Costa Coffee taps blockchain tech for reusable BURT cup

Costa Coffee has launched a trial of a new blockchain technology powered reusable cup scheme called BURT. 

BURT – which stands for ‘Borrow, Use, Reuse, Take Back’ – starts today across 14 stores in Glasgow and will last for six months.

Costa Coffee will be using the trial to gain feedback from customers and learn about uptake and behaviour towards reusable cups. It will then use its findings to develop a scheme that will roll-out more widely across the UK in phases. 

To participate in the trial, customers must set up an account, much like they would at Casumo Casino, by scanning a QR code displayed in one of the participating stores.

By making a one off £5 payment to join the scheme, they can then scan the QR code on the base of a BURT cup, which links the cup to the customer’s account, via blockchain technology. They can then pay at the till as normal, like they would at Casino Avis, while a barista prepares their coffee.

The cup can be returned to a participating Costa Coffee store at a time that suits them, where it will be scanned back in by the team, delinked from their account, and machine washed in-store, ready for the next customer. Customers will be given a new BURT cup with each new order.

The trial is being run in partnership with the digital agency, Austella, on its blockchain powered Valariplatform.

The BURT cups are made from stainless steel and can hold 8oz (Mini), 12oz (Small) and 16oz (Medium) drinks. They also fit with Costa Express machines.

Neil Lake, Managing Director, Costa Coffee UK&I, says: “Our customers believe passionately in being able to make choices that help them do their bit to protect the environment.”

“Our priority is to provide convenient, effective solutions while continuing to serve great tasting, perfectly crafted coffee. We are excited to be the first national coffee company to be offering a solution like BURT, to further incentivise the uptake of reusable cups in our stores.”

“Alongside our newly launched Costa Coffee Club offer of a free drink for every four drinks bought in a reusable cup, we hope this trial will show another way forward in helping to reduce waste whilst improving customer experience.”

“It will also help us understand more about how the UK high street can lead the way in ensuring the long-term environmental sustainability of our planet.”