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How the University of York reduced single-use cups by over a million (and is saving £250,000 a year)

The University of York has been a leader in sustainability efforts for many years. In 2019, it launched the YORCUP scheme, an initiative that embraces circular economy principles by encouraging the use of reusable instead of single-use cups. The scheme has been a huge success, with over 1 million single-use cups prevented from going to landfill since it was launched.

A scheme with a difference

So what makes the YOURCUP scheme different to other reusable cup initiatives? The answer is in (or rather – on) the cup. Each one has lasered into it a unique QR code that participants can scan and register with the ecups app on their phone. Each time a cup is returned, it is scanned again, and participants are rewarded and free drinks can be redeemed.

Made with sustainability in mind.

The ecups themselves are manufactured in the UK, and so have a much lower carbon footprints than imported reusable drinking cups. They are well made and extremely robust, meaning they don’t break and can keep being used for years. That said, if an ecup does become damaged, because it does not have any non-recyclable parts, it can be returned to be fully recycled – unlike other reusable cups that are not fully recyclable.

Suitable for any organisation looking to save money and simultaneously reduce its impact on the environment.

Although YOURCUP was pioneered by the University of York and has been implemented by several other universities and colleges, the scheme is eminently suitable for any organisation presently procuring and responsible for the disposal of single use cups for staff or customer use.

The university estimates that it saves £250,000 per year on the cost of single-use cups (https://www.ecups.co.uk/case-study) – money it can use elsewhere including to fund other sustainability initiatives.

As well as the direct environmental and commercial benefits, there is no doubt the scheme also helps raise awareness of sustainability issues. By participating and using the app, staff and customers receive helpful messages, money off, and are reminded of the importance of reducing their environmental impact and your organisation’s efforts to help them do that.


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