Fact sheet: Five tips to reuse success

Be proud of your commitment to sustainability and make sure your customers can’t help but notice your initiative. Simple signage, placed in clear view, is the key. Make sure it will catch the customer’s eye, but is also easy to read, so they get the point in an instant. You can download free signage from Plastic Free Places.

Ideally, follow-up your attention-grabbing signage by encouraging uptake there and then.

Starting a mug library? Put it right where customers order take-aways, where it’s impossible to miss.

Launching a reusable loyalty card? Put small plaques on outside tables where customers might stop and drink from a take-away cup, and place signage at the till to let customers know how they can join.

If something looks good, people want it—especially if we think it might make us more cool, healthy, ethical or beautiful. That’s the magic of marketing.

Think about how you want your reuse efforts to be perceived and let that guide you.

Want to create an atmosphere that encourages customers to dine in? Add touches like coffee table books, magazines, and plants to make your space inviting.

Launching a new borrow cup system? Set up a station that’s visually appealing and draws customers in. For some cafés, this may be a minimalistic, sustainable wooden stand. For others, it might be a standout mug wall.

The key is how it makes your customers feel!

When staff actively talk about something you offer, customers are far more likely to try them out. Whether it’s a daily special, a unique bottle of wine, or a new reuse initiative, people are more inclined to say yes if you simply offer it to them.

Your staff are your greatest ambassadors, so make sure they feel confident in sharing your reuse initiatives with customers.

You can do this by supporting your team through the change, explaining the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind it, and addressing any questions or concerns. A small incentive (even if it’s just a thank you) can go a long way too.

Everyone loves a little extra motivation! Incentives can be a fun and effective way to get customers and staff on board with new sustainable practices.

Consider giving token prizes, such as a free coffee, to those who change their mind about reusables, or choose them every time they order. You could give a ‘Sustainable Customer of the Month’ award to regulars who always bring their own reusable cup in.

For businesses with mug libraries or swap systems, a proven and popular incentive is to declare (in advance, for example by marking it) some ‘magic mugs’ and giving those who select it a surprise free coffee.

Spotlighting your sustainable practices on social media can help build your credibility, enhance your brand and encourage more customers to join in. Share details of your reuse initiatives, announcing incentives and, with permission, posting a photo of the winners will help you build community beyond the physical café and throughout the community.

Video content is especially popular on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, so have fun with it, share your reusable successes and let your brand personality shine. Remember, actions speak louder than words so always keep single-use items out of shot.

See our case studies, fact sheets and how-to guides for more from the Reusable Café Project.