A new pilot scheme aiming to boost paper cup recycling has launched in Cardiff city centre in Wales, UK.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The initiative is being led by Keep Wales Tidy, in partnership with the National Cup Recycling Scheme and app developer Bower.<\/p>\n
\u00a0It is claimed to be the world\u2019s first programme to use AI to improve recycling efforts.<\/p>\n
The pilot began on 22 April 2025 and will run for three months across central Cardiff. Consumers can return used paper cups to participating foodservice outlets for a 5p reward.<\/p>\n
Among the participating outlets are Caff\u00e8 Nero, Costa Coffee, Greggs, McDonald\u2019s and Pret a Manger.<\/p>\n
Customers are required to download the Bower app and scan their used cup using an AI photoscanner.<\/p>\n
Once scanned, the cup must be returned to a participating store for it to be recycled correctly. Each returned cup earns a 5p incentive, credited directly through the app.<\/p>\n
The scheme marks a new alliance between competing foodservice brands to address waste reduction. It aims to reduce the number of single-use cups sent to landfill or discarded as litter.<\/p>\n
Currently, the UK disposes of an estimated 2.5 billion paper cups annually. Many consumers remain unaware that standard recycling bins cannot process paper cups, stated Keep Wales Tidy.<\/p>\n
This is due to the plastic lining inside the cups, which requires specialist facilities. Specialist recycling allows both paper fibres and plastic linings to be reused.<\/p>\n
Paper recovered from used cups is of high quality and suitable for multiple reuses. It can be repurposed into items such as packaging for luxury brands and greeting cards.<\/p>\n
Plastic linings can be recycled in Wales into products such as furniture and cable ties. The fibres from returned cups can be processed at a dedicated paper mill in the Lake District.<\/p>\n
The scheme forms part of broader efforts to build a more circular economy in the UK.<\/p>\n
The National Cup Recycling Scheme was established in 2018 to improve cup recycling rates. It provides funding to support collection infrastructure and public engagement.<\/p>\n
Keep Wales Tidy CEO Owen Derbyshire said: \u201cAt Keep Wales Tidy, we\u2019re always looking for innovative ways to tackle waste and protect our environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis scheme is a fantastic opportunity for Cardiff to lead the way in paper cup recycling, showing how small actions \u2013 like returning a used cup \u2013 can add up to a big impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy working together across industries and engaging the public, we can reduce litter, keep valuable materials in circulation, and move towards a more sustainable future for Wales.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Email](\"https:\/\/www.packaging-gateway.com\/wp-content\/themes\/goodlife-wp-B2B\/assets\/images\/newsletter-new.svg\")
\n <\/div>\nSign up for our daily news round-up!<\/h3>\nGive your business an edge with our leading industry insights.<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n