Boston Tea Party (BTP), a well-known UK café chain with branches in Exeter and Honiton, is urging the hospitality industry to follow its lead in eliminating single-use coffee cups, as part of a growing movement toward greater sustainability. The company has already made significant strides in reducing waste, with one million single-use cups prevented from ending up in landfills since its landmark decision to ban disposable cups in 2018.
CEO Sam Roberts has taken a firm stance on the issue, highlighting the need for the entire industry to take responsibility for its environmental footprint. “We’re not here to pat ourselves on the back—we’re here to challenge the entire industry,” Roberts said. “If we can do it, why can’t the bigger players? The environmental impact of single-use cups is undeniable, and the hospitality sector has a unique opportunity to drive real change. It’s time for all businesses to step up.”
A Pioneering Move in 2018
In 2018, Boston Tea Party made history as the first UK café chain to ban single-use coffee cups. The company’s decision came at a time when the UK was discarding an estimated 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups annually, with less than a quarter of a percent being recycled, according to the UK House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee.
At the time, many questioned whether such a drastic move would be feasible, but BTP remained steadfast in its commitment to sustainability. “We knew this wouldn’t be easy for us, and it certainly won’t be easy for the bigger chains, but that’s no excuse,” Roberts added. “If we don’t act now, we’re just delaying the inevitable. The longer we wait, the more damage we do to the planet. This has to become the standard across the industry. There’s no reason why larger players, with more resources, can’t match or even surpass what we’ve done.”
Building a Movement with ‘Hey, Big Coffee Chain’
In a bid to accelerate the adoption of reusable cups across the industry, Boston Tea Party has launched the ‘Hey, Big Coffee Chain’ campaign. The campaign is aimed at encouraging the public to take a stand by signing a petition that calls for a nationwide ban on single-use coffee cups and urging large coffee chains to adopt more sustainable practices.
The heart of the campaign is BTP’s reusable cup scheme, which offers customers a range of options to reduce their environmental impact. The three simple choices include:
Bring Your Own: Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable cup or mug, offering an easy and sustainable alternative to disposable cups.
Borrow a Cup: BTP’s innovative Loan Cup scheme allows customers to borrow a reusable cup for just £2, which is fully refundable upon return. This initiative makes it even easier for customers to take part, without the need to invest in their own reusable cup upfront.
Buy a Cup: For those who prefer to own a cup, BTP sells Ecoffee Cups in small, medium, and large sizes, starting at £4.25. These eco-friendly cups are an excellent alternative to disposable ones and offer a convenient way for customers to reduce waste on the go.
These efforts are part of a larger strategy to not only eliminate single-use cups but also to promote sustainability across the business. To further this goal, BTP donates 10p from every takeaway hot drink to the Boston Foundation, a charity that provides work opportunities and hands-on experience to young people in local communities. This initiative ensures that even the smallest actions contribute to a wider social impact, helping to build a more sustainable future for both the planet and the communities BTP serves.
Industry Impact and The Bigger Picture
The environmental impact of single-use coffee cups has become a significant concern, particularly as the hospitality industry continues to grow. Single-use cups, which are typically made of a combination of paper and plastic, are notoriously difficult to recycle due to the materials used in their construction. As a result, they often end up in landfills, contributing to the UK’s mounting waste problem.
Despite growing awareness of the environmental impact, many major players in the hospitality sector continue to rely heavily on single-use cups. However, Boston Tea Party’s bold move has sparked a larger conversation about the responsibility of coffee chains and cafés to adopt more sustainable practices. With the ‘Hey, Big Coffee Chain’ campaign, BTP is calling on industry giants to make similar changes and match the café group’s commitment to eliminating single-use cups.
Roberts is resolute in his belief that the hospitality industry can no longer ignore the environmental consequences of its actions. “The reality is that businesses of all sizes must take responsibility. The larger chains, with their vast resources, have an even greater opportunity to make a significant impact. If we’re able to lead the way, there’s no reason why others can’t follow suit,” he said. “The time to act is now. Sustainability shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be at the forefront of every business’s agenda.”
The Role of Consumers in the Sustainability Effort
While BTP’s efforts are important, the company also acknowledges the crucial role that consumers play in driving change. In addition to the reusable cup options, BTP is encouraging its customers to get involved by signing the petition and spreading the message of sustainability. The company is also calling on the public to actively support the movement by making more conscious choices when it comes to their coffee consumption.
By making small but impactful decisions—such as bringing a reusable cup or participating in the loan scheme—customers can directly contribute to the effort to reduce waste and protect the environment. Roberts believes that, with enough public support, the campaign can become a game-changer for the entire hospitality sector. “This is not just about numbers or statistics—it’s about shifting the culture of the industry,” he said. “We need to normalize sustainable practices and make them the standard. Only then can we hope to make a lasting difference.”
For now, BTP remains focused on driving change from within the industry and inspiring others to take action. “We’ve taken the first step,” Roberts said. “Now, it’s time for everyone else to follow.”
How to Support the Campaign
To get involved and support the ‘Hey, Big Coffee Chain’ campaign, customers can visit any Boston Tea Party café and choose to reuse their cup or sign the petition on the company’s website. The campaign is designed not only to encourage immediate action but also to inspire a larger movement toward a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry as a whole.
As BTP continues to lead by example, the hope is that other cafés, restaurants, and coffee chains will take note and join the effort to eliminate single-use cups for good. The change is possible, but it will require a concerted effort from both businesses and consumers alike. By taking responsibility now, the hospitality industry can help ensure a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.
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