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Since 2023, reusable cups have been mandatory at events in Flanders. Exceptions apply to plastic bottles and cans, provided that at least 95% of this packaging is collected separately. This measure reduces waste production and thus limits the ecological impact, but according to recent research by Onderzoekscentrum (OC) Publieke Impact, it also entails additional costs and logistical challenges for the events sector. Organizers must serve drinks in cups that are reused at least five to six times in order to be sustainable and economically viable. A reusable cup is five times more expensive to purchase than a disposable version, making efficient return processes crucial. 

Research shows that improvements are possible. Flemish SMEs are developing technological innovations and systems to facilitate the implementation of reusable cups at events, and non-technological solutions are also an important link in the supply chain. Both the event sector and suppliers are calling for a more data-driven approach to maximize the return rate of reusable cups. 
 

This project develops a standardized, data-driven approach to the implementation of reusable cups, with a focus on efficient return processes, based on three pillars: (1) structuring and substantiating the decision-making process for deposit, return, and payment systems (selecting), (2) quantifying four impact criteria for evaluating return processes (visitor experience, return rate, queue and bar management) supported by data-driven insights and systems (evaluate), and (3) formulating and implementing strategies to improve the visitor experience and return rate at events, focusing on both economic and ecological impact (optimizing). 

The primary target group is the events sector: 682 companies that organize 77,000 events annually, of which 20,838 are B2C events. These are (mainly) non-research-intensive organizations that conduct little to no research of their own into reusable cup systems.  The secondary target group includes suppliers of pressure data and deposit, return, and payment systems, who can apply the insights in their product development for subsequent implementation in the event sector.