Paper cup recycling group recruits Starbucks and WRAP

The recently-established Paper Cup Recovery and Recycling Group (PCRRG) has enlisted coffee giant Starbucks as its first new member of the year, while WRAP has come on board as one of its inaugural Supporter Members.


The PCRRG, which was formalised in July last year, has extended its reach to organisations indirectly associated with the paper cup supply chain with the creation of the new Supporter Membership, which also now includes green energy company bio-bean.

Managing and coordinating the Group is LRS Consultancy, whose managing director Dee Moloney said: “Supporter Membership brings a whole new level to the PCRRG that will enable other sectors of industry to engage with developing sustainable solutions for the paper cup supply chain.

“We expect to see all sorts of organisations accessing and joining the Group now, including venue operators, facilities management companies, transport hubs, trade associations, charities and the media.”

The PCRRG has the aim of identifying new opportunities and innovative projects to limit waste and recycle paper cups. It is also organising market trials of new recycling solutions and submitted a joint funding application to Innovate UK to help the sector move towards a circular economy.

Best practice

Starbucks Coffee Company’s director of environmental impact Jim Hanna said: “Starbucks is committed to doing business responsibly. Becoming a Member of the Paper Cup Recovery and Recycling Group is a way for us to engage, collaborate and openly communicate with the key stakeholders across the value chain, as well as share our best practices at finding real solutions to paper cup recycling in other geographies.”

Other members of the PCRRG include Costa, Nesté Professional, Mondelēz International and Huhtamaki. 

The new Supporter Member level is free to join and designed for organisations which do not specifically influence the production, purchase or recycling of paper cups, but which share in the Group’s vision to enable the diversion of post-consumer used cups back into the supply chain.

WRAP’s key account manager for hospitality & food service Brendan Hunter said: “We have been supporting and watching the PCRRG with interest and are pleased to now officially become a Supporter Member and look forward to sharing our best practice with the Group and engaging our stakeholders about the Group’s sustainability projects.”

UK organisations interested in becoming a Supporter Member can find out more at www.pcrrg.uk.

Lois Vallely

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