It’s safe to say that the nation enjoys hot drinks. Be it tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, the public works its way through a mind-blowing 2.5 billion disposable cups each year. On second thought, ‘enjoys’ might’ve been an understatement…
With most single-use cups sent to landfill, which take decades to breakdown, it won’t be long before they are driven out of use entirely, either through legislation or simply desire for a waste-free world. Change is on the horizon, but what are the drivers for changing consumer habits, and why is now the time for a returnable revolution?
Drivers of change
With a growing awareness of a circular economy and its benefits, more businesses than ever before are exploring alternatives to single-use cups. That being said, the shift away from single-use requires a habitual shift. This won’t be easy, but it’s possible with the help of baristas and café managers, who are key to effectively selling change to customers at the point of sale.
If they trust the process, then establishing a successful circular economy of returnable cups becomes a lot easier to achieve. Baristas have a huge role to play in advocating for reusables and returnables, which can be achieved by presenting change as a choice and promoting returnable solutions as a no-brainer in comparison to single-use. How can they be won over, though?
Training and awareness
Firstly, demonstrating the potential carbon emissions savings of just one returnable cup compared to hundreds of single-use versions is crucial. It’s now possible to purchase a returnable cup with a carbon footprint equivalent to just under two single-use paper cups, meaning hot drinks served become negative after two uses.
Motivational training is just as important. Businesses are encouraged to support their staff, so they fully understand the system and logistics, as this empowers them as champions of the movement, all while making sure they are confident and capable of driving customer uptake.
There are plenty of ways to do so, including:
- Removing disposable cups from view, instead making customers request them
- Use trusted messengers like baristas and coffee aficionados to encourage first time users to consider using returnables
- Incentivise the uptake of returnables by offering discounts on drinks served in returnable cups or setting up loyalty schemes with a variety of benefits
Impending legislation
Legislation on the use of disposable cups is tightening across Europe, and the UK could soon be under pressure to commit to adopting sustainable alternatives. Germany, for instance, has introduced a levy on single-use cups for beverages, including covers and lids. Closer to home, England and Wales have also banned the supply and sale of single-use polystyrene drink containers, cutlery, and drink stirrers.
This is a promising step forward, but businesses still have a real chance to get ahead of the curve. Incoming regulation is expected to bring reuse targets, along with policy around reusable and refillable drink containers in deposit return schemes. By investing in truly circular concepts, the catering sector can improve its sustainability credentials, bottom line and customer appeal long before it’s forced to by law.
Smart-enabled tech systems
The good news is that returnable cup schemes are becoming more sophisticated almost by the month. Circular&Co.’s TAP&REUSE system uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology embedded into each cup. This system is the most convenient and cost-effective method of running a returnable cup system.
TAP&REUSE allows customers to simply tap their card to borrow a cup: no app and no deposit needed. It also enables businesses to dramatically reduce their operating cost and reduce their carbon footprint. All of this data is captured in a digital dashboard offering a simple way to enhance CSR reporting and inventory management.
What’s more, the customer’s experience is also enhanced thanks to the ability to scan the cup’s QR code to quickly view how long is left to return the cup and the location of nearby return points. The flexibility of the system helps organisations seamlessly facilitate cup returns via standard return points or over the counter.
Making change possible
Soon enough, 95% of those who still use single-use coffee cups will need a cost-effective, hassle-free solution. The latest commercially viable returnables that can deliver significant environmental, cost, and CSR benefits are waiting for the call up.
The more people become accustomed to returnable systems as the norm, the quicker the much-needed cultural shift away from single-use will arrive. Circular&Co. is on hand to support the transition to reuse systems at scale by empowering organisations to create impactful, successful schemes.
Visit here for more information on Circular&Co.’s TAP&REUSE system.