Costa Coffee has partnered with Barclaycard to launch the UK’s first reusable contactless coffee cup.

Available in Costa Coffee stores later this month, the ‘Clever Cup’ is powered by bPay by Barclaycard technology, letting users track their spending, top up their balance and take control to block or cancel the contactless payment element online or using the dedicated bPay app.

The cups form part of Costa Coffee’s wider reusable range re-launch, encouraging customers to use reusable cups instead of single-use takeaway cups. This follows the company’s pledge in April to recycle 500 million takeaway cups by 2020.

Sold in packaging made from recycled coffee cups, the cup features a silicon base and contactless chip, which is detachable for ease of washing. The technology within the cup can be used wherever customers see the contactless symbol and not just Costa Coffee stores.

Jason Cotta, managing director at Costa Coffee, commented: “Whilst we are committed to ensuring more takeaway coffee cups are recovered and recycled, we also want to incentivise and reward customers who help reduce the number of takeaway cups being wasted.”

Rob Morgan, head of sales and partnerships at Barclays, said that today's shoppers are looking for seamless and 'to hand' ways to pay.

“Our wearable chip technology allows almost any accessory to be transformed into a smart payment device, unlocking the benefits of speed and ease in everyday purchases,” he added.

The new cup is priced at £14.99, with a £1 donation from every sale going to The Costa Foundation.

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