Delete Cups bags US$ 443,765 for RFID-based reusable scheme in UK

UK – Essex-based re-use scheme Delete Cups has garnered £350,000 (US$443,765) from angel investors to address the pervasive issue of disposable cup waste.

In contrast to existing re-use schemes, which often entail cumbersome registration processes and deposit reclaim procedures, Delete Cups revolutionizes the approach.

Eschewing the need for customer particulars, the system seamlessly returns deposits to users upon cup disposal at any designated collection point.

Central to Delete Cups’ innovation is the integration of RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology within each cup

This technology, coupled with sophisticated software, seamlessly links cup transactions to point-of-sale interactions. Baristas scan cups during payment, and upon disposal at collection points, the embedded RFID chip triggers automatic refund processes.

Alastair Hood, café proprietor and brainchild behind Delete Cups, collaborated with partners and RFID specialist CoreRFID to develop the cutting-edge system.

Having trialed the initiative successfully in his pop-up cafés, Hood is currently in discussions with potential adopters across the UK and Europe.

Delete Cups aims to amplify its impact by extending its current investment round, targeting an additional £150,000 (US$190,185) to facilitate widespread implementation.

Hood envisions Delete Cups as a catalyst for eliminating single-use cups, propelling the transition toward a circular economy.

Richard Harrison, representing CoreRFID, underscored the efficacy of RFID technology in recycling and re-use applications.

By automating tracking and processing, RFID technology minimizes human intervention, ensuring seamless operations even amid rigorous conditions such as exposure to hot beverages or dishwasher cycles.

This is a boost to UK’s effort to combat plastic waste. Last October, UK banned single-use plastic including plastic straws and cutlery.

The ban is a significant step towards mitigating the environmental impact of plastic pollution. By eliminating single-use plastics, the UK is reducing its carbon footprint, conserving natural resources, and protecting marine life.

Plastic waste, once a ubiquitous sight in landfills and oceans, is gradually becoming a relic of the past. This conservation effort is crucial in preserving the diverse ecosystems that make our planet unique and in safeguarding the Earth for generations to come.

While some industries faced challenges during the transition, the ban has also opened avenues for economic growth.

The demand for alternatives, such as biodegradable plastics and reusable products, has created a thriving market for green businesses.

Entrepreneurs and innovators have seized this opportunity, driving research and development in sustainable materials and creating employment opportunities in the burgeoning green sector.

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