Starbucks and Hubbub unveil £1m fund to boost reuse schemes
A £1m fund designed to boost reusable packaging at Starbucks has been launched in partnership with Hubbub.
The Bring It Back Fund aims to remove barriers for reuse schemes and aims to support pilot projects that help shift people’s habits. Up to five projects will each receive grants of between £150,000-£300,000 for a year. Applications open on 11 May 2022 and close at 5pm on 24 June 2022.
Gavin Ellis, director of Hubbub said: “We have all seen so much more single-use plastic in our everyday lives over the last couple of years that I think many people have become desensitised to it – it’s become the norm. We urgently have to tackle this major environmental problem and it’s crucial that we reassure the public that reusables – which are the main solution to this issue – are safe and easy to use and can save you money in the long-term.
“We’re looking for innovators with pioneering new approaches to challenge single-use packaging in the food and drink sector. If you feel you have a solution to support reusable packaging systems for food and drink products, and remove barriers for users and businesses, we want to hear about it.”
Development of the Bring It Back Fund has been informed by Starbucks and Hubbub’s ongoing initiatives to drive the uptake of reuse, including the Cup, Cup and Away campaign at Gatwick Airport.
Alex Rayner, general manager, Starbucks UK, said: “We’re proud of our continued partnership with Hubbub and the launch of the Bring It Back Fund marks our next milestone together as we continue to explore new ways to inspire and encourage customers to reuse.
“As we work to make reusability the only option, long-term, the fund will provide solutions that will benefit the entire food and beverage industry. The launch of the fund will work in conjunction with Starbucks existing reusables work, including the 25p reusable cup discount, 5p cup charge, in-store recycling, and new returnable cup program, to advance widespread adoption of reusables as we work to become resource positive and reduce waste by 50% by 2030.”
