Pioneering technology to upcycle used coffee cups, James Cropper has taken the process a step further by partnering with Cumbria Waste to recycle both the waste plastic and paper from each disposable cup.

Previously, five per cent of waste plastic was removed from each cup and used in energy recovery during the production of recycled paper.

With the help of Cumbria Waste and New Horizon Plastics, the entire cup can now be given a second life.

The plastic is transformed into pellets and given a second life, while the paper fibre is transformed into new products and packaging.

This advancement in Cropper's CupCycling process allows for a closed-loop recycling system.

Rob Tilsley, Fibre Operations Group Leader from James Cropper said: “Recognising value in the high quality fibre used to create paper cups, we were inspired to convert this enormous waste stream into a value stream instead, and now we’ve taken it even further.

“Working with our local waste management partner, Cumbria Waste, we have been relentlessly exploring sustainable opportunities where the cup plastic can be recycled or reused locally.

"Following extensive trials, New Horizon tested and approved the plastic waste, which is separated from cups during the CupCycling process, and it is now collected by Cumbria Waste and recycled by them in North Wales."

James Cropper has introduced commercial packaging with 30 per cent recycled content, protecting paper from moisture damage during transport and reducing the need for protective plastic packaging.

The company aims to increase the recycled plastic content of the packaging to 50 per cent.