Customers in central London will be given the option to order their takeaway in reusable containers and return them in a bid to tackle single use packaging.
The system has been developed to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to take part. When placing their orders, Uber Eats customers can opt-in to receive their food in reusable packaging. Once they have eaten their meal they scan a QR code, select a day for collection (from as early as next day to no later than three weeks later), give the containers a rinse and await collection.
All collections are low or no emissions, made by couriers using bikes, electric cars or vans.
The trial will run for six months and will be managed by Again, which operates a network of packaging cleaning facilities where the reusable packaging will be cleaned and processed before being returned to the restaurants.
Participating restaurants will be located within a five-kilometre radius of the Again CleanCell in Camberwell and include Ritto's, The Pepper Tree, Donburi & Co, Iro Sushi, Capital Kebab Restaurant, Shawarma Hut, and Viet Quan.
“This pilot aims to make reusable packing more accessible for customers and restaurants alike,” says Matthew Price, Uber Eats General Manager, UK and Ireland.
“We know consumers care about the impact that their decisions have on the environment, and we are delighted to be part of this innovative trial which is another step in our mission to do our part in helping the food delivery ecosystem transition to a cleaner and greener future.”
The project is being funded by Hubbub and Starbucks’ Bring It Back Fund, which was launched in May 2022 to fund trial innovative new solutions and systems for sustainable packaging in the food and beverage industry.
The fund has been awarded a combined £1.4m for six innovative reuse solutions to be piloted across the UK.
“We are really proud that Again is receiving funding for such an important reuse initiative and we look forward to seeing how their trial progresses. We’ve introduced an array of different reusable activations over the years to test and trial new ways to encourage reuse,” says Alex Rayner, general manager at Starbucks UK.
“Our latest work with Hubbub, the Bring It Back Fund, builds on our reusables work, aiming to find new ways to inspire people and our customers to choose to reuse. It is important for us as a company that we continue to drive industry-wide innovation, as we work to increase reusability and inspire greater reusables uptake in local communities across the UK.
“This forms part of our long-term goal to reduce waste and become a resource positive company.”
