Together they eradicated approximately 620,000 coffee cups, which represents a combined saving of 27 tonnes (26.87) of CO2e per year. This could heat 12 domestic homes for a year. After successful pilot projects, the returnable cup scheme is now fully operational at both attractions.
Visitors pay a small deposit for a returnable cup, which is then returned to a reverse vending-style machine. The deposit is then refunded almost instantly upon cup return. The cups are then collected, washed, and reused.
David Green, Blenheim’s head of innovation, said: “The returnable cup scheme is a major step towards our Net Zero pledge, and it’s hugely gratifying to be working alongside re-universe and Eden Project in leading the way for other UK tourist destinations and retailers.
“We believe climate change is the single biggest threat to Blenheim’s long-term survival and we’re committed to doing all we can to reduce and mitigate its impacts and help safeguard this World Heritage Site and its resources for future generations.”
The returnable scheme at the Eden Project is estimated to save around 220,000 single-use coffee cups per year, eliminating around four tonnes of waste and a 72% CO2e saving.
Becky Fenner, hospitality manager at Eden Project, added: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do here at the Eden Project and with so many visitors coming through our doors every year, it is crucial we are walking the talk and operating in as sustainable a way as we can.
“As technology improves to match our ambition, we’re delighted to be working with re-universe alongside Blenheim Palace. We are excited to see how the machines both improve the overall visitor experience when returning their cups and help provide us with data and insights to better understand the engagement and impact the scheme is having.”