Swansea city centre has taken a major step towards reducing single-use packaging.
A new scheme from Irish start-up 2GoCup, will provide participating businesses with reusable cups, making it easier for customers to swap out single-use cups for a more sustainable choice.
Funded by Swansea Council’s Swansea project zero team and Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), 2GoCup’s initiative will see customers pay a small deposit for a durable, reusable cup, which they can return to any participating business for a refund or swapping for a fresh cup.
The scheme aims to reduce the thousands of single-use coffee cups that are thrown away each week in the city centre, helping Swansea meet its sustainability goals.
The initiative is being backed by Irish-based start-up, 2GoCup has been making waves across the 海角视频 and Ireland since its launch in 2018.
Its cups are made of durable, bisphenol A free materials, designed for multiple uses. They’re fully recyclable at the end of their lifecycle.
Nine Swansea city centre businesses are already signed up, including Socialdice and Pinatas, Little Man Coffee at Founders, Storyteller, First Call Coffee Cwtch, Anchor, Café Ark, Hello Asia and Kardomah.
Another seven will be confirmed shortly. Local businesses are also getting on board with Swansea.com and Peter Lynn and Partners purchasing cups for employees.
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Andrea Williams, joint deputy leader and cabinet member for service transformation at Swansea Council, said: “The 2GoCup scheme is an exciting and practical way to help us on our journey to becoming a net zero city by 2050. Every small change adds up, so by reducing single-use waste, we’re protecting our environment, keeping the city cleaner, and supporting our local businesses.
“We’re proud to help fund this initiative and look forward to seeing more businesses join in.”
Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID manager, said: “Swansea is a city that looks to the future, and our businesses are proud to be leading the way on sustainability. The 2GoCup model makes it simple for customers to choose greener options without any added hassle, and the positive early response has been fantastic to see.
“We’re excited to build on this momentum in the months ahead, expanding the scheme and encouraging people to explore new coffee shops across the city — boosting trade for our BID businesses while supporting a more sustainable Swansea.”
Kieran Ivett, owner of Wind Street’s Socialdice and Pinatas, said: “I’m extremely passionate about this scheme. It’s already delivered fantastic results in Ireland, and I’m confident it will not only inspire visitors to make more sustainable choices, but also give businesses the chance to connect with new customers.
"The idea is straightforward, and I believe people coming into the city will embrace it; all while playing their part in protecting the environment.”