Orbit Cups, Dundee

Orbit Cups: on a mission to free Dundee from single-use cups!

The problem

In Scotland, we use an estimated 560,000 single-use cups every day , around 40,000 of which end up littering our streets, parks and beaches.  A typical single-use coffee cup is a composite product, made of two materials: paper and a polyethylene waterproof lining.  Only two facilities in the UK recycle these (neither in Scotland) so they end up going to landfill, incineration or litter.  Compostable versions, often seen as a more environmentally-friendly option, are also sent to landfill or incineration unless they are captured into a dedicated collection stream.  They are not accepted into Dundee City Council’s food waste stream.

Despite increasing sales of privately-owned reusable cups, only around 2% of coffee sales are to customers bringing their own reusable cup.  Few overcome the additional barriers (after buying the cup) of (1) remembering to take it out with them; (2) carrying it around when dirty; and (3) cleaning it for the next use.  As our coffee culture continues to grow, there needs to be a real, simple and accessible alternative to disposables.

Our solution

Orbit Cups is a reusable cup scheme that will slash the number of single-use takeaway cups used in the city.  Businesses like cafés, bars and takeaways sign up as members of our network, allowing their customers to borrow from our bank of brightly-coloured, sturdy 12oz cups in exchange for a refundable £1 deposit.  The customer takes their order away and, once they’ve finished, simply hands the cup back to a member outlet and is given their £1 back.

The scheme removes the barriers mentioned above and lets consumers choose to reuse with minimal effort and investment.  It has the added benefit of reducing the total number of reusable cups manufactured (as opposed to all users having their own) as far fewer cups are needed under this sharing economy model.

Our cups are manufactured in the UK and are made from polypropylene, taking advantage of a new technology which allows them to be made from minimal raw material.  In terms of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, choosing an Orbit Cup 7 times instead of 7 disposable composite cups generates 41% less CO₂ equivalent.  Choosing Orbit every day for a month instead of 30 single-use cups saves 86% of the carbon emissions.  These figures include the impact of washing the cups.

Who are we?

Orbit Cups is run by Greenways Dundee CIC, a newly-established Scottish Community Interest Company based in Dundee.  Our aims revolve around the belief that it should be easier for people to live lower-impact lives in simple, everyday ways.  We have researched similar schemes from around the world and are passionate about establishing the first city-wide DRS of its kind in Scotland.

Who will our members be?

Membership will be open to businesses throughout the city.  Members will benefit from:

• financial savings due to purchasing fewer disposable cups;
• marketing opportunities as local independents, distinguishing themselves from national chains;
• being able to offer a waste-free option to customers;
• being part of a local initiative to encourage behaviour change away from single-use;
• the opportunity to grow take-out business through increased footfall from customers that share these values;
• a reduction in discounts given to customers bringing their own reusable cups;
• showing a commitment to environmental issues; and
• showing a commitment to supporting local social enterprise.

There is also the potential to set up stand-alone deposit-return schemes at one-off events, in offices and schools, hospitals and other institutions.  Our cups can replace disposables wherever they are currently used.

Who are our end users?

Orbit Cups are for all takeaway customers, whether or not they prioritise environmental issues.  By building an extensive network of outlets and return points, we can create a solution that retains the convenience offered by disposables, while offering a low-investment (money, effort and time) entry point to a more circular model.  Participation from end users takes no forward planning and can be done on impulse.  There is no time limit for bringing cups back, although we encourage quick return to minimise the total number of cups in the system.

This deposit-return model, as opposed to a higher-value membership one used in other locations, makes it just as easy for tourists, business people and other visitors passing through the city to use our cups as it is for locals.

Through Orbit Cups, we want to bring a sense of pride, belonging and fun to Dundee, with a brand that becomes known for doing good and supporting people to live greener lives.  Any profits will be invested back into activities that further our aims.

For more information visit https://orbitcups.co.uk/