Blenheim Palace and The Eden Project Tackle Single-Use Waste with Innovative Returnable Cup System

Major UK attractions save 620,000 cups annually with new sustainability approach

Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project have teamed up to eliminate over 600,000 single-use coffee cups each year through a pioneering returnable cup system. The scheme, powered by green-tech company re-universe, has already saved approximately 27 tonnes of CO2e annually—the equivalent of heating 12 homes for a year.

How It Works

Visitors to both attractions pay a small deposit for a returnable cup, which is refunded upon return via a reverse vending-style machine. The technology uses Mastercard Send to ensure that deposits are returned quickly to the visitor’s preferred payment card, making the process smooth and hassle-free.

The cups are collected, washed, and reused, integrating sustainability seamlessly into the visitor experience. The initiative is part of Blenheim Palace’s aim to become carbon-neutral by 2027 and the Eden Project’s goal to be climate positive by 2030.

High Impact and Industry Attention

The returnable cup scheme has caught the eye of industry leaders, including major UK supermarkets, who have visited Blenheim Palace to learn more about the innovative approach. David Green, Blenheim’s Head of Innovation, described the scheme as a significant step towards their Net Zero pledge. “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,” he said.

With over 5,000 cups currently in use at Blenheim Palace and an impressive 83% return rate, the scheme has already prevented over 1,150 kg of CO2e from entering the atmosphere. The project has also raised several hundred pounds for green initiatives through an accompanying app.

Eden Project’s Commitment to Sustainability

The Eden Project has been running its returnable cup scheme since March 2023, removing the need for single-use cups altogether. The system is expected to save around 220,000 cups and reduce waste by approximately 4 tonnes each year. Becky Fenner, Hospitality Manager at the Eden Project, emphasised the importance of aligning their operations with sustainable practices.

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at the Eden Project,” Becky said. “With so many visitors coming through our doors every year, it is crucial we operate in as sustainable a way as we can.”

Leading by Example

Rachel Warren, CEO of re-universe, praised the commitment of both attractions. “Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project are setting a new standard for sustainability in the tourism industry,” she said. The returnable cup system has become a model for other attractions and businesses looking to reduce waste and promote responsible behaviour.

With real-time data tracking and seamless integration, re-universe’s platform is designed to optimise inventory management and enhance sustainability efforts at both sites. The collaboration between Blenheim Palace, the Eden Project, and re-universe showcases how technology and sustainability can go hand-in-hand to create a more environmentally friendly visitor experience.

For more information on Blenheim Palace’s sustainability efforts, visit Blenheim Palace and for the Eden Project, see Eden Project.