Scotland Takes Groundbreaking Step with Launch of Returnable Cup Scheme
Glasgow, Scotland – In a groundbreaking effort to combat the mounting waste from single-use products, the UK’s first returnable drinking cup scheme has been unveiled. The Borrow Cup initiative, launched in Glasgow on Monday, boasts over 40 participating outlets, including major retailers like Costa Coffee, Burger King, Caffe Nero, and Tinderbox, as well as smaller establishments such as Kelvingrove Museum, Sprigg, and Glasgow City Chambers.
The brainchild of charity Hubbub and reuse start-up Reposit, the scheme aims to make a significant impact not only in Scotland but potentially across the UK. The project’s success in its initial three-month trial period will determine its future expansion.
Customers patronizing any of the participating stores will have the option to utilize a Borrow Cup for a nominal £1 deposit, accompanied by a discount or loyalty reward at most establishments. With three cup size variations available, patrons can return their cups after use in exchange for a clean one for their next beverage or a £1 voucher. Despite three-quarters of UK residents owning a reusable cup, only a third utilize them on a monthly basis, highlighting the need for initiatives like Borrow Cup.
According to Zero Waste Scotland, a staggering 388 million disposable cups are used annually in Scotland alone. Gavin Ellis, the co-founder of Hubbub, emphasized the urgency of addressing disposable cup waste, stating, “We know disposable cup waste is an issue Scotland is keen to tackle, so we are delighted to launch the UK’s first cross-brand returnable cup initiative here in Glasgow.” Ellis added, “By making it easy and convenient for people to choose reusable cups, we hope Borrow Cup will shift habits and help make reusable cups the norm.”
Stuart Chidley, co-founder of Reposit, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of local businesses and communities embracing sustainable practices. Chidley stated, “As a local business, we are delighted to enable local people and 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.”
Key industry players like Burger King UK and Caffe Nero have thrown their support behind the Borrow Cup initiative. Nicola Pierce, director of commercial planning, environment, social, and governance at Burger King UK, expressed excitement about the partnership with Hubbub, stating, “This industry collaboration allows us to explore innovative ways to offer our customers a convenient and sustainable alternative.” Gareth Hopley, head of communications at Caffe Nero, added, “We have long been supporters of recycling schemes for disposable cups and are delighted to be partnering on Borrow Cup.”
The success of the Borrow Cup initiative hinges on community participation and engagement. Gavin Ellis emphasized, “For it to be a success, we need the people of Glasgow to get behind Borrow Cup so we can show the rest of the UK what is possible.” With stakeholders across various sectors rallying behind this initiative, Glasgow’s Borrow Cup scheme serves as a beacon of hope in the fight against single-use waste, setting an example for other regions to follow suit.
