local and national businesses to make a simple switch from single-use to returnable cups. The world is watching how Glasgow is leading the way so that they can follow”.
Nicola Pierce, Director of Business Planning & ESG at Burger King® UK mentioned: “Burger King® UK is excited to partner with Hubbub to bring Borrow Cup to Glasgow. This industry collaboration allows us to explore innovative ways to offer our customers a convenient and sustainable alternative and we look forward to seeing the results.”
Gareth Hopley, Head of Communication at Caffè Nero mentioned: “We have long been supporters of recycling schemes for disposable cups, such as the Valpak scheme, and we’re delighted to be partnering on Borrow Cup. We already offer additional loyalty stamps to any customer who uses a reusable cup in any of our stores, and Borrow Cup will sit perfectly along side it. I’m sure it will be hugely successful.”
Liz Higgins, International Head of Sustainability at Costa Espresso mentioned: “At Costa Coffee, we are delighted to be part of this collaboration. Working with Hubbub and partners on the Borrow Cup initiative presents an exciting opportunity to understand how to make reusable options more convenient to everyone. We’re proud to join this effort within the industry and look forward to seeing results of the trial.”
Appearing 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 decreasing waste.
“By encouraging the use of returnable and reusable cups, this project demonstrates the power of collaboration between major brands, independent businesses, and innovative organisations like Hubbub and Reposit. While we continue to investigate waste reduction policies, including analysing consultation responses on proposals for a minimum charge on single-use beverage cups, voluntary efforts such as this play a critical role in reducing waste, protecting our environment, and supporting Scotland’s journey toward a circular economy.”
Hubbub are working with Carbon Brilliant to evaluate the environmental influence of Borrow Cup after which goals to increase Borrow Cup additional based mostly on the success of the primary three months.
Borrow Cup might be provided on the following retailers throughout Glasgow; Costa Espresso (11 places); Caffè Nero (14 places) and Burger King® UK (12 places). Native cafes embrace Tinderbox (5 places); Sprigg (3 places); Kelvingrove Museum and Glasgow Metropolis Chambers (2 places, operated by Encore).
The challenge 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. Trade companions have additionally supported the challenge, with the cups offered by Berry, washing gear offered by Electrolux, RFID scanning expertise from Avery Dennison, plus challenge assist from Hold Scotland Lovely and Biffa.
For extra data on Borrow Cup go to hubbub.org.uk/borrow-cup.
