Reusable coffee cup brand Huskee has launched its Australian first turnkey reusable cup system for venues and events at Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) on 20 March 2025.
Borrow by Huskee is a free program for consumers allowing patrons to ‘Borrow’ one of Huskee’s reusable cups from participating businesses when purchasing a coffee or drink.
The new system allows cafés and business owners to order Borrow Cups in two functional sizes (eight-ounces and 12-ounces) that can be borrowed by their customers. Once the drink has been consumed, the cup can be returned within 14 days to a café or a SmartBin before being collected, washed, and returned to cafés to be reused.
The official launch will take place in Barangaroo, NSW, in June 2025.
Huskee Co-Founder, Saxon Wright, says Borrow removes a barrier for customers who wish to use reusable takeaway cups in cafés.
“We are incredibly proud to announce Borrow by Huskee,” says Saxon.
“This new approach aims to simplify and streamline the BYO and reusable drink sector, removing the need to remember to bring a reusable cup. Our goal is to make it easier and more accessible than ever for people to support circular solutions. Starting in Sydney, we aim to expand and scale this year, rolling out this service to as many venues as possible across the country.”
To use the system, patrons can download the Borrow app and scan the individualised QR code on a Borrow Cup each time they order a coffee or drink.
“This is cutting-edge technology that allows Huskee to capture information – including how long a coffee cup was borrowed, the number of reusable cups returned to a SmartBin per day, along with data on the system’s impact with regards to carbon emissions, landfill diversion and more,” says Saxon.
He adds that the SmartBin also removes the risk of contamination, as only Borrow Cups with the QR code will be scanned and accepted.
“The Borrow app will include a new core feature called ‘Smart Locations’, allowing users to find a bin closest to their location to return a Borrow Cup, allowing for an effortless and functional customer experience,” says Saxon.
The Borrow Cup is made from 100 per cent polypropylene; a plastic described as high-quality and durable which is used in food and beverage services due to its stability, longevity, and environmentally responsible disposal options at end-of-life.
Huskee’s WashHub based in St Peters, NSW, cleans, dries, and sanitises cups which are then returned to cafés, hotels, restaurants, and businesses.
Once the cup has reached its end of life, it will enter HuskeeLoop, the closed-loop arm of the business that repurposes old cups into new products.
For more information, visit the Huskee website.
