Compiled with industry stakeholders, policy experts, NGOs and consultants, the report aims to assist foodservice operators ahead of the possible introduction of mandatory takeback scheme for disposable coffee cups.
According to environmental action NGO WRAP, 3.2 billion single-use cups are used annually in the UK.
In 2018, Valpak partnered with Costa Coffee to develop The National Cup Recycling Scheme. It has now extended to other brands including McDonald’s, Pret A Manger and Greggs.
Valpak said that is has conducted significant work to ensure businesses have the right knowledge, infrastructure and processes in place to make takeback systems both accessible and effective.
The report – named “The 3.2 billion cup challenge: Making the most of the mandatory takeback scheme in foodservice settings” – aims to distil this work for the benefit of the industry.
Hannah Osman, National Cup Recycling manager at Valpak by Reconomy, commented: “We are delighted to launch this report which will serve as an invaluable guide to help foodservice operators divert even more material from landfill.
“Having overseen the UK’s largest paper cup recycling scheme and worked with major brands, we are keen to share and utilise our expertise to collaborate even further across the industry to boost recycling rates and create a more sustainable future for our communities.”
Mandatory takeback scheme for cups
A mandatory takeback scheme was originally suggested as part of extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) but is now likely to come in under other legislation.
The Scottish government is currently running a consultation on the introduction of a levy on single-use cups.
According to a trial run by charity Hubbub in Leeds, the scheme could increase the recycling rate for coffee cups to 39%. A government impact assessment in 2021 identified that it sits at approximately 0.25%.
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