Blenheim Palace is trialling a new high-tech scheme where visitors are incentivised to return their used cups to win prizes.
Each cup has a unique QR code which, when scanned, automatically opens a returnable web-platform, entering the user into a prize draw and bringing traceability to every cup. Prizes include Blenheim Palace annual passes, free tickets and money off vouchers.
Blenheim already provides separate returnable cup points that allow them to mix recycled paper cups with food waste, generating compost which can be used on the estate’s farms. However, under the Digital Returnable Cup System, each cup can be re-used up to 500 times, significantly reducing waste, saving carbon and encouraging visitors to think more about their impact on the environment.
David Green, Blenheim’s Head of Innovation said, “We serve over 400,000 hot drinks at Blenheim each year, so this new scheme has the potential to make a big impact.
“We believe climate change is the single biggest threat to Blenheim’s long-term survival and we’re committed to doing all we can to reduce and mitigate its impacts and help safeguard this World Heritage Site and its resources for future generations.
“As well as incentivising people to return their used cups, the initiative also helps us to analyse behaviour and better manage cup collection”, he added.
In addition to rewards and incentives, the app also provides updates on the amount of cups reused and encourages community involvement.
The Digital Returnable Cup System is operated by Witney-based re-universe. Rachel Warren, re-universe Marketing Director said, “We are thrilled to be working with Blenheim Palace on this important reuse initiative. The returnable cup system at Blenheim Palace uses technology to engage and incentivise visitors to return their cups for reuse, eradicating single use completely within The Walled Gardens.
“We can measure the return of cups and also relate this to behavioural insights and impact”, she added.
As part of its 10 Goals, Blenheim is committed to addressing the climate emergency by setting the goal to become carbon neutral by 2027, and to sequester over 200,000 tonnes CO2e by 2050.
For more information visit https://www.blenheimpalace.com/returnable-cup-scheme-prizes/.
