Deliveroo and UK bakery chain GAIL’s have partnered with Sheffield Hallam University to develop an eco-friendly coffee cup, as part of this year’s Sustainable Packaging Challenge. The initiative aims to create a functional, environmentally responsible solution for delivering hot beverages, underscoring Deliveroo’s broader efforts to promote sustainable packaging across its restaurant network.
Students at Sheffield Hallam will design and prototype a takeaway cup that retains heat and prevents leakage. The project’s timeline spans just under five months and includes mentorship from packaging specialists at Deliveroo and GAIL’s. The challenge will culminate in a final exhibition, where the winning concept will receive a £1,500 cash prize and the opportunity to discuss commercialisation with GAIL’s.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with GAIL’s and Sheffield Hallam University in this year’s Sustainable Packaging Challenge,” said Jen Bagshaw, Head of Packaging at Deliveroo. “Breakfast and coffee is a big area of growth for Deliveroo, and this partnership demonstrates the value in large businesses supporting the development of cutting-edge research, working with universities to bring new, creative and more sustainable ideas to market.”
She added: “This competition is about supporting the next generation of designers who are putting sustainability at the heart of packaging innovation, so we’re thrilled to be collaborating with these talented students on this project.”
The initiative builds on a previous collaboration between Deliveroo and Sheffield Hallam University in 2024, which focused on sustainable food delivery packaging designed to reduce spills and preserve temperature. That winning concept is now moving toward commercial rollout in partnership with BioPak, with availability expected later this year.
GAIL’s, known for its baked goods and specialty coffee, has seen significant expansion since its exclusive delivery partnership with Deliveroo. From an initial 19 locations in London, the chain now operates over 160 sites across 13 UK cities, fuelling demand for efficient and sustainable packaging solutions.
Deliveroo has also established a £2.5 million packaging fund to help restaurants transition to greener materials by subsidising the cost of environmentally friendly options.
This latest initiative reinforces Deliveroo’s strategy to integrate sustainability into its operations and supply chain, particularly within its growing breakfast and coffee segment.
