Blenheim Palace helps to cut use of 620k coffee cups a year

The Woodstock attraction, along with the Eden Project in Cornwall, has introduced a returnable cup system to significantly reduce waste.

The initiative, powered by green-tech company re-universe, has eradicated the use of approximately 620,000 single-use coffee cups annually at the two sites.

This represents a combined saving of nearly 27 tonnes of CO2e per year, equivalent to the energy needed to heat 12 homes for a year.

Visitors pay a small fee to borrow a cup, which is refunded once the cup is returned (Image: Blenheim Palace) The scheme is part of Blenheim Palace's aim to become carbon-neutral by 2027 and the Eden Project's goal to be a climate-positive organisation by 2030.

David Green, Blenheim's head of innovation, said: "The returnable cup scheme is a major step towards our net zero pledge, and it’s hugely gratifying to be working alongside re-universe and Eden Project in leading the way for other UK tourist destinations and retailers."

He added: "We believe climate change is the single biggest threat to Blenheim’s long-term survival and we’re committed to doing all we can to reduce and mitigate its impacts and help safeguard this World Heritage Site and its resources for future generations."

The scheme, which began as a pilot project, is now fully operational at both attractions.

Visitors pay a small deposit for a returnable cup, which is refunded when the cup is returned to a reverse vending-style machine.

The Eden Project introduced the scheme in March last year (Image: Blenheim Palace) The cups are then collected, washed, and reused, reducing waste and encouraging responsible behaviour.

Becky Fenner, hospitality manager at the Eden Project, said: "Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do here at the Eden Project and with so many visitors coming through our doors every year, it is crucial we are walking the talk and operating in as sustainable a way as we can.

"As technology improves to match our ambition, we’re delighted to be working with re-universe alongside Blenheim Palace.

A staff member at the Eden Project with a re-useable coffee cup (Image: Blenheim Palace) “We are excited to see how the machines both improve the overall visitor experience when returning their cups and help provide us with data and insights to better understand the engagement and impact the scheme is having.”

The Eden Project's returnable scheme, introduced in March last year, is estimated to save around 220,000 single-use coffee cups per year, eliminating around four tonnes of waste and a 72 per cent CO2e saving.

Rachel Warren, CEO of re-universe, added: "Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project are setting a new standard for sustainability in the tourism industry.

"Their successful implementation of the returnable cup system serves as a model for other attractions, businesses and communities aiming to reduce waste and promote environmentally responsible behaviour."