WHAT IS A REUSABLE SWAP SYSTEM?
A reusable swap system replaces single-use takeaway packaging (cups or containers) with reusable items that are borrowed, similar to a library. A cafe signs up to a system and offers the reusable items provided by the system to their customers to borrow and bring back.
Most systems operate on a network effect, where multiple cafes participate. Customers can return the reusable item to any participating business. Individual businesses can also utilise a system on their own, providing a swap service to their regular customers. You can also set up your own self-managed system (a.k.a, a mug library - see our guide HERE).
The advantage of these systems is that they appeal to the general public who wish to do the right thing but who forget to bring their own reusable cup.
Reusable swap systems can be integrated into current business operations and can prove popular with regular customers.
They can also greatly benefit a business's bottom line through ongoing savings on disposable items. They encourage repeat customers, foster positive behaviour and support a healthier planet.
SYSTEMS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA
All systems operate differently, and what suits your business will depend on your operations.
We have collated those currently available in Australia and developed a set of criteria based on our work with many businesses.
Explore the options below and filter to your specific needs.
Select a specific system, or compare all systems against a chosen criteria. Click their name to go to their website.
Then use our calculator (below) to see how much you could save using your chosen system.
Last updated: Oct 14, 2024.
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Venues register to participate and are provided everything needed to get started. Businesses either use the Return-to-Venue model, or the Full-Service model (collected and washed offsite) if available in their region. Customers can use vessels for free, but must download the Borrow app and create an account. When ordering, the customer scans a vessel through the Borrow app and presents a confirmation screen to staff. A $3 deposit is withheld and only charged if the cup is not returned within 14 days. Customers can return vessels to any participating cafe (by scanning the cup back in with the app), or use a Smart Bin where available.
Upfront: Cups and lids loaned free to customers (a $3 deposit is withheld per cup). Cups are Huskee assets. Cafes pay a security deposit for initial cup stock ($3 per cup), and receive a free merchandise pack. Ongoing: Cafes pay a service fee per cup used when restocking. No monthly payments or subscriptions - pay only for what is used. The service fee is either $0.10 or $0.20, depending on the service model chosen, and costs less than single-use cups.
End-of-Life (EOL) cups should be returned to Huskee for repurposing through the HuskeeLoop program and are replaced for free. Cups are currently reprocessed in Australia.
Cups are also eligible for recycling via kerbside collection, although we do not encourage this and is not the recommended outcome.
Businesses and customers download the Devolver app to register. Businesses can order containers through the app. Containers have a QR code for tracking. Businesses use the app to scan the customer's QR code and the QR code of the reusable container they are borrowing.
No deposit is necessary. Customers can see their borrowed containers in their app.
Devolver also offer a “tracking system only”, where outlets can source their own cups/ containers and Devolver provides the QR stickers and platform for them to track.
CALCULATE SAVINGS
You can calculate and compare the potential cost savings of using your chosen system/s below. Savings are based on the cost of single-use items not used, minus the cost of the system over a year of use.
Our calculator is to help you make an informed decision, but please also consider value for money, support offered by the system, your capacity, and what the experience for your customer will be.
Please note: This tool is for information purposes only and is based on info current at the date of last update, stated earlier in this guide. For basis of comparison, we chose the lowest entry point available and balanced costs over a year of operation. If you operate the system less than a year, or choose a different entry point, yours may be higher. Please make your own calculations based on your specific needs.
Lastly, also consider in the case of Huskee, GO2CUP & RePlated, the entry point includes products that can be retailed, which could be used to offset entry cost. In the case of Good Reusables, the starter pack cost ($120) is refunded upon return of the cups. Some systems have been omitted from the calculator where we were not provided costs.
NEXT STEPS
Once you've chosen the right network for you, the next step is implementing it successfully.
Many cafes join a network, only to never even offer it to their customers.
Successful implementation is about creating a culture of reuse so your customers want to participate.
It's not hard, it's just about creating a few new habits.
See our guides below to help you get started with your new system.
MORE REUSE & AVOID SOLUTIONS
IMPLEMENTING YOUR NEW REUSE SWAP SYSTEM
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PROMOTING YOUR NEW REUSE SWAP SYSTEM
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TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS WITH A MUG LIBRARY
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