Did you know Manchester has two returnable cup schemes to help cafés cut waste and save money? If you’re not sure which one is right for your business, here’s a simple guide to help you decide.

Why Use Returnable Cups?

Using returnable cups can:

Reduce single-use plastic and landfill waste
Cut ongoing costs for disposables and waste management
Build your reputation with eco-conscious customers
Support Manchester’s net zero ambitions

So which scheme is the best fit for your café?

Two Great Schemes - Which One Works for You?

Vytal (Bee Cup)

Vytal offers a digital, deposit-free system for customers who are happy using an app.

Customers download the app (which takes around two minutes), borrow a reusable cup for free, and return it within 14 days. There’s no deposit, but a small penalty is charged if the cup isn’t returned on time. The system works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard and AMEX.

For cafés, everything you need can be rented from day one. There’s a small setup fee and a fixed monthly fee covering transactions up to an agreed value. Cups are dishwasher safe and made from fully recyclable polypropylene. BeeBowls for food takeaway are also available.

Vytal is already used across 30+ locations in Manchester, including universities, with nearly 9,000 users. Since September 2024, the scheme has saved 7,000kg CO2e, with a 97.1% return rate in its first year.

two vytal cups cheersing. Black cup and yellow lid — Photo credit to @mcrmuseumcafe

Borro

Borro is a Manchester-born scheme that uses a simple, app-free £2 refundable deposit.

Customers choose a Borro cup at the till, pay the deposit, and can return the cup to any participating Borro café in Manchester whenever they’re ready. Many customers swap their used cup for a clean one on the spot and continue using Borro regularly.

For cafés, Borro fits easily into normal routines. You buy returnable cups instead of single-use ones, take deposits at the till, accept returns, and wash cups like normal crockery. There are no transaction fees, and the deposit often covers the cost of the cup, creating positive cash flow. More than 20 Manchester cafés and venues already use Borro.

Support is available through short videos, phone calls or in-person visits, and venues can join a WhatsApp community to share tips and ideas.

milk being poured into latte art in a borro cup orange cup. — Photo credit to https://gmgreencity.com/

How to Choose?

Choose Vytal (Bee Cup) if you:

Prefer a proven, digital, deposit-free system
Serve regulars, students or customers travelling between locations
Can manage in-house cup washing

Choose Borro if you:

Want a simple, app-free option that every customer understands
Prefer a local, low-cost system that fits into existing routines
Want a scheme that supports regular customers and positive cash flow

Either way, joining a returnable cup scheme supports Manchester’s sustainable future and your café’s green credentials.

Ready to get started?

Contact the returnable cup providers using the details below!

Contact Vytal: adam.trethewy@vytal.org +447508085630

Contact Borro: hello@borro.org.uk

Let’s make Manchester’s café culture cleaner and greener - one returnable cup at a time.

Greener Choices for Manchester Cafés: Find Your Ideal Returnable Cup Scheme