The 2GoCup system, already used by cafés and businesses across Swansea city centre, has now launched in several university catering outlets in a bid to cut waste and push students and staff towards greener habits.
The scheme, delivered by Swansea BID in partnership with Swansea Council, lets customers pay a small deposit for a sturdy reusable cup, which can be returned for a refund or swapped for a clean one at any participating venue.
University officials say early feedback has been “really positive”, with hopes the scheme will become part of everyday campus life.
Ben Lucas, Associate Director of Commercial Services at Swansea University, said the move was about “embedding sustainability into daily routines” and encouraging people to ditch disposables.
Mr Lucas said:
“We’re delighted to introduce the 2GoCup scheme across parts of our campus and to see such a positive response from staff and students.
“Small everyday actions can make a big difference, and this initiative supports our ambition to embed sustainability into daily routines while reducing waste.
“We hope this will encourage even more people to choose reusable options and play their part in creating a greener future.”
The university’s rollout follows the scheme’s growing popularity in the city centre, where businesses including Socialdice / Pieminister, Little Man Coffee at Founders, The Storyteller, First Call Coffee, The Cwtch, The Anchor, Café Ark, Hello Asia and two Jenkins Bakery shops have already signed up.
Local employers such as Swansea.com, Morgans Hotel and Peter Lynn and Partners have also bought reusable cups for staff.
Swansea Council says the scheme supports its ambition to become a net zero city by 2050, with Cllr Andrea Williams calling it a “practical way” to cut waste and keep communities cleaner.
Cllr Williams, who is the council’s Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation said:
“The 2GoCup scheme is an exciting and practical way to help us on our journey to becoming a net zero city by 2050. Every small change adds up, so by reducing single-use waste, we’re protecting our environment, keeping our communities cleaner and supporting local businesses.
“We’re proud to help fund this initiative and welcome Swansea University’s involvement in helping drive positive behaviour change.”
Swansea BID Manager Andrew Douglas said the early response on campus shows the city is “leading the way on sustainability”, adding that more organisations are expected to join in the coming months.
Mr Douglas said:
“Swansea is a city that looks to the future, and it’s fantastic to see both our city centre businesses and Swansea University leading the way on sustainability.
“The 2GoCup model makes it simple for people to make greener choices without any added hassle, and the early response on campus has been really encouraging.
“We’re excited to build on this momentum over the coming months as more organisations come on board.”
The 2GoCup model was created by an Irish start‑up in 2018 and has since expanded across the UK and Ireland. The cups are BPA‑free, designed for repeated use and fully recyclable at the end of their life.
