Digital reuse powered by re-universe

Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project, two of the UK’s most renowned visitor attractions, have made a groundbreaking move to reduce single-use waste by introducing a fully-operational, permanent returnable cup system, designed by re-universe.

This innovative partnership establishes new sustainability benchmarks by utilising digital technology to eliminate the reliance on single-use coffee cups, all while providing a smooth and convenient user experience.

How does it work?

Re-universe clients can choose between two systems: a ‘deposit return’ or a ‘holding charge’ scheme. Both options are designed for simplicity, offering a hassle-free experience with ‘just tap’ and ‘just drop’ returns, aimed at achieving high cup return rates without the need for an app.

Deposit Return Scheme at Blenheim and Eden

Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project have implemented a deposit return system across their sites.

When visitors order a coffee, they have three options:

• Drink in – served in a ceramic cup.
• Money off – by using their own reusable cup.
• Drink out – with a venue-provided returnable cup.

How it works: Visitors who borrow a returnable cup pay a deposit when they make their purchase. Once finished, they simply return the cup to a designated machine and ‘just tap’ their card or phone on the payment terminal. The deposit is refunded almost instantly, allowing them to tap and go. You can watch a video below of our CEO demonstrating the cup return process at the Eden Project.

Holding Charge

This system operates differently from the deposit scheme, but the goal remains the same: to achieve a high return rate and keep reusable containers in circulation for a longer period.

Customers borrow a reusable cup or container, and a holding charge (pre-authorisation) is placed on their card, without requiring an upfront deposit. If the container isn’t returned within the specified timeframe (up to 7 days), the charge is applied to their card as a penalty.

To return the cup, users simply ‘just drop’ it into a smart or non-smart return point. Once returned, the hold is automatically lifted—no apps or taps required.

Behind the Scenes

Each reusable cup or container is equipped with unique RFID technology, allowing us to track its entire journey—from purchase to return and washing. This real-time data enables our clients to efficiently manage inventory, monitor return rates, and assess stock levels and overall impact, providing valuable insights for ongoing system improvements.

Additionally, each cup or container has its own unique identity, allowing for a personalised client experience through the GS1 QR code on the side. This setup supports multiple reuse schemes operating simultaneously on the re-universe platform.

Every cup and return point is integrated into our platform, and we work closely with our clients to tailor the system to meet their specific needs, ensuring an effective and customised solution.

Versatile and Flexible

Our technology allows reuse systems to be implemented anywhere—from venues and workplaces to festivals, exhibitions, and even large-scale locations with multiple brands, such as airports, travel hubs, or music events.

A user-friendly dashboard provides real-time insights into key metrics like return rates, reuse rates, container status and location, return point usage, and washing progress. Handheld scanners also enable quick stock checks and efficient asset management.

Tailored Integration

While we offer a stand-alone, re-universe-managed scheme, we understand this may not suit all clients. For those seeking a more streamlined user experience, we can integrate our system with existing IT and payment platforms, providing clients with full ownership and control. This fully integrated option is available for larger clients who prefer a custom solution.

Measuring Success

Our initiatives are achieving return rates as high as 96%, significantly reducing carbon emissions and eliminating single-use cups from ending up in landfills.

Collaborations

The re-universe platform powers our reuse system, but circularity is a collective effort. We are grateful to our partners and collaborators who have helped us launch the UK’s first fully data-driven reuse platform.

Our recent projects at Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project feature Circular&Co. returnable cups and Cuploop return machines, both of which are integrated into the re-universe platform to ensure seamless operation.

We also extend our thanks to Mastercard, Shift4, Avery Dennison, Smartrac, and GS1 UK for their continued support in making return and reuse effortless with re-universe. A special shout-out to our brilliant cup, container, and return point creators, as well as our exciting pipeline of future clients—thank you! We look forward to working with you all soon!

“The returnable cup scheme is a major step towards our Net Zero pledge, and it’s hugely gratifying to be working alongside re-universe and Eden Project in leading the way for other UK tourist destinations and retailers.”

David Green – Head of Innovation, Blenheim Palace

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do here at the Eden Project and with so many visitors coming through our doors every year, it is crucial we are walking the talk and operating in as sustainable a way as we can.  

“As technology improves to match our ambition, we’re delighted to be working with re-universe alongside Blenheim Palace. We are excited to see how the machines both improve the overall visitor experience when returning their cups and help provide us with data and insights to better understand the engagement and impact the scheme is having.”

Becky Fenner – Hospitality Manager, Eden Project

Get in touch!

If you’re ready to make the switch to reuse and are interested in learning more about re-universe, we’d love to discuss how we can assist you.

Email our team at hello@re-universe.com – we look forward to hearing from you!