COMPASS Group UK & Ireland is to expand its use of Cauli’s technology-enabled reusable food and drink packaging system.
The company provides contract catering, hospitality, vending, and facilities management services across the UK.
The rollout follows an extensive proof-of-concept phase designed to refine reuse solutions across diverse, high-volume operating environments, within Compass’ restaurant associates group, Eurest, Chartwells, and healthcare sectors.
Every piece of Cauli packaging – including coffee cups, takeaway boxes, and pizza boxes is reusable up to 400 times, with a unique digital ID to maximise lifespan and data transparency. The system utilises smart tracking technologies, enabling customers to borrow and return food and drink containers seamlessly.
To date, Compass estimates over 383,000 single-use packaging items have been eliminated. The partnership with Cauli also includes the integration of an AI-powered reverse vending machine (RVM) across Compass sites to automate and simplify the container return process.
Ashleigh Taylor, head of environment at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said, “We’ve been really impressed by Cauli’s innovative reusable cups and container initiative, and the statistics we’ve seen back up that the system can have a positive impact in reducing single use packaging. We are now looking to roll out Cauli further within our business, which will support our commitment to reducing single-use packaging and help our clients in becoming more sustainable.”
Mingqiao Zhao, co-founder at Cauli, added, “A truly circular economy relies on accountability, not just alternatives. Many reuse schemes fail because without tracking, packaging simply disappears. By integrating smart traceability into the Cauli Reuse System, we keep containers in circulation and deliver data-backed waste reduction at scale. Partnering with Compass has allowed us to prove our technology in high-volume, cross-sector environments, and we are thrilled to expand this rollout to help more of their clients seamlessly transition to a frictionless, circular model.”
