Reconomy and Valpak, operator of the UK’s largest paper cup recycling scheme, launch report with Footprint Intelligence to transform the landscape of paper cup recycling

Reconomy, the international circular economy specialist, and its leading UK brand, Valpak, have launched a report in partnership with Footprint Intelligence to help foodservice operators make the most out of the planned introduction of the mandatory takeback scheme to boost the recycling rates of their cups, reduce waste and create a more circular economy.

Sustainable practices in food service settings have never been more urgent. The current number of cups in circulation each year in the UK is thought to be 3.2 billion, according to research conducted for Wrap, a charity by Valpak, and both consumers and businesses are eager to do more to tackle this issue.

Valpak has long been at the forefront of tackling cup recycling and partnered with Costa Coffee in 2018 to develop The National Cup Recycling Scheme to significantly increase the collection and recycling of paper cups in the UK. The scheme quickly grew to include other major brands such as McDonald’s, Caffè Nero, Pret A Manger, Greggs, Burger King, Pure and Lavazza Professional and is now the UK’s largest paper cup recycling scheme. It brings together these retailers with waste collectors to collaborate on shared solutions to save paper cups from being sent to landfill or littered.

Significant work has been done on ensuring businesses have the right knowledge, infrastructure and processes in place to make takeback systems both accessible and effective.

Mandatory takeback has the potential to build on this and Valpak has launched this report bringing together industry and policy experts and NGOs to provide valuable guidance for foodservice operators ahead of its planned introduction and to transform the landscape of cup recycling.

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. ”

To find out more about Valpak click here.