Borrow Cup scheme launches in Glasgow

Borrow Cup scheme launches in Glasgow
Sustainability

The Borrow Cup initiative, the UK’s 'first returnable cup scheme to unite national brands with local cafes', has officially launched in Glasgow. More than 50 venues, including Costa Coffee, Caffè Nero, Burger King, and several independent cafes such as Tinderbox and Sprigg, are participating in the project.

Launched on 27th January 2025 by Reposit in collaboration with creative charity Hubbub, the initiative aims to demonstrate how a collaborative model can enhance the success of returnable cup systems. It also seeks to explore how such a scheme can become environmentally and commercially viable.

Customers purchasing a drink at participating venues can opt for a reusable Borrow Cup by paying a £1 deposit. Incentives such as extra loyalty stamps at Caffè Nero or a 10% discount at Sprigg cafes are available to encourage adoption. Cups, offered in three sizes, can be returned at any participating location, where customers can either reuse, swap for a clean cup, reclaim their deposit, or receive a £1 voucher.

Different sizes of Borrow Cups © Borrow Cup/PA

The initiative is funded by major brands including Ecosurety, Bunzl, British Plastics Federation, and KFC, with logistical support from Berry (cup supply), Electrolux (washing equipment), and Avery Dennison (RFID technology). Local organisations such as Keep Scotland Beautiful and Biffa have also contributed.

Advocates of the scheme highlight its potential environmental benefits, noting that returnable cup systems can reduce carbon emissions compared to producing and recycling single-use cups, particularly when cups are reused multiple times.

Latest Packaging News

Interroll: How to minimise unplanned downtime in your food packaging line
Supplier News

Interroll: How to minimise unplanned downtime in your food packaging line

Unplanned downtime in food packaging lines can be a significant drain on productivity and...
Fenix Industries: Molded pulp packaging – the ultimate guide (2025 edition)
Supplier News

Fenix Industries: Molded pulp packaging – the ultimate guide (2025 edition)

Everything brands, packaging buyers, and sustainability managers need to know. What is molded pulp...
Survey finds growing consumer resistance to unsustainable packaging in North America
Sustainability

Survey finds growing consumer resistance to unsustainable packaging in North America

A growing number of shoppers across the United States and Canada are rejecting plastic packaging in...
Syntegon reports strong sustainability progress in 2024 and sets ambitious climate targets
Supplier News

Syntegon reports strong sustainability progress in 2024 and sets ambitious climate targets

Syntegon, a leading global technology company and strategic partner to the pharmaceutical, biotech...
London Packaging Week reports unprecedented demand as industry leaders gear up for landmark event
Events

London Packaging Week reports unprecedented demand as industry leaders gear up for landmark event

London Packaging Week 2025 returns to Excel London this October with record demand, uniting over...