Berry Global's reusable cup range was selected for Borrow Cup's „Collaborative Returnable Cup Initiative“, which was launched in Glasgow, Scotland, at the end of January.
Borrow Cup was launched by environmental organisation Hubbub and Glasgow-based reusable packaging systems provider Reposit, and offers reusable cups at participating locations. The project involves Over 40 companies involved, including local cafés and major brands such as Costa Coffee, Caffè Nero and Burger King UK.
Customers pay a deposit of one pound sterling for their Borrow Cup. They can then at any point of sale involved in the project, either to refill the cup, exchange it for a new one or get their deposit back. Cups can also be returned to special return points where customers can receive a digital voucher. Used cups are collected by Reposit, washed at the plant and returned to the shops.
The Polypropylene reusable cups from Berry are available in three standardised sizes with a matching universal lid and were selected for the Borrow Cup project due to their durability, easy-to-clean design and dishwasher-safe construction. The cups can also be recycled when they reach the end of their life, as long as appropriate recycling facilities are available. The project organisers chose plastic as this material has a lower environmental impact compared to others. Current models assume this, that Borrow Cup will have a lower environmental impact than disposable cups after three uses.
Another decision criterion was the Equipping the Berry cups with RFID chips, that can be used to track their use, and QR codes, which consumers can use to find out more about the programme. In particular, the data from the RFID chips should help to measure acceptance, yield and environmental impact in order to determine how Borrow Cup can become ecologically and financially viable.
Borrow Cup also wants to test in the project whether the provision of a reusable option and the improvement of user-friendliness for customers can be realised. through a dense network of return points can help to ensure that fewer disposable cups are used.
„We want to show how a collaborative model can improve the success of reusable cups and find out how it can become environmentally, economically and operationally viable. We are optimistic that, if successful, this approach can be rolled out across the UK.“
Gavin Ellis, Co-founder of Hubbub
Berry's reusable cups are part of the „B Circular“ range of standard packaging solutions designed for the circular economy. They vfeature heat-insulating louvres, which ensure comfort and stability for both hot and cold drinks. They are durable and lightweight and feel high quality even after repeated use. The The universal lid supplied, also made of PP, is leak-proof and liquid-tight, ensures safe transport and allows users to enjoy hot or cold drinks with or without a straw.
Source: Berry Global
