BERRY Global’s range of reusable plastic cups has been selected for the Borrow Cup ‘collaborative returnable cup initiative’, which was launched recently in Glasgow.
Borrow Cup – developed by environmental charity Hubbub and Glasgow-based reusable packaging systems provider Reposit – provides a shared system that allows consumers to avoid disposable cups by borrowing a returnable cup from any participating location.
The 12-week project involves over 40 businesses, including local cafés alongside major brands such as Costa Coffee, Caffè Nero and Burger King.
Customers pay a £1 deposit for their Borrow Cup. They can then return it to any outlet in the project to refill the cup, swap it for a new one, or receive their deposit back. Cups can also be dropped off at special return points, where customers receive a digital coupon. Used cups are collected by Reposit, washed, and returned to stores.
Berry said its reusable cups, manufactured in polypropylene (PP) and available in standardised 8, 12 and 16oz sizes with a universal lid for all three, were selected thanks to their ‘durability, easy-clean design and dishwasher-safe construction’. The cups can also be recycled at end of life where appropriate recycling facilities exist.
The project organisers say plastic was chosen due to a lower environmental impact compared to other materials, with current carbon modelling predicting that Borrow Cup will have a lower environmental impact than disposable cups after three uses.
The Berry cups also incorporate RFID chips, which enable cup usage to be tracked, and QR codes, which provide consumers with information on the scheme. In particular, the data from the RFID chips will help to measure uptake, returns, and environmental impact to determine how Borrow Cup can become environmentally and financially viable.
“It’s crucial we consider other ways to make reuse more accessible, so this pioneering shared system makes it really simple for people to choose a reusable cup at point of sale,” said Gavin Ellis, co-founder of Hubbub. “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.”
The Berry reusable cups feature heat-insulating ribs designed to ensure comfort and stability for both hot and cold drinks. The company describe them as ‘durable but lightweight’, adding that they retain their premium quality feel even after they have been used several times. The accompanying universal sip lid, also manufactured in PP, is said to be leak-proof with a liquid-tight fit, and allows users to enjoy beverages with or without a straw.
