The National Cup Recycling Scheme announces a £45,000 project fund to support projects that capture and recycle on-the-go paper cups.
The new fund is also looking for projects that help accelerate the acceptance of paper cups in kerbside collection schemes.
The competition launches in September, with the winner announced in December.
Hannah Osman, manager of the scheme, which is administered by Valpak by Reconomy, said: “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.”
This new fund is a major investment to encourage innovation in cup recycling infrastructure and reuse.
Any organisation, business or community can apply, including partnerships and collaborations. Applicants can submit proposals to one of three focus areas: awareness campaigns, recycling infrastructure improvements, and research and evidence building.
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, including a final interview with the judging panel made up of the NCRS brands.
The National Cup Recycling Scheme is funded by participating brands, including Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Pret a Manger, Caffè Nero, Greggs, and Burger King.
Since the launch of the scheme, Valpak says 233 million cups have been recycled into products such as packaging, stationery and even Remembrance Day poppies.