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.
FILTER BY:
Businesses purchase glass inserts to enable them to participate in the swap network. These are available at wholesale prices (please check with Retub the wholesale cost of these).
Businesses can also purchase containers wholesale to on-sell to customers for for RRP $35 inc GST (medium) and RRP $40 inc GST (large). There are NO ongoing network membership costs.
Businesses join and receive containers and cups, and access to the Reusably portal for stock management and data collection.
Customers subscribe to the Reusably App (free and paid plan available). When ordering, they scan an NFC tag on the counter and present the confirmation to staff. They follow the same process when returning a container. Staff use a resuably cup or container upon confirmation.
Users can have up to 2 cups and 2 bowls checked out at any time (with a paid membership), and 1 cup at a time (with free membership), with 21 days to return them.
There are no upfront costs.
Businesses are charged an ongoing cost of 16.5c GST inc. per item that is checked out by customers, billed at the end of each month, with a 5.5c reimbursement for every item they receive and clean. For most businesses, they clean the same amount of containers that are borrowed, so pay net 11c per cup or container.
If the cafe cleans more cups than are given out, the cafe is credited 5.5c per additional item.
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
Click here to edit the text and include the information you would like to feature.
PROMOTING YOUR NEW REUSE SWAP SYSTEM
Click here to edit the text and include the information you would like to feature.
TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS WITH A MUG LIBRARY
Click here to edit the text and include the information you would like to feature.