The two visitor attractions have introduced a returnable cup system which eliminates the need for single-use alternatives
Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project have introduced a new returnable cup system, which avoids the need for visitors to drink from single-use cups.
Collectively the two attractions, which are using the same system, have reduced the need for approximately 620,000 single-use coffee cups per year, a combined saving of 27 tonnes of CO2e per year, which the Eden Project said equates to heating 12 domestic homes for 12 months.
In its place are reusable and returnable cups, from company re-universe. The returnable cup scheme is now fully operational at both attractions following a pilot.
Instead of a single-use cup, visitors pay a small deposit for a returnable cup, which is returned to a vending-style machine after use. The deposit is then refunded almost instantly upon cup return. The cups are then collected, washed, and reused.
The scheme has been employed to assist in 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.
Blenheim Palace’s returnable cup scheme, which currently has over 5,000 cups in use, has an 83% return rate and has already saved over 1150 kg CO2 – as well as raising several hundred pounds for green projects via the app.
David Green, Blenheim’s Head of Innovation said: “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.”
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 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.”
