Businesses across the Highlands are being invited to participate in a pioneering returnable packaging scheme, free of charge.
The Highland Community Waste Partnership (HCWP) has teamed up with the German sustainable packaging company Vytal to introduce this initiative.
The scheme aims to enlist 20 businesses from the region. The UK generates 11 billion pieces of packaging waste annually due to on-the-go lunch habits.
The HCWP’s #ChooseToReuse campaign seeks to mitigate this by promoting reusable alternatives.
This new initiative builds on the success of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Highland Cup Movement, which prevented over 1,000 single-use cups from ending up in landfills by using similar technology and infrastructure.
Businesses in both urban and remote areas are encouraged to join the pilot. The scheme uses a QR code-based app that allows customers to opt for reusable packaging at the point of sale, which can then be returned to any participating business.
Participants will receive a selection of reusable packaging options, including cups, bowls, tubs, and pizza boxes.
They will also receive support in setting up and running the scheme, including staff training and campaign materials to engage customers in the #ChooseToReuse initiative.
Ellie Campbell, HCWP Project Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Making the change from single-use to reusable products is essential if we are to reduce packaging waste and tackle the climate and litter emergency.
“Returnable packaging schemes are a key part of this, allowing for the spontaneity and convenience of food and drink on the go, without relying on disposable packaging or on consumers bringing their own reusables.
“This scheme will allow businesses across the Highlands to try out the system and encourage customers to #ChooseToReuse.
“The Highland Cup Movement was a great success in showing the potential in the area for reusable and returnable packaging products.
“I’m looking forward to seeing more businesses sign up, helping to expand on this work and bring the Highlands one step closer to more conscious, circular and sustainable models of consumption.”
Tristan Aitchison, XOKO Bakehouse and Coffee Bar, who participated in the Highland Cup Movement last summer and is now continuing with the scheme, said: “It’s really important for XOKO to reduce our single-use packaging consumption because, a) it costs us money, and b) we are aware of how much single-use packaging we use.
“Any way we can reduce that, and as a progressive business we want to reduce that any way we can, so Vytal is a key part in our moving forward to reduce single-use packaging.”
Peter Simon, Managing Director at Vytal, said: “We are excited to once again support Keep Scotland Beautiful in their effort to preserve our environment.
“Our commitment to sustainability perfectly aligns with the HCWP’s mission to reduce waste and promote more conscious consumption.
“Together, we can create a cleaner, greener future for the Highland community, preserving our natural landscapes for future generations.”
The pilot scheme is now open and will run until December 2024. Any businesses interested in getting involved can find out more and sign up.
This pilot is part of the HCWP’s Conscious Consumption campaign, with a number of initiatives designed to help businesses reduce food and packaging waste.
Research, business feedback and key learnings from the Highland Cup Movement can be found in the legacy report.