The next phase of Co-op’s expanded Podback recycling initiative is now being introduced, with purpose-built collection points being installed in stores throughout south-west England and South Wales. The programme is designed to give more communities a fast and accessible way to recycle used coffee pods locally.
During the original pilot across 30 Co-op locations, residents returned eight tonnes of coffee pods—equivalent to more than 500,000 individual pods. The results demonstrate growing public engagement with food and drink sustainability and reflect wider food and drink consumer trends around convenient recycling solutions.
Podback collects eligible plastic and aluminium beverage pods supplied by participating member brands. Consumers can currently use more than 1,500 Podback drop-off locations across the UK, supporting practical progress in food and drink packaging recovery.
The initiative also aligns with broader food and beverage industry trends, including food manufacturing trends, advances in food processing technology, evolving food distribution trends and food and drink industry innovation. As food and drink regulations continue to develop, businesses are also placing greater emphasis on food and drink marketing that communicates credible sustainability measures to customers.
Scott McHarg, head of sustainability, Co-op, said: “We’re delighted to see the Podback trial succeed and grow, it provides an easy and convenient way for communities to make small changes to their everyday life that can create a positive and lasting impact for our planet and natural environment.”
Rick Hindley, executive director, Podback, said: “This is another very positive step for Podback as we expand our nationwide drop-off network, and give more people more ways to recycle coffee pods locally. We’re confident that our partnership with Co-op stores in local high streets and communities is going to make a significant positive contribution to our ongoing work to provide simple and convenient ways to recycle coffee pods.”
