Thousands of free reusable coffee cups help boost business as Paisley Buddies choose reuse

Up for the (coffee) cup: Thousands get behind pilot project to reduce waste 

• Free reusable takeaway cups given out in Paisley as businesses and residents play their part in cutting waste – while enjoying a cuppa
• Project is hailed as an exemplar for towns across Scotland to help tackle single-use items and boost reuse

Thousands of free reusable cups have been handed out to coffee lovers in Paisley to encourage consumers to choose reuse.

Paisley First BID (Business Improvement District) secured support from Zero Waste Scotland to launch a town-wide reusable cup scheme, making reuse a sustainable and aspirational option for customers buying a hot drink.

Customers who return for refills using their reusable cup are receiving a minimum 20p discount on each drink in a move supporters hope will boost business as well as contributing to Scotland’s circular economy ambitions.

They can also share their local pride thanks to some Paisley Pattern branding organised by the BID.

Natalie McShane, Manager of Paisley First BID, said: “We were thrilled to be successful in applying to run a reusable cup scheme here in Paisley – and we’ve been really encouraged by the support. With a wide range of fantastic independent cafes, we saw this as a fantastic opportunity to not only reduce waste and create a more sustainable town, but also to implement real behaviour change, encouraging people to reuse.

“It has been great seeing customers walking about the town centre with their special branded reusable cups. It’s a great way for people to show their support for local businesses, while helping the environment too.

“I want to extend my thanks to all our local businesses who have made the scheme such a success.”

More than 3,200 of cups have been distributed in the first two months of the initiative, with 10 cafes in Paisley taking part.

Emma Russell, of Kettle Black coffee shop on County Place, is one of them.

She said: “We already use compostable cups and lids in an effort to be kinder to the environment.

“When we do need to buy plastic cups, we use a company who plant a tree for every box of cups purchased.

“So it was great to get involved in the Paisley First scheme and do our bit to encourage our customers to consider ditching a single use cup in favour of a reusable cup instead.

“We offer a 15% discount to customers who bring their own cup so it’s proved really popular so far.”

David Barnes, Head of Business Engagement at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Single-use items make up a significant proportion of our waste, and yet they’re a largely unnecessary component. For that reason it’s great to see Paisley venues embracing reuse with this initiative, demonstrating the hugely impactful part local businesses and community hubs can play in evolving sustainable behaviours.

“Ditching disposable items and opting for reuse makes sense for individual business operations, giving business leaders more confidence over their budgets by eliminating the need to buy throwaway items and helping them foster customer loyalty by demonstrating their commitment to sustainability too. Bigger picture, by embracing reuse, businesses and their customers are contributing to Scotland’s circular economy objectives as a nation – ultimately helping to achieve a sustainable future that works for people, planet, and prosperity.”

Paisley First has been given 5,000 cups to distribute. They are being shared among 10 local cafes in Paisley, including Blend at Paisley Arts Centre, The Boathouse Cafe, Infini’Tea, Kettle Black, Leisureland, Square Cafe, Taste Buds and Who’s Cafe.

With almost 390 million cups placed on the market in Scotland each year*, Zero Waste Scotland has partnered with local communities and businesses across the country to develop reusable cup schemes.

The Paisley pilot has been the only ‘town-wide’ approach taken by the 11 recipients of Zero Waste Scotland reusable cups and has been embraced by local business owners and customers over the past. Customers who return with their cup receive a minimum 20p discount on their drink, with several cafes offering even greater savings as incentive.

The success of the project has been highlighted ahead of Scotland Loves Local Week, which takes place from Saturday August 23 and highlights the difference that everyone can make by supporting local businesses.

Zero Waste Scotland is a strategic partner of Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local.

Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “It’s fantastic to see organisations working together like this to make our towns cleaner and greener while supporting great local businesses. Everyone wins.”

The full list of Paisley businesses taking part in the reusable cups scheme is: Bianco Nero, Blend – Paisley Arts Centre, Boathouse Café, Casa Café, Infini’Tea, Kettle Black, Leisureland, Square Café, Taste Buds and Who’s Cafe.

Renfrewshire Council also received 1,000 cups as part of the partnership.