Compass Group UK & Ireland is expanding the deployment of Cauli’s technology-enabled reusable food and drink smart system, to drive its ambitious waste reduction targets.

The rollout follows an extensive proof-of-concept phase designed to refine reuse solutions across diverse, high-volume operating environments, within Compass’ Restaurant Associates Group, Eurest, Chartwells and Healthcare sectors.

Every piece of Cauli packaging, including coffee cups, takeaway boxes and pizza boxes is reusable up to 400 times, with a unique digital ID to maximise lifespan and data transparency. The system utilises smart tracking technologies, enabling customers to borrow and return food and drink containers seamlessly.

The system is proven to reduce waste compared to single-use alternatives. To date, Compass estimates over 383,000 single-use packaging items have been eliminated. This partnership also includes the integration of an AI-powered Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) across Compass sites to automate and simplify the container return process.

Compass recently launched Our Planet Promise, which shows progress made on its sustainability journey and future plans. It’s commitments to waste include:

• Achieve a 5% reduction in food waste in FY26 against a FY25 baseline

• Reduce single-use foodservice packaging by 30% by 2035

• Increase recycling and anaerobic digestion to 65% by 2035

Ashleigh Taylor, Head of Environment, Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “We’ve been really impressed by Cauli’s innovative reusable cups and container initiative, and the statistics we’ve seen back up that the system can have a positive impact in reducing single use packaging. We are now looking to roll out Cauli further within our business, which will support our commitment to reducing single-use packaging and help our clients in becoming more sustainable.”  

Mingqiao Zhao, Co-Founder at Cauli said: “A truly circular economy relies on accountability, not just alternatives. Many reuse schemes fail because without tracking, packaging simply disappears. By integrating smart traceability into the Cauli Reuse System, we keep containers in circulation and deliver data-backed waste reduction at scale. Partnering with Compass has allowed us to prove our technology in high-volume, cross-sector environments, and we are thrilled to expand this rollout to help more of their clients seamlessly transition to a frictionless, circular model."