Borro: Reducing single-use takeaway cup waste by providing returnable cups

Borro is a new returnable cups scheme helping Manchester ditch single-use takeaway cups and make a real impact in the local community.

What sustainable practices has your business implemented? 

Borro helps reduce single-use takeaway cup waste by providing returnable cups to cafes and customers. Customers borrow a cup with a small £2 deposit (fully refundable on return), making it easy to avoid disposables without needing to remember to bring their own cup from home. They work closely with local Manchester-based designers, sustainable manufacturers, and local coffee shops to bring easy circular solutions into your everyday habits. 

Why is sustainability important to you? 

At Borro, they believe small changes lead to big changes! Things like rethinking how you consume takeaway coffee can add up to a huge environmental impact. With 3 billion single-use cups thrown away every year in the UK, they want to make it easier than ever for people to switch to reusable options. Sustainability is at the heart of what they do, and this project is about creating lasting, positive change for local communities and the planet. 

Can you recommend any other sustainable businesses around Greater Manchester? 

They would love to shout out Grounded MCR - they’re one of their participating cafes and have recently opened a brand-new community eco-cafe in Cringle Park in Levenshulme. Grounded is a social enterprise all about supporting mental health in the community, offering employment opportunities to people experiencing anxiety in a supportive, flexible environment. They also work with FareShare to rescue surplus food and prevent food waste, and the whole ethos of the cafe is a brilliant example of sustainability and community impact going hand in hand. 

Ask/Opportunity for Businesses

They are currently inviting cafes and hospitality venues to join their free pilot, running until the end of September 2025.

Participating businesses get free access to the scheme, including returnable cup stock, setup, and ongoing support, and can benefit from packaging cost savings, stronger customer engagement, and a boost to your environmental impact.

If you’re a local business or know one that might be interested, drop an email to hello@borro.org.uk. 

Find out more... 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Borro (@borro_org)

For more wellness content, head to our Visit Manchester Well page.