European festivals slash waste with reusable and smart cup systems
Two major European festivals have made strides in reducing waste through reusable and recyclable cup systems. Smukfest 2025 in Denmark achieved a 97% cup return rate, while Tomorrowland introduced smart reusable cups in partnership with Belgian firms. Both initiatives aim to cut down on single-use plastic waste at large events. At Smukfest 2025, Royal Unibrew and Faerch introduced cups made from up to 86% recycled PET. These cups can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality. After use, they were collected, processed, and turned back into food-grade material at Faerch’s Cirrec facility in the Netherlands.
To encourage participation, the festival raised the deposit for professional collectors to 1 kr. per cup. Staff received training, collection points were made more visible, and clear communication with attendees helped push the return rate to 97%.
Meanwhile, Tomorrowland worked with several Belgian companies to implement reusable smart cups. The technology allowed for efficient tracking and reuse of the cups throughout the event.
In the US, r.World’s reusable cups and utensils have been designed for up to 300 uses. The company’s reverse logistics and sanitising systems have already prevented 20 million single-use items from ending up in landfills. Once no longer usable, the materials are recycled into new products. The success of these systems has led to plans for wider adoption. Royal Unibrew and Faerch intend to expand their circular cup model to more festivals and events worldwide. The shift aims to make reusable and recyclable solutions a standard practice in large-scale gatherings.
