The Cup Collective (TCC) has marked its one-year anniversary in Ireland, celebrating a surge in industrial-scale paper cup recycling across participating sites.
TCC is a European partnership programme to recycle and regenerate paper cups on an industrial scale.
Since its Irish launch, TCC has achieved significant milestones, collecting 160,300 cups by November, with many more locations in discussions to join the initiative.
With government negotiations under way, the Irish Paper Packaging Circularity Alliance (IPPCA) – the driving force behind TCC in Ireland – is urging the incoming government to enhance and support national recycling initiatives.
The IPPCA emphasises the need for the new government to recognise TCC’s potential to increase collection and recycling volumes, improve open-loop systems, reduce landfill waste, and support a circular economy.
This call aligns with the IPPCA’s recent policy positions, outlined in its 2024 pre-Budget submission and manifesto, which highlight the importance of consumer education, consistent recycling practices, and innovation across both industry and government.
Europe
On a European level, the IPPCA advocated for the government to align its policies with EU directives and prepare for upcoming legislation, including the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
These frameworks provide critical guidelines for sustainable packaging and waste management.
The IPPCA believes that a proactive stance in implementing these regulations and exploring all opportunities to enhance recycling infrastructure are needed.
For example, Sweden has effectively integrated paper cup recycling into its waste management strategy, with many municipalities allowing paper cups in recycling bins.
Similarly, Wales mandates the separate collection of paper cups for dedicated recycling from commercial establishments.
‘People Want To Recycle’
Speaking about TCC’s achievements so far, but noting the need for government support, the chairperson of the IPPCA, Fearghal Carroll, said, “Over the past year, the IPPCA has made significant strides, but we cannot continue alone.
“Earlier in March, Trinity College Dublin adopted the scheme during its 22nd annual Green Week celebration, inspired by students who noticed operational TCC bins across Dublin and reached out to IPPCA.
“We need the new government to take action and endorse a recycling infrastructure that aligns with European standards, ensuring that all recyclable paper-based packaging is included in the national recycling list.”
Michelle Mc Bride, retail director at Butlers Chocolate Cafés and a member of the IPPCA, added, “We’ve witnessed the potential of this scheme over the past year.
“With increased collaboration, we can amplify this impact even further.
“The Cup Collective makes it easy for both consumers and businesses to recycle paper cups, which are then transformed into valuable products, including luxury packaging, greeting cards, and high-end stationery.
“On our participating sites, consumer feedback consistently points out the ease of use and convenience of disposing of cups at the source.
“It’s an accessible and efficient solution that encourages people to think about recycling.
“We know that people want to recycle, and this initiative provides a straightforward way to do so without any financial burden to our customers.”
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