James Cropper packages up example of circular economy best practice

14 December 2018


In a great example of circular economy thinking, the first reusable coffee cup to enable contactless payments comes packaged in a folding carton made from recycled takeaway cups.

Costa Coffee’s ‘Clever Cup’, which is powered by Barclaycard contactless payment technology, is also creating value from the coffee chain’s own waste stream by recycling its takeaway cups. In fact, each box contains waste fibre from one 'medio' sized cup. 

James Cropper has been working with Costa on recovering and recycling its takeaway coffee cups since the launch of CupCyclingTMin September 2017. The project to develop Clever Cup’s packaging is a shining example of what can be produced from cup fibres processed through the world’s first ever facility dedicated to transforming cups into fine papers and sustainable packaging. 

The launch forms part of Costa Coffee’s wider re-launch of its ‘next generation’ reusable cup range, giving customers the option to use reusable cups over single use takeaway cups. 

Richard Burnett, market sector manager from James Cropper said: "This is a really exciting step for Costa who have brought about the marriage of technology and sustainability, of convenience and environmental responsibility. They are one of the leading lights on the high street in addressing the issue of disposable coffee cups, setting an example for others in the coffee business. 

The Clever Cup will be available from all Costa outlets late November 2018, priced at £14.99, with a £1 donation from every sale going to The Costa Foundation. 

It features a silicone base and contactless chip, which is detachable for ease of washing. The payments technology is made possible by Bpay from Barclays. Users can top up their balance and track payments via their phones.



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