How does it work?

This innovative project, spearheaded by the Irish Paper Packaging Circularity Alliance (IPPCA), focuses on collecting discarded paper cups using specially designed collection bins and transforming the cups into premium secondary paper products, providing a clear pathway for consumers to recycle on the go paper packaging. The three-tube bins enable consumers to separate cups, lids, and liquid, essential for the recycling process. The emptied tubes go into coded sacks that are scanned on collection by Panda so that granular data per outlet about volume of cups sent to recycling can be obtained. The collected cups are transported to a UK manufacturer, James Cropper Speciality Paper, who have an onsite recycling facility. Here, the cups are turned into paper and then used in quality stationary, greetings cards and luxury packaging.

Recent data shows that since its establishment, The Cup Collective has achieved a recycling rate of up to 19.4% for disposable paper cups sold in selected Dublin locations, offering customers a rewarding coffee drinking experience and showcasing a Circular Economy in action.