Cercle is a free-to-use reusable coffee cup system operating across commercial spaces in Australia. While many organisations want to adopt circular economy principles, BYO initiatives often fall short — because people simply forget their reusable cups.
Instead, Cercle removes the friction. Users enjoy their drink as usual and return the cup to a “drop pod”, where it is collected, professionally washed, and redistributed back into the network.
Current customers include Mirvac and Westpac, with active locations in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. The service also operates at large venues such as the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and at events including The Fifth Estate’s Circular Disruption 2025.
An idea from humble beginnings
Founded in 2021 by chief executive Patrick Manley, the idea was born from his personal frustration with continually forgetting his own reusable cup.
“BYO reusables cups simply don’t work for most people. We wanted to replicate the simplicity and ease of single use behaviour – but with reusables,” Patrick says.
Since launch, Cercle has diverted more than 2 million single-use items from landfill across Australia. Its polymer and stainless steel cups are engineered for thousands of uses and cleaned through efficient, large-scale commercial washing facilities.
Technology that makes reuse practical
To ensure cups are returned without creating friction for cafés, Cercle developed smart point-of-sale devices and tech-enabled drop pods.
This optional system charges customers only if the cup is not returned within a set period (typically one week). The result? No upfront deposits, no awkward conversations at the counter, and no disruption to café workflow.
Reuse becomes as simple as single-use.
BYO reusables cups simply don’t work for most people. We wanted to replicate the simplicity and ease of single use behaviour – but with reusables
Championing environmental and social outcomes
The company is a certified social enterprise, employing individuals from the prison system and those escaping domestic violence within its washing operations — combining environmental action with meaningful employment pathways.
“Reuse creates more jobs than the linear economy. We have a huge opportunity to apply this labour towards better social outcomes for our customers and communities,” Patrick says.
Cercle’s work with ex-prisoners was recently featured on the ABC World Today radio show.
Cutting greenwash
Unlike behind-the-scenes sustainability investments such as solar panels, Cercle offers highly visible impact. It gives brands and property groups a tangible way to demonstrate commitment — and gives individuals a small but meaningful action they can take every day.
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) shows Cercle’s polymer cups outperform disposable cups after as few as 10 uses, while stainless steel cups reach that environmental break-even point after approximately 30 uses. Operations align with PR3 standards and GECA environmental standards for chemical safety and water efficiency.
