Reuse Schemes at Home & Abroad
People often ask us what we mean by scaleable reuse systems for serviceware. So, we’ve created an inventory of every example we know of from all over the world. Click on the region you’re interested in to learn more. Schemes are listed in alphabetical order.
New Zealand
Again Again
Serviceware Type: Coffee Cups and containers for takeaway food
Material: Mostly stainless steel cups and containers (single-walled and double-walled) with plastic lids.
Context: Cafes, hospitality outlets, institutional settings
System/Infrastructure: Cups and containers are free to borrow. An app ensures cups and containers stay in the system. Any reusable container can be managed by the Again Again app - outlets are not limited to Again Again fleets. Customers join the Again Again system by downloading the app and scanning it when they purchase their takeaways in a reusable. They have 3 weeks to return the container to any participating outlet, or they are charged the full cost of the container. Participating outlets wash and sterilise returned containers.
Where: Nationwide
Be Chunky
Serviceware Type: Coffee Cups
Material: Double walled stainless steel cup and plastic (acrylic) lid
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Deposit Return Scheme to ensure cups stay in the system. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet and exchanged for a fresh cup or a deposit refund. Participating outlets wash and sterilise returned cups, and also retail the Be Chunky ‘Artist Series’ cups for customers who want to transition from ‘Loan Cup’ to ‘Own Cup’. The Artist Series cups are the same as the loan cups, but feature designs on them commissioned by emerging artists.
Where: Queenstown
BetterCup
Serviceware Type: Cups/tumblers and glasses
Material: Polypropylene tumblers; Tritan glasses (all BPA-free)
Context: Markets, events, festivals, sporting venues
System/Infrastructure: Fleet of reusable cups and glasses that events and venues can hire, purchase or loan through a subscription scheme. Deposit return scheme during event to ensure collection of used items. Bettercup offers storage, washing/sterilisation and delivery logistics for reusables after/between events, as well as end-of-life recycling for damaged cups. Bettercup also provides facilities for on-site washing & sterilisation during an event.
Where: Across New Zealand.
CupCycling/SWAPPA
Serviceware Type: Coffee Cups
Material: Polypropylene cup and lid (100% BPA-free). Cup size can fit disposable lids if outlets prefer to use cups only.
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Cups are free to borrow. The Swappa App is used to ensure cups stay in the system. Customers must download the Swappa App and scan their phone when they borrow and return a cup. Cups must be returned within 14 days, otherwise the customer is charged the cost of the cup. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned cups.
Where: Nationwide
DISHRupt
Serviceware Type: Plates, cups, cutlery and tumblers
Material: Stainless steel (plates, cups and cutlery) and plastic (tumblers)
Context: Markets, events and festivals
System/Infrastructure: Fleet of reusables that events, markets and festivals can hire for a fee/donation. Washing & sterilisation conducted by the event organisers.
Where: Queenstown
Good to Go
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups, cold drink cups, and takeaway food containers
Material: Upcycled glass jars and lids. Optional heat bands made by members of the community out of upcycled materials, including used bicycle inner tubes and secondhand yarn and wool.
Context: Cafes, hospitality outlets, local market.
System/Infrastructure: Used glass jars are collected from the community at bespoke Good to Go collection bins around the island or left out to be picked up by local zero waste grocer, Plastic Free Pantry. The glass jars are delabelled and sterilised through the Plastic Free Pantry sterilisation system, then distributed to participating cafes and hospitality outlets to use for takeaway food and drinks. Customers can return the glass jars to the bespoke drop-off bins around the island or to participating cafes and hospitality outlets, for sterilisation and reuse. The jars are also available at the local market for takeaway food and drink and can be returned for sterilisation and reuse at the market’s zero waste station.
Where: Waiheke Island
Mikuppi
Serviceware Type: Coffee Cups
Material: Double-walled stainless steel cup, plastic lid (100% BPA-free).
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Mobile ordering app for cafes with an integrated reusable cup library system. Customers download the miKuppi app through App Store/Google Play, sign up, select any of the participating cafes and order through the app. The cafe prepares the order into a miKuppi cup. On the first order through the app, the customer pays an initial, one-off fee to be part of the cup lending system, and they get their first drink for free. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet and exchanged for a fresh cup with the customer’s next order. Participating outlets wash and sterilise returned cups.
Where: Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
Reusabowl
Serviceware Type: Containers for takeaway food
Material: Rice husk container + silicone lid
Context: Food courts, hospitality outlets, markets/events and delivery
System/Infrastructure: Deposit return system to ensure containers stay in the system. Containers can be returned to any participating outlet and exchanged for a fresh container or a deposit refund. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned containers before reuse.
Where: Wellington.
Silver Service
Serviceware Type: Crockery and Cutlery
Material: Ceramic plates, bowls & cups; stainless steel cutlery
Context: Events and festivals
System/Infrastructure: On-site mobile wash & sterilisation cart for events. Crockery and cutlery is hired by customers for a gold coin donation, and returned to Silver Service, who wash and sterilise returned items before redistribution.
Where: Hamilton, Gourmet in the Gardens events
Wanakup
Serviceware Type: Coffee Cups
Material: Double walled stainless steel cup and silicone lid
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets, and markets, events & festivals
System/Infrastructure: Deposit Return Scheme to ensure cups stay in the system. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet and exchanged for a fresh cup or a deposit refund. Wanakup also provides a free mug library for any participating outlet in their Wanakup system. Participating outlets wash and sterilise returned cups, or Wanakup can provide a used reusable cup collection, washing and redistribution service for Wanaka-based outlets. Wanakup also work with events and festivals across the South Island to offer reusable serviceware. Wanakup wash and sterilise reusables at events at their on-site mobile wash and sterilisation cart. Wanakup can bring their own reusables fleet to events, but will also wash any reusables provided by the event or festival (such as ceramic crockery).
Where: Across the South Island
Waste No More Whakatū/Nelson
Serviceware Type: Plates, cutlery, cups/tumblers
Material: Stainless steel
Context: Markets, events and festivals
System/Infrastructure: Deposit return scheme to ensure reusables are returned after use. Waste No More Whakatū wash and sterilise returned items at their on-site mobile wash and sterilisation cart. Waste No More Whakatū will also wash any reusables provided by the event or festival (such as ceramic crockery), alongside their reusable stainless steel fleet.
Where: Nelson/Tasman
Australia
BetterCup
Serviceware Type: Cups/tumblers and glasses
Material: Polypropylene tumblers; Tritan glasses (all BPA-free)
Context: Markets, events, festivals, sporting venues
System/Infrastructure: Fleet of reusable cups and glasses that events and venues can hire, purchase or loan through a subscription scheme. Deposit return scheme during event to ensure collection of used items. Bettercup offers storage, washing/sterilisation and delivery logistics for reusables after/between events, as well as end-of-life recycling for damaged cups. Bettercup also provides facilities for on-site washing & sterilisation during an event.
Where: Melbourne.
Community Dishes
Serviceware Type: Crockery, cutlery and glassware
Material: Ceramic, metal and glass
Context: Markets, events and festivals
System/Infrastructure: A kit of reusables available to local groups to loan for free for events. Event organisers wash & sterilise reusables during the event. Items are returned to Community Dishes washed, dry and clean, in the boxes provided. The borrower pays for any damaged or lost items.
Where: Victoria. The Community Dishes Kit model is spreading around the state. The website hosts a map so community groups can find the closest kit to them (or start their own kit & list on the map).
Green Caffeen
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups
Material: Cup and lid made of food grade recycled plastic (100% BPA-free)
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Cups are free to borrow. An App is used to ensure cups stay in the system. Customers must download the Green Caffeen App and scan their phone when they borrow and return a cup. Cups must be returned within 30 days, otherwise a late fee of AUS$12.99 is charged. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned cups.
Where: Throughout Australia.
HuskeeSwap
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups
Material: Cup and lid made of a composite of plastic and coffee husks (a by-product of coffee milling)
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: To participate in HuskeeSwap, an individual must purchase a HuskeeCup, which they can then use at any participating outlet. The outlet has its own fleet of HuskeeCups and replaces the customer’s used cup with a clean one. Participating outlets wash & sterilise all returned cups. To participate in the system, the outlet must also have stock of HuskeeCup available for retail sale (as purchasing a cup is the only way a customer can enter the system).
Where: Throughout Australia.
Noa and Parker
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups, and containers for takeaway food and coffee beans
Material: Stainless steel cups and containers with food-grade silicone and plastic lids
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets, workplaces and food delivery
System/Infrastructure: A membership system ensures cups and containers remain in the system. Customers join up for membership on the Noa and Parker website. Members order their food or hot drink from a participating outlet via the Noa and Parker website. Up to two cups and/or containers can be borrowed at a time for free, and must be returned within 4 days to any participating outlet. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned cups and containers. Noa and Parker also offer group accounts for workplaces.
Where: Melbourne, Victoria.
Renome
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups
Material: Cups and lids made of food-grade plastic (100% BPA-free)
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Cups and lids are available for a $5 refundable deposit at participating cafes. The deposit ensures cups stay in the system and are reused or returned. Cups and lids may be returned to any participating Renome Partner and the customer can exchange the cup for a fresh one or elect to receive their deposit back either in cash or as a token to exchange for a Renome Cup at their next visit. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet where they are then washed & sterilised for reuse.
Where: Based in Perth, and available throughout Australia
Replated
Serviceware Type: Containers for takeaway food.
Material: Composite recycled plastic (PET) and glass fibre container, and 100% recycled plastic (PET) lid.
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: To participate in the RePlated SWAP & WASH system, an individual purchases a RePlated container, which they can then use at any participating outlet. Individuals simply swap their empty, used container when ordering, and food outlets will swap it for a clean container filled with the customer’s chosen food. Participating vendors wash and sterilise all containers before reuse. Vendors can also make RePlated lunch boxes available for sale, and individuals can BYO their purchased container for takeaway food rather than participating in the wash and swap system (RePlated lists all food vendors who accept the containers as BYO). RePlated also sells fleets of containers to workplaces for staff to use for their worktime takeaway meals, and offers on-boarding webinars and impact updates.
Where: Across Australia
Retub Reswap
Serviceware Type: Containers for takeaway food
Material: Glass container (“insert”) with silicone lid and separate plastic outer layer to protect the glass and provide thermal protection for hands
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: To participate in the Retub REswap system an individual purchases a Retub, which they can then use at any participating outlet. When ordering, the individual hands over the glass container (or “insert”) and retains the tub’s lid and protective outer layer. The outlet will plate the customer’s order into a freshly sanitised glass insert, swapping it for the customer’s used insert, which the outlet keeps to wash, sterilise & reuse. Some outlets also use a Deposit Return System to allow customers to borrow glass inserts even if they don’t have a full Retub container.
Where: Across Australia
ReturnR
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups and takeaway containers (including food delivery)
Material: Double-walled stainless steel cups and containers and silicone cup and container lids.
Context: Cafes, hospitality outlets, workplaces and food delivery
System/Infrastructure: Deposit return scheme to ensure cups, containers and lids all stay in the system. Used cups, containers and lids can be returned to any participating outlet and exchanged for a fresh cup or container and lid, or a deposit refund. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned items. ReturnR is also available on the Deliveroo platform, enabling home delivery customers to select ReturnR containers for their order from participating outlets (the deposit is added to the purchase price). ReturnR also sells fleets of reusables to workplaces for staff to use for their takeaway lunches and coffees.
Where: Throughout Australia.
Asia
Barepack
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups and takeaway containers
Material: Silicone containers with polypropylene lids; stainless steel cups with silicone lids and sleeves.
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets and delivery
System/Infrastructure: An App and membership scheme ensures cups and containers stay in the system. Membership is achieved by downloading the App and choosing and purchasing a plan. Members scan their phone at the vendor’s outlet each time they borrow a cup or container. Failure to return borrowed items incurs a fee to the member’s account. Cups and containers can be returned to any participating outlet. Participating outlets wash & sterilise the cups and containers.
Where: Singapore
Dabbawala
Serviceware Type: Takeaway food containers/food delivery
Material: Stainless steel tiffins
Context: Delivery of home-cooked lunch to offices, but also restaurant deliveries.
System/Infrastructure: Probably the world’s longest-running reusable serviceware system, in operation since 1890. Over 200,000 lunches delivered daily in stainless steel tiffins by professionals called Dabbawalas. Food is collected and delivered by train and bicycle using a complex and detailed system of colour coding and abbreviation to communicate destination of the tiffins. Dabbawalas then collect empty containers and delivery route is repeated in reverse. Households and restaurants wash & sterilise the tiffins.
Where: Mumbai, India
Muuse
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups and containers for takeaway food and delivery
Material: Stainless steel cups and lid; wheat fibre container with bamboo lid and silicone O ring
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets and food delivery
System/Infrastructure: An App is used to ensure cups and containers remain in the system. Customers must download the Muuse App and scan the QR code on the bottom of the cup or container they borrow. Cups and containers must be returned within 14 days, otherwise a late fee is charged. Cups and containers can be returned to any participating outlet. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned cups and containers. A food delivery option is also available - customers use the participating delivery app and select that they would like their order in a reusable container prior to ordering. When the food arrives the customer scans the QR code on the container. The container must be returned to a participating outlet within 5 days, otherwise a late fee is charged.
Where: Singapore
Europe
2GoCup
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups
Material: Polypropylene cup and lid. Silicone heat band.
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Deposit return scheme to ensure cups stay in the system. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet and exchanged for a fresh cup or a deposit refund. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned cups before reuse. Reusable lids not part of the deposit return scheme - the customer receives a lid upon their first deposit, which they then keep for reuse.
Where: Throughout Ireland
Billie Cup
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups
Material: Polypropylene cup and lid (BPA-free)
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Deposit return scheme to ensure cups stay in the system. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet and exchanged for a fresh cup or deposit refund. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned cups before reuse. The reusable lids are not part of the deposit return scheme, but can be purchased and then kept by the customer for reuse.
Where: Throughout Belgium
CupClub
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups
Material: Plastic cup and lid.
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets, workplaces, in-house canteens, water dispensers, drinks vending machines, events and festivals
System/Infrastructure: Uses tracking software to ensure cups stay in the system. Used cups are returned to drop-off points set-up and serviced by CupClub. CupClub collects used cups from drop-off points and washes & sterilises them before redistribution.
Where: Throughout the UK
Cup Concept
Serviceware Type: Cups/tumblers and glasses
Material: All products made of polypropylene.
Context: Markets, events, festivals, sporting venues
System/Infrastructure: Fleet of reusable cups and glasses that events and venues can hire or purchase. Deposit return scheme during event to ensure collection of used items. Cup Concept offers full storage, washing/sterilisation and delivery logistics for reusables after/between events, and has a network of washing/sterilisation plants across Europe to minimise transport distances. Cup Concept also provides facilities for on-site washing & sterilisation during an event.
Where: Across Europe, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Czech Republic
Dabbadrop
Serviceware Type: Takeaway containers for food delivery
Material: Stainless steel tiffin
Context: Food delivery
System/Infrastructure: Subscription service for ready-made meals delivered to the doorstep in reusable tiffin boxes. Customer purchases a tiffin once, on first order, and then swaps for a fresh tiffin on all subsequent orders. Deliveries are made on bicycle. Customer washes empty tiffin prior to swapping. Dabbadrop washes & sterilises the tiffins before reuse.
Where: London, UK
Deliveround
Serviceware Type: Takeaway containers for food delivery
Material: Plastic container and lid
Context: Food delivery
System/Infrastructure: A collaborative pilot project between Deliveroo, Recycling Network Benelux and the City of Hasslet. Deposit return scheme to ensure containers stay in the system. Customers can select a Deliveround container when making their food order from a participating vendor through the Deliveroo platform. Empty containers can be returned to any participating vendor, who wash and sterilise the containers.
Where: Hasselt, Belgium
Ecobox
Serviceware Type: Takeaway containers and cutlery
Material: Polybutylene terephthalate container and polyethylene lid. Stainless steel cutlery.
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets.
System/Infrastructure: Deposit return scheme to ensure containers and cutlery stay in the system. Empty containers and used cutlery can returned to any participating outlet and exchanged for a fresh cup or a deposit refund. Participating outlets wash & sterilise the containers and cutlery.
Where: Luxembourg
Ecoverre
Serviceware Type: Cups/tumblers, glasses, plates and cutlery
Material: All products made of polypropylene (100% BPA-free)
Context: Markets, events, festivals, sporting venues
System/Infrastructure: Fleet of reusables hired to one-off events or can be purchased. Deposit return scheme during event to ensure collection of used items, which are returned to Ecoverre for washing & sterilisation before re-distribution. Ecoverre also provides washing facilities for on-site washing & sterilisation during an event.
Where: Across Europe, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal.
Event Cup Solutions
Serviceware Type: Cups/tumblers for hot and cold drinks, glasses and food containers
Material: Polycarbonate cups and glasses for cold drinks; Polypropylene cup and lid for hot drinks; Polypropylene food containers.
Context: Markets, events, festivals, sporting venues
System/Infrastructure: Fleet of reusable cups, glasses and food containers that events and venues can hire or purchase. Deposit return scheme during event to ensure collection of used items. Event Cup Solutions offers full storage, washing/sterilisation and delivery logistics for reusables after/between events, and has regional distribution and wash centres to minimise transport distances. Event Cup Solutions also arranges end-of-life recycling for their products once they are no longer able to be reused.
Where: Across the UK.
Freiburg Cup
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups
Material: Polypropylene cup and lid (100% BPA-free). Cup size can fit disposable lids if customers prefer not to purchase the reusable lid.
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Deposit return scheme to ensure cups stay in the system. Cups returned to any participating outlet and exchanged for a fresh cup or a deposit refund. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned cups. The reusable lids are not part of the deposit return scheme, but can be purchased and then kept by the customer for reuse.
Where: Freiburg, Germany
Green Goblet
Serviceware Type: Cups/tumblers, glasses and jugs
Material: All products made of polypropylene.
Context: Events, festivals, sporting venues
System/Infrastructure: Fleet of reusable cups and glasses that events and venues can hire or purchase. Deposit return scheme during event to ensure collection of used items (or one-off levy and event-goers take the cup home with them after the event). Green Goblet offers full storage, washing/sterilisation and delivery logistics for reusables after/between events.
Where: Across the UK.
Kamupak
Serviceware Type: Containers for takeaway food and food delivery
Material: Polypropylene container and lid.
Context: Cafes, hospitality outlets and grocery store delicatessens.
System/Infrastructure: A digital deposit return scheme ensures containers stay in the system, managed either through an app that customers can download or a physical card. Used containers can be returned to any participating outlet (including automated collection points at grocery stores) and exchanged for a fresh container, or a digital token that can be used next time the customer needs a Kamupak container. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned containers. Some participating outlets also offer Kamupak containers for home deliveries of takeaways - regular customers opt for Kamupak instead of disposables when they make their order. Empty, used containers from the previous delivery are picked up and swapped for fresh containers on subsequent deliveries.
Where: Throughout Finland.
Milubo
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups and containers for takeaway food
Material: Polypropylene cup and lid (100% BPA-free); stainless steel container and silicone lid, or polypropylene container and TPE lid (100% BPA-free)
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Deposit return scheme to ensure cups stay in the system. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet and exchanged for a fresh cup or a deposit refund. Participating outlets wash & sterilise the cups. The reusable lids are not part of the deposit return scheme, but can be purchased and then kept by the customer for reuse. An App-based system operates for the containers. Customers sign-up to the App to become a member of Milubo, which includes the one-off cost for the container. Once a member, customers can order from any of the participating outlets listed in the App and pick up their order in a Milubo container. Customers return empty containers to drop-off points. Milubo collects, washes & sterilises the containers and then redistributes them to participating outlets for reuse.
Where: Paris, France.
Newcy
Serviceware Type: Cups/tumblers (no lid)
Material: Plastic (100% BPA-free)
Context: Water dispensers, drinks vending machines, takeaway coffee
System/Infrastructure: Workplaces, vending machines and other drinks dispensers are equipped with a fleet of reusable cups as well as drop-off points for used cups. Newcy collects used cups from drop-off points and washes & sterilises them off-site before redistribution.
Where: France
Ozarka
Serviceware Type: Takeaway food containers
Material: Silicone containers and glass lid
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Deposit return scheme to ensure containers remain in the system. Containers can be returned to any participating outlet and exchanged for a fresh container or a deposit refund. Ozarka collects used containers and washes & sterilises them off-site before redistribution.
Where: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Image credit: Recup
Rebowl
Serviceware Type: Containers for takeaway food
Material: Polypropylene bowl and lid.
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Deposit return scheme to ensure containers stay in the system. Containers can be returned to any participating outlet and exchanged for a fresh container or a deposit refund. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned containers.
Where: Throughout Germany
Recircle
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups and takeaway food containers
Material: Polypropylene cup and lid. Polybutylene terephthalate container and Polypropylene lid.
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Deposit return scheme to ensure containers stay in the system. Containers can be returned to any participating outlet. Participating outlets wash & sterilise the containers.
Where: Throughout Switzerland and in Stuttgart, Germany
Image credit: Recup
Recup
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups
Material: Polypropylene cup and lid
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Deposit return scheme to ensure cups stay in the system. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet. Participating outlets wash & sterilise the cups. The reusable lids are not part of the deposit return scheme, but can be purchased and then kept by the customer for reuse.
Where: Throughout Germany
Shrewsbury Cup
Serviceware Type: Coffee Cups
Material: Polypropylene cup + single-use plastic lid.
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Deposit Return Scheme to ensure cups stay in the system. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet. Participating outlets wash and sterilise returned cups. Lids are not reusable.
Where: Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK
Tiffin
Serviceware Type: Takeaway food containers
Material: Stainless steel tiffin
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Individuals purchase their own tiffin and can use it for takeaways at any participating outlet. Outlets provide a 5% discount off meals to all customers using a tiffin. The customer owns the tiffin and is responsible for washing it between uses.
Where: Brussels, Wallonia and Flanders, Belgium
Vytal
Serviceware Type: Containers for takeaway food
Material: Polypropylene bowl and TPE lid (100% BPA-free).
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: An App or membership card is used to ensure containers remain in the system. Customers either download the Vytal App (for free) or purchase a Vytal Membership card, both of which contain a QR code that customers scan when they borrow a container. Containers must be returned within 14 days, otherwise the customer is charged the cost of the bowl. Containers can be returned to any participating outlet. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned containers.
Where: Germany (Cologne, Berlin, Munich, Freiburg, Dusseldorf and other cities)
You Bumerang
Serviceware Type: Takeaway food containers
Material: Polypropylene container and lid.
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Containers are free to borrow. An App/website registration system is used to ensure containers stay in the system. Customers must download the You Bumerang App or register on the You Bumerang website. They then display their personal QR code whenever they borrow a container. Containers must be returned within 15 days, otherwise a late fee of 6 euroes is charged. Containers can be returned to any participating outlet. Participating outlets wash & sterilise the containers.
Where: Barcelona, Spain
North America
Cup Zero
Serviceware Type: Cups and Tumblers
Material: Plastic
Context: Events, festivals & venues
System/Infrastructure: Fleet of reusable cups & tumblers hired to one-off events. Deposit return scheme during event to ensure collection of used items, which are returned to Cup Zero after the event for washing & sterilisation before re-distribution. Cup Zero can also provide on-site washing & sterilisation during an event.
Where: Throughout the USA
Deliverzero
Serviceware Type: Takeaway containers for food delivery
Material: Polypropylene (BPA-free) containers.
Context: Food delivery
System/Infrastructure: Online takeaway food delivery platform. Customers visit the website & order from their chosen restaurant. The food is delivered in reusable containers (inside a single-use bag). The containers are loaned for free (i.e. there is no deposit), but customers must return the containers within 6 weeks otherwise they are charged the cost of the container (about US$3.25). Customers can return containers either by giving them to the delivery person the next time they order from DeliverZero or by returning them to any restaurant on the DeliverZero platform. Containers are washed and sterilised for reuse by restaurants on the DeliverZero platform.
Where: New York
Dispatch Goods
Serviceware Type: Takeaway containers for food, including delivery.
Material: Stainless steel containers with silicone lids (includes reusable pizza boxes!!). Reusable chiller bags.
Context: Food delivery, workplaces and restaurants.
System/Infrastructure: Customers visit the Dispatch Goods Delivery website & order from their chosen restaurant. Orders must be made in advance. The food is delivered in reusable containers inside a reusable chiller bag on certain days of the week. Meals are delivered chilled and customers simply heat the food up as per the instructions from the restaurant. Alternatively, customers can become a subscription member of Dispatch Goods, which allows them to order food in person at participating outlets into Dispatch Goods’ containers. Workplaces can also become corporate members of Dispatch Goods, which enables their employees to order food to the workplace in Dispatch Goods’ containers, or to request a Dispatch Goods container when ordering at the counter of participating outlets. Customers return used containers to centrally-located collection bins or to collection bins at their workplace, or if they are a food delivery customer, Dispatch Goods collects used containers at curbside once a fortnight. Dispatch Goods washes & sterilises returned containers before redistributing them to participating restaurants for reuse.
Where: San Francisco
EKKO
Serviceware Type: Takeaway food containers
Material: Stainless steel containers with food-grade silicone lids
Context: Cafe & hospitality outlets, food vendors
System/Infrastructure: Reusable takeaway containers offered through a network of partner restaurants/food vendors. Customers sign-up to Ekko, for free, and can then order from any participating vendor and select to have their food packed into an Ekko container for a small fee. Customers return used containers to drop box locations for Ekko to collect, sanitize, and then re-distribute to partners for reuse. Tracking technology ensures containers stay in the system.
Where: Ontario, Canada
Forever Ware
Serviceware Type: Takeaway food and beverage containers
Material: Stainless steel containers with food-grade silicone lids
Context: Cafe & hospitality outlets, markets/events/festivals, and food delivery
System/Infrastructure: Reusable takeaway containers and cups for food and drink, offered through a network of restaurants and other food businesses. Deposit Return System ensures cups and containers stay in the system - customers can borrow and return to any business in the network for a refundable deposit. Participating businesses wash and sanitize each vessel/container before reuse. Forever Ware provides app-based inventory tracking technology to track usage and incentivize returns.
Where: Based in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
Fresh Bowl
Serviceware Type: Takeaway food containers
Material: Glass jars with metal lids
Context: Vending machine kiosks and food delivery
System/Infrastructure: A network of vending machine kiosks stocking meals in reusable glass jars. Deposit return scheme ensures jars stay in the system. Empty jars are returned to the kiosk and the customer receives a credit towards their next Fresh Bowl purchase. Fresh Bowl also runs home delivery - customer keeps empty jars and returns them on delivery of the next order. Fresh Bowl washes & sterilises all collected empty jars & lids before redistribution.
Where: New York, USA
GO Box
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups and takeaway food containers
Material: Polypropylene (100% BPA-free)
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets.
System/Infrastructure: A pre-paid subscription service conducted through mobile App ensures cups and containers stay in the system. Customers scan their phone when they use and return a Go Box. Empty cups and containers are returned to drop-off sites for GO Box to collect, wash & sterilise, and then re-distribute to participating vendors. All Go Box logistics are by bicycle.
Where: Portland, USA
Muuse
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups
Material: Stainless steel cups and lid
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: An App is used to ensure cups and containers remain in the system. Customers must download the Muuse App and scan the QR code on the bottom of the cup or container they borrow. Cups and containers must be returned within 14 days, otherwise a late fee is charged. Cups and containers can be returned to any participating outlet. Participating outlets wash & sterilise returned cups.
Where: San Francisco, USA; Toronto, Canada
Nūlla Project
Serviceware Type: Coffee Cups
Material: Polypropylene cup and lid (100% BPA-free)
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Deposit Return Scheme to ensure cups stay in the system. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet for a deposit refund or swapped for a fresh cup. Participating outlets wash and sterilise returned cups.
Where: Victoria BC, Canada
OZZI
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups and tumblers, takeaway food containers and cutlery
Material: Polypropylene (100% BPA-free)
Context: Cafes, hospitality outlets and institutions (including education, military and healthcare institutions)
System/Infrastructure: A comprehensive system to replace disposable serviceware, suitable for all parts of the food service industry and big institutions. The full fleet of reusables, combined with 24/7 secure return access points, and equipment for transportation & sterilisation allows institutions to operate an on-site closed loop system. A deposit return scheme using tokens is used to ensure reusables stay in the system.
Where: Across the USA
Planted Table
Serviceware Type: Containers for Food Delivery and Catering
Material: Glass jars with metal lids and Glass containers with plastic lids
Context: Home deliveries and catering
System/Infrastructure: Weekly meal plans are delivered for a fee or can be picked up by customers from premises. Customers leave out empty rinsed containers/jars and insulated carry bags for pick up when fresh order is delivered or drop them off at Planted Table premises. Jars washed and sterilised by Planted Table in commercial kitchen. No deposit on containers/jars.
Where: San Francisco Bay Area
r.cup
Serviceware Type: Cups/tumblers
Material: Plastic.
Context: Events, festivals, tours and venue partnerships
System/Infrastructure: Fleet of reusable cups that events and venues can hire, including long-term solutions. Features Deposit Return Scheme during event and no-deposit systems, including r.Cup’s “New Cup Every Time” model that gives a fresh r.Cup with every purchase, ensuring safety and confidence. r.Cup team and customised collection bins ensure collection of used items, full storage, washing/sterilisation and delivery logistics for reusables after/between events. r.Cup has a network of washing/sterilisation plants across the US.
Where: Across the US.
Usefull
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups
Material: Double-walled stainless steel cup
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Cups are free to borrow. An App is used to ensure cups stay in the system. To participate, customers download the Usefull App and scan the QR code on the bottom of each cup they borrow. Cups must be returned within 2 days to avoid incurring a fee. Cups can be returned to one of Usefull’s drop-off bins around Boston. Usefull collects, washes & sterilises returned cups before redistributing them on electric bikes to participating outlets.
Where: Boston, USA.
Vessel
Serviceware Type: Coffee cups
Material: Double-walled stainless steel cup and silicone lid
Context: Cafes and hospitality outlets
System/Infrastructure: Cups are free to borrow. An App is used to ensure cups stay in the system. To participate, customers download the Vessel App and scan the QR code on the bottom of each cup they borrow. Cups must be returned within 5 days to avoid incurring a fee. Cups can be returned to any participating outlet or one of Vessel’s 24/7 return kiosks. Vessel collects, washes & sterilises returned cups before redistribution to participating outlets.
Where: Boulder, Colorado and Berkeley, California
Central & South America
Meu Copo Eco
Serviceware Type: Tumblers
Material: Polypropylene (100% BPA-free)
Context: Events, festivals and sports venues
System/Infrastructure: Fleets of reusable cups that can be hired to one-off events or purchased by venues for long-term use. Deposit return scheme during the event ensures cups stay in the system. For hired cups, Meu Copo Eco collect them after the event and wash & sterilise them before redistribution.
Where: Across Brazil
Qero Ecovasos
Serviceware Type: Tumblers
Material: Polypropylene
Context: Events, festivals and sports venues
System/Infrastructure: Fleets of reusable cups that can be hired to one-off events or purchased by venues for long-term use. Deposit return scheme during the event ensures cups stay in the system. If needed, Qero Ecovasos supports events and venues to establish and/or run on-site wash & sterilisation systems.
Where: Argentina, Chile and Uruguay