UK's first multi-brand returnable cup scheme introduced

The UK’s first-ever returnable cup initiative between multiple national brands launched in Glasgow recently.

The UK’s first-ever returnable cup initiative between multiple national brands launched in Glasgow recently, aiming to cut into the 388m disposable cups used in Scotland each year. Major retailers  are joining forces to participate in Borrow Cup, a project set up by environmental charity Hubbub and reuse start-up Reposit. The initiative aims to expand further across the UK in future depending on the success of an initial three-month period.

Customers purchasing a drink at any participating store will be given the option to use a ‘Borrow Cup’ for a £1 deposit and will receive a discount or extra loyalty rewards at most participating locations. Cups are available in three different sizes, and customers can return them at any participating venue to either use again, swap for a clean cup for their next drink, get their deposit back at the till or a £1 voucher at a return point.

'A pioneering system'
Gavin Ellis, co-founder of Hubbub said: “Despite most people owning a reusable cup, they are generally left at home so it’s crucial we consider other ways to make reuse more accessible. We’ve taken learnings from other trials and created a pioneering shared system that makes it really simple for people to choose a reusable cup at point of sale.

"We want to demonstrate how a collaborative model can improve the success of returnable cups, and understand how it can become environmentally, commercially and operationally viable. If successful, we are optimistic that this approach can be rolled out further across the UK.”


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