Digital reuse powered by re-universe

Two of the UK’s most iconic visitor attractions, Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project have taken a pioneering step towards reducing single-use waste by implementing a permanent and fully-operational returnable cup system, developed by re-universe.

This pioneering collaboration sets new standards in sustainability, leveraging digital technology to eliminate the need for single-use coffee cups, while delivering a seamless user experience.

How does it work?

re-universe clients can either run a ‘deposit return’ or a ‘holding charge’ scheme, both offer no app, no faff, no fuss options through ‘just tap’ and ‘just drop’ returns, and are created to deliver high cup return rates.

Deposit return scheme at Blenheim and Eden

Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project opted for a deposit return scheme throughout their sites.

When a visitor orders a coffee, they can choose between

• Drink in – with a ceramic cup
• Money off – using their own reusable cup
• Drink out – using a venue owned returnable cup

Borrow a returnable cup: Visitors pay a deposit at point of purchase and when they have finished, they return the cup in one of the returns machines and ‘just tap’ their card or phone on the payment terminal.

The deposit is refunded almost instantly so the visitor can just tap and go. You can click on the image below to watch our CEO return a cup at the Eden Project for the first time.

'Holding charge'

This works in a slightly different way to the deposit scheme, but the aim is the same, to get a high return rate and keep containers in the circular system for longer.

Customers borrow a reusable cup or container and a holding charge (pre-authorisation) is placed on their card. No deposit is paid. If the reusable container is not returned within the agreed time (up to 7 days), the penalty is then taken from that persons card.

All the user needs to do to return their cup is to 'just drop' it into a non-smart or smart return point, and the hold is lifted without the need for additional apps or taps.

Behind the scenes

Behind the scenes, each reusable cup or container is fitted with unique RFID technology, so we can track its entire journey—from sale, to return, to washing. This real-time data allows our clients to manage inventory and monitor return rates, stock levels, and overall impact, helping them make informed decisions and keep improving the system.

Not only that, each cup or container has its own unique identity, so that we can offer a bespoke client experience via the GS1 QR code on the side of the cup, and have multiple reuse schemes running on the re-universe platform

Every cup and return point is onboarded onto our platform, and we work closely with our clients to ensure their unique needs are taken into account to deliver a scheme that works for them.

Versatile and agile

Our technology means that reuse can be adopted anywhere.

From venues to communities and workplaces, festivals and exhibitions, including multiple brands under one roof such as an airport, travel hub or large music event.

An easy-to-use dashboard highlights return rate, reuse rate, container status and location, return point usage, washing status and more. Hand-held scanners allow for speedy stock take and asset management.

Bespoke integration

Whilst we offer a re-universe managed stand-alone scheme, we recognise that it doesn't suit every client, sometimes being integrated into IT and payment systems creates an even easier user journey and full ownership and control of the scheme for the client. We can offer a fully integrated system for larger clients that want it.

Measuring success

Our projects are seeing up to 96% return rates, reducing carbon and eliminating single use cups from landfill.

Collaborations

The reuse platform is powered by re-universe, but circularity is a collaborative effort, and we are grateful to our friends and partners for helping us deliver the UK’s first fully data-driven reuse platform.

Our recent projects at Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project, use Circular&Co. returnable cups, the cups are returned in Cuploop returns machines. Both cups and returns machines are onboarded onto the re-universe platform to enable the project.

A further thanks to 萬事達卡 Shift4 Avery Dennison Smartrac GS1 UK for their ongoing contributions to making return and reuse easy with re-universe. Also to our brilliant cup, container and return point creators, and our pipeline of exciting clients - you know who you are! We are looking forward to collaborating with you all soon!

Get in touch

If you are ready to transition to reuse, and like the sound of re-universe, please get in touch and we can chat to you further about how we can help.

Email the team on [email protected] - we'd love to hear from you!