Ecosurety expands reuse strategy through acquisition of City to Sea’s award-winning Refill Return assets

We have acquired the Refill Return platform from environmental campaigning organisation City to Sea, marking a major step forward in our mission to scale up circular packaging reuse systems across the UK. 

The acquisition includes the Refill Return app and website - digital tools designed to help towns, cities, universities, and visitor attractions implement reusable cup schemes. These assets will now be integrated into our wider strategy to develop seamless, impactful reuse infrastructure nationwide. 

Robbie Staniforth, our Director of Innovation and Policy, said: 

"We’ve worked closely with City to Sea for many years, united by our shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. Their values have always aligned closely with ours, and when alerted to their potential closing, we worked together to secure a legacy for the brilliant assets they have created over the past decade. We’re determined to ensure their pioneering work in reuse and refill continues to make a lasting impact."

Jane Martin, CEO at City to Sea, welcomed the move: 

"We’re delighted that Ecosurety will continue the journey we started. Their expertise in compliance and data, combined with our legacy of campaigning and community engagement, creates a powerful platform for change. We look forward to seeing these assets thrive in their new home.

The acquisition supports our broader ambition to influence UK policy and infrastructure around reuse, positioning the company as a key enabler of sustainable packaging systems. It also ensures that City to Sea’s important work in this space continues to have a lasting impact."

If you have specific Refill Return or app-related questions, feel get in touch with us at refillreturn@ecosurety.com.