In a pioneering move towards eco-friendly food delivery, Deliveroo has partnered with artisan bakery chain GAIL’s and Sheffield Hallam University to launch the latest edition of its Sustainable Packaging Challenge. This initiative aims to develop a sustainable, spill-proof, and heat-retaining coffee cup tailored for the growing demand in hot beverage deliveries.
Students from Sheffield Hallam University are tasked with designing a prototype that ensures coffee and other hot drinks are delivered in optimal condition. Over a five-month period, participants will receive mentorship from experts at Deliveroo and GAIL’s. The winning design will be showcased at a final exhibition, with the creators receiving a £1,500 cash prize and the opportunity to discuss potential production with GAIL’s.
This collaboration builds upon Deliveroo's previous efforts in sustainable packaging. In 2024, the company worked with Sheffield Hallam University to develop eco-friendly food packaging solutions, with the winning design set to be produced in partnership with BioPak and made available through Deliveroo’s packaging store in 2025.
GAIL’s, having expanded from 19 to over 160 locations across 13 UK cities since partnering exclusively with Deliveroo, brings valuable insight into the practical needs of hot beverage delivery. Their involvement ensures that the challenge addresses real-world considerations in sustainable packaging.
Deliveroo's Head of Packaging, Jen Bagshaw, emphasized the significance of the initiative:
“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.”
This initiative is part of Deliveroo’s broader commitment to sustainability, which includes a £2.5 million packaging fund aimed at subsidizing the cost of environmentally friendly packaging for its restaurant partners.