Two of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions, Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project, are setting new standards as the pioneers of an innovative returnable cup system. This is the latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by both organisations, which has seen the elimination of approximately 620,000 single-use coffee cups per year. This represents a combined saving of 27 tonnes (26.87) of CO2e per year, which equates to heating 12 domestic homes for 12 months.
The initiative, powered by green-tech company re-universe, helps to permanently eliminate single-use cups at both visitor attractions, aligning with Blenheim Palace’s goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2027 and the Eden Project’s journey to becoming a climate positive organisation by 2030, which means taking more greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere than are added
The returnable cup initiative has transitioned from successful pilot projects to full operation at both attractions, marking a significant step forward in sustainability and technology. This innovative program is garnering considerable interest from a variety of prominent industry figures and retailers, with many of the UK’s top supermarkets making their way to Blenheim Palace to gain insights into the initiative.
Visitors make a small deposit when they receive a reusable cup, which they can later return to a machine designed for reverse vending. Once the cup is returned, the deposit is refunded. This innovative system leverages cutting-edge payment technology from Mastercard Send, allowing visitors to receive their deposit back directly to their chosen card with just a tap at the return terminal. After collection, the cups are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for reuse. This seamless process not only reduces waste significantly but also promotes environmentally friendly practices, making sustainability a key aspect of the overall visitor experience.
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. – David Green, Blenheim’s Head of Innovation
He added: “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 new machines are the latest method the Eden Project is using to transform the visitor experience when it comes to buying takeaway drinks, having introduced a returnable cup scheme in March last year (2023), eliminating any need to use single-use coffee cups.
The returnable scheme at the Eden Project is estimated to save around 220,000 single-use coffee cups per year, eliminating around 4 tonnes of waste and a 72% CO2e saving.
Becky Fenner, Hospitality Manager at Eden Project, commented: “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.”
Rachel Warren, CEO of re-universe, added: “Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project are setting a new standard for sustainability in the tourism industry. Their successful implementation of the returnable cup system, serves as a model for other attractions, businesses and communities aiming to reduce waste and promote environmentally responsible behaviour.”
Blenheim Palace and Eden Project join forces to eradicate over 600,000 single-use coffee cups Share on Xre-universe designed its returns platform to be both effective and unobtrusive. The platform ensures that the cup return process is swift and accurate, providing a user-friendly experience that fits seamlessly into the flow of a day at Blenheim Palace or the Eden Project. The platform links payments with the individual cup, tracking its journey from sale to return and wash. This allows for seamless inventory management and gives both Blenheim and Eden access to real-time data to monitor, optimise and further enhance sustainability efforts.
