Bunzl plc is supporting a pioneering, collaborative returnable cup initiative for Glasgow, enabling businesses to reduce disposable cups.  ‘Borrow Cup’ is a shared system that enables customers to avoid disposable cups, by borrowing a returnable cup from any participating location.

This not-for-profit scheme is being run by award-winning environmental charity Hubbub, specialising in creative behaviour change campaigns with expertise in the reusable packaging sector. Hubbub oversee project management, research, design, communications and measurement.  Glasgow-based reusable packaging systems provider Reposit, will lead on the operational delivery of the scheme including logistics, washing and reporting.

Standardised cups will be available in 8oz, 12oz and 16oz sizes, with one lid size for all cups.  RFID chips and QR codes will enable the cup usage to be tracked and provide customers with information on the scheme.  Current carbon modelling predicts that ‘Borrow Cup’ will have a lower environmental impact than disposable cups after 3 uses.

‘Borrow Cup’ will launch on 27th January at over 40 stores, including major brands and local cafes, focusing on central and West End areas, and expanding further with demand from stores.   The scheme will provide a convenient user journey for customers, with no apps or sign-up processes, along with a better cup design and functionality than disposable cups.

In consumer research*,77% of people were open to using the scheme and 63% would be happy to pay at least a £1 deposit, being most motivated by:

• Wide availability of the scheme
• Earning rewards or discounts
• Knowing that it reduces waste and is better for the environment

Justin Turquet, Director of Sustainability at Bunzl Catering & Hospitality Division, comments: “It’s great to see Bunzl continue its support for Hubbub initiatives. The ‘Borrow Cup’ scheme in Glasgow is bringing together partners, like Costa Coffee, to make re-use simple and accessible. We’re excited to be working with multiple stakeholders to drive positive change, and to play our part in helping create a sustainable future.”

‘Borrow Cup’ has the potential to demonstrate how a collaborative model can improve the success of a returnable cup project, and understand how it can become environmentally, commercially and operationally viable.

*Online surveying with 161 people in Glasgow, Feb 2024