Are you organizing an event and thinking about using reusable cups? It’s not just a matter of sustainability or brand image — in many cases, it’s already a legal requirement. And if done right, it can become a competitive advantage.
More and more festivals and events are choosing to eliminate single-use cups. The reason is simple: less waste, lower long-term costs, and a better experience for attendees. But for it to truly work, it’s not enough to simply swap the type of cup. You need to think about how it’s managed, returned, cleaned… and how to avoid unexpected problems.
Sustainability
One of the main reasons to adopt reusable cups is the drastic reduction of waste. A single reusable cup can replace multiple of disposable ones per person, significantly cutting down the amount of waste generated during the event.
Moreover, using reusable cups improves the public perception of the event. More and more attendees value events that align with sustainability principles, which can result in stronger loyalty and a more positive brand image.
Costs
Although the initial investment in these types of cups may seem high, it becomes a cost-saving measure in the medium to long term. Reducing the constant purchase of disposable cups and being able to reuse the stock at multiple events helps quickly offset the initial costs.
The price per unit is usually around 0.40 €, while the deposit paid by attendees is usually set at 1 € per glass, which leaves more than enough margin to cover operations (logistics, cleaning, replacements in case of loss, etc.) and even generate additional income if not all glasses are returned.
In addition, some organizers choose to refund only part of the amount (e.g. €0.50 of €1), as a way of covering additional costs. However, this practice may be in conflict with current regulations, as we will see below.
An additional strategy to reduce costs is to collaborate with sponsoring brands. Some, such as the Festival Tomavistas have already used this formula, including advertising on the cups. This allows total or partial financing of the production of the glasses, while generating advertising value for the sponsors.
At the same time, avoid printing the event year or highly specific logos on the cups. This allows you to reuse them for future editions or even rent them to other promoters. It’s a great way to support a more circular and flexible economy.
Some festivals have already established themselves as benchmarks in the implementation of these measures, such as **The Cruïlla Festival, which has also deployed both fixed and mobile return points, adapting to the dynamics of the public and the venue.
Regulations
In addition to all of the above, organizers must comply with current regulations: since July 2023, Spain’s Packaging Law (Real Decreto 1055/2022) requires event organizers to seek reusable or recyclable alternatives to reduce the environmental impact of single-use containers.
It’s also essential that return stations are clearly marked and easily accessible, as complicated return processes discourage participation. And of course, hygiene is critical: cups must be professionally cleaned, using water over 65°C and meeting strict health protocols to ensure attendee safety.
Furthermore, it’s important to avoid practices that could be seen as abusive. The Spanish consumer watchdog OCU has filed complaints against several festivals for charging for reusable cups without offering refunds — a practice that violates consumer rights and may breach existing regulations.
To ensure a smooth transition, it’s important to follow a few best practices. The most common approach is a deposit-return system, where attendees pay a small deposit for the cup and get it back upon returning it. This encourages returns and simplifies logistics.
At FesteaPay, we make it easy: with our technology, you can manage the return and refund of reusable cups through a simple QR code. Attendees scan, return their cup, and get their money instantly in their account — no hassle, no waiting, and no cash needed.
Want to make your event more sustainable and efficient? Get in touch!