AN APP TO CREATE A CIRCULAR ECONOMY WITHIN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR
Eumelia approached 3 Sided Cube looking for a solution that helps reduce waste in the sector and create this circular economy between suppliers and their consumers.
THE CHALLENGE?
300 million cardboard boxes are used to deliver food & beverage items every year in the UK. Of these, 80% are recycled however 95% are completely reusable. Closing the loop is one step better than recycling. Therefore Eumelia approached 3 Sided Cube looking for a solution that helps reduce waste in the sector and create this circular economy between suppliers and their consumers.
Eumelia’s app PacPoints allows consumers and businesses to earn points & rewards for returning their packaging in a good condition. Eumelia wanted to create a competition among users by joining a leaderboard and challenging other businesses that they know. This far more sustainable operation allows suppliers to save money on packaging but not only that save 390g carbon per box that is reused compared to being recycled.
We were ready for the challenge!
THE SOLUTION
We built an iOS pilot app that accommodates two very different user types. One part of the app is there for the driver so they can manage their deliveries and collections. Using the app they are able to scan the packages from the suppliers and onto the delivery van, then scan it again at drop-off so the whereabouts of every delivery is always known. Once the site requests a pick up using the app, the driver then collects and returns to the suppliers destination, creating a completely circular cycle!
The second part of the app, is for “site users” and boasts a leaderboard that incentivises them against other businesses to be at the top for getting their packages back by gaining points for their circular efforts. Site managers can also use the app to request a pick-up. There is also an admin panel that allows for content management and a way to show users the impact they are having on the earth by the actual amount of packages they are circulating back.
With the pilot app now being tested we are ready to, pack it up, pack it in, let it begin!
WHAT DOES THE APP DO?
SCANNING
Packages are scanned to arrange deliveries and collections.
TRACKING
Each package has a unique QR code so every package is trackable door-to-door
GAMIFICATION
Leaderboard to gamify for good towards a circular economy.
REPORTING
Site managers can request a package pick-up/drop-off.