This document discusses challenges and initiatives around recycling paper cups and foodservice packaging in the UK. It outlines the history of the Paper Cup Recovery and Recycling Group, which was established in 2006 to explore collecting and recycling paper cups. While early trials were successful, they could not compete at a large scale. The document describes a 2013 convention where stakeholders discussed opportunities to pursue an industry-wide initiative to develop a viable supply chain for recycling paper cups and foodservice packaging. It proposes a three-pronged project to map the process and conduct capture trials to support a full funding submission leading to potential investment and expansion in this area.

1. Paper Cup and Foodservice
Packaging – The Recycling
Challenge
Neil Whittall
Founder member – Paper Cup recovery and Recycling Group
Chair – Foodservice Packaging Association
Huhtamaki UK Ltd - Commercial and Contracts Director

2. 2
Industry initiatives and outlook
Background
• Set up in 2006 to look at the viability of collection and
recycling of paper cups.
• An added material to an existing industry funded (by levy)
organisation Save A Cup Ltd.
• Early trials and successful interventions led to a revenue
stream for Save A Cup, but as a niche collector they could
not compete.
• Continued efforts to generate interest became more
successful in 2012/3 as with heightened awareness and
discussions with ACE UK showed signs of opportunity.

3. 3
Collective thinking and action plans
• One day ‘convention’ saw keynote speakers and wide ranging
discussion.
• Interest level to pursue future options was agreed and funding
provided an additional report for outline activity programmes.
• Results indicate support for an industry wide initiative.
• Complex process which needs to have significant time and input
from partners.
• Initial project submission to TSB – Innovation awards for a
circular economy.
• Project scope now to be developed to support a full submission
leading towards possible investment and expansion into the
Foodservice and Hospitality industry.

4. 4
Paper Cup Recovery and Recycling
Creating a viable and sustainable supply chain

5. 5
Understanding of the supply chain

6. 6
Barriers and Solutions
Multiple Intervention points for consideration

7. 7
Barriers and Solutions
Factors for wider consideration

8. 8
Combined activity and Communication
An active approach to look at intervention and solutions

9. 9
Summary
Project threads to create a viable solution

10. 10
Next Steps
Active participants required.......
• Three pronged project designed to include;
– Business case on positive sorting
– Mapping process
– Capture trials
• Further group membership and interest, including;
– Cafe Nero, Coca Cola, James Cropper,
• Collaborative support for TSB to be re-considered for a UK
business submission to include investment opportunity.
• Continued work on messaging and marketing for industry activity
(KBT, FPA, WRAP)
• Increased communication for positive messages on the valuable
resource of paper cups and food service packaging.