Industry group formalised to drive paper cup recycling

Members of the paper cup supply chain have announced the formalisation of the Paper Cup Recovery and Recycling Group (PCRRG), which will work with stakeholders to improve paper cup recyclability.


Originally set up as a special interest group, the PCRRG has worked to increase recognition that paper cups can provide high quality recycling material and ensure it is reused effectively in the supply chain.

The formalised PCRRG consists of 14 founding members as of July 2014. The founders include Caffè Nero, Mars Drinks, Huhtamaki, Mondelēz International and Nestlè Professional.

It will now be run by an executive board made up of elected members and have a number of working groups chaired by industry representatives. The original special interest group has been operating since November 2012.

The PCRRG identifies new opportunities and innovative projects to limit waste and recycle paper cups. It will also organise in market trials of new recycling solutions and the group has submitted a joint funding application to the Technology Strategy Board to help the sector move towards a circular economy.

The group will be managed and coordinated by LRS Constulancy, whose managing director Dee Moloney said: “We are really excited to be involved in the Paper Cup Recovery and Recycling Group; we would encourage more organisations to take advantage of the opportunity to help design and implement sustainability solutions that support the development of a circular economy.

The formalisation of the group follows British engineer Martin Myerscough’s announcement that the first fully recyclable paper cup will soon debut on the UK high street. The ‘Green Your Cup’ has a thin film liner which can be easily removed from the paper, leaving 100% paper for recycling.

Matt Field

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