The National Cup Recycling Scheme has launched a £45,000 project fund to support projects that prevent on-the-go paper cups from being disposed of in landfill.
The fund focuses on projects that capture and recycle on-the-go paper cups or help accelerate their acceptance in kerbside schemes.
The competition is open until 31 October, with the winner being announced in December. Any organisation, business or community can apply, including partnerships and collaborations.
Applicants can submit proposals on three focus areas: awareness campaigns, recycling infrastructure, and research and evidence building.
This new fund is a major investment to encourage innovation in cup recycling infrastructure and reuse.
Shortlisted applicants will receive financial and expert support to refine their proposal, as well as guidance on networking and referrals to relevant stakeholders and help in preparing their final pitch.
The final three shortlisted projects will develop full project proposals, which includes a final interview with the judging panel made up of The National Cup Recycling Scheme (NCRS) brands.
Hannah Osman, manager of the scheme, which is administered by Valpak by Reconomy, commented: “This new fund is a major investment to encourage innovation in cup recycling infrastructure and reuse. We are hoping to trigger scalable ideas that will make a real difference in the future.”
The National Cup Recycling Scheme is funded by participating brands – Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Pret a Manger, Caffè Nero, Lavazza Professional, Greggs and Burger King.