AI-powered paper cup recycling pilot

In April 2025, Cardiff launched a ground-breaking pilot programme that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance paper cup recycling efforts. This initiative is a collaboration between Keep Wales Tidy, the National Cup Recycling Scheme, and the Bower app, with participation from major coffee retailers such as Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Greggs, McDonald’s, and Pret a Manger.

How the Scheme Operates:

• Customers purchase drinks in paper cups from participating retailers.
• Using the Bower app, they scan their cups with an AI-powered photo scanner.
• The scanned cups are then returned to designated collection points within the participating stores.
• Each returned cup earns the customer a 5p reward through the app.​

This initiative addresses the significant environmental issue of paper cup waste, as an estimated 2.5 billion paper cups are disposed of annually in the UK, many ending up as litter or in landfill due to improper recycling. Traditional recycling methods often cannot process these cups because of their plastic lining, but this AI-driven project aims to raise awareness and improve recycling rates.

The pilot programme will run for three months at various locations across Cardiff, including multiple branches of the participating coffee retailers. By combining technology with consumer engagement, the scheme aspires to create a more sustainable future and reduce the environmental impact of disposable coffee cups.​ Visit Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 to explore cutting edge solutions for sustainable packaging that are driving the future of responsible consumption.