en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 26th, Borouge and FSG Returnables have assisted Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in introducing a reusable cup system at its hospital cafés, aiming to reduce waste and lower Extended Producer Responsibility costs.
The Trust previously used single-use compostable packaging, which generated significant waste and carbon emissions during production, transportation, and disposal. The new system, covering seven cafés, features Zero Waste Cups, a single-solution product made from Borouge's Daploy high melt strength polypropylene material.
These cups are manufactured using Bockatech's EcoCore technology, featuring a foamed polypropylene structure that is lightweight and durable, suitable for hot beverages, and can withstand over 1000 industrial washing cycles. The cups are recyclable at the end of their service life.
Lynn Johnson, Managing Director of FSG Returnables, stated: "We chose the Zero Waste Cup for its EcoCore technology and material performance. The dual-wall foam insulation design is lightweight and durable, ideal for high-usage reuse systems. Borouge's high-quality polypropylene ensures long-term durability and recyclability."
The system is easy for staff and visitors to use, has replaced single-use items, and encourages participation through short-term incentive programs. It is reported that the system is now established across all cafés, with most users choosing to keep and reuse their cups rather than exchange them.
It is projected that over the next three years, the system will utilize 898 reusable cups, replacing approximately 175,500 single-use cups. Under the UK's Extended Producer Responsibility framework, this will achieve a cost saving of £27,582. NHFT and FSG Returnables plan to further explore reusable solutions, such as patient meal systems.
Peter Voortmans, Vice President of Consumer Products Marketing at Borouge, noted: "Projects like this demonstrate the potential of circular systems supported by high-performance materials. We have invested over €100 million to expand Daploy high melt strength polypropylene production at our site in Burghausen, Germany, ensuring our partners have access to recyclable, lightweight materials that make reuse systems practical and scalable."
Joanne Fitzgerald, Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities at NHFT, added: "This is a significant step on NHFT's sustainability journey. With FSG's expertise, we are moving closer to our net-zero goal. The transition has been smooth, with staff, visitors, and patients embracing the change positively."
