A sustainable future for festivals

Since January 2024, new legislation is in effect in the Netherlands that severely restricts the use of disposable plastic at events, such as festivals. These regulations ban disposable plastic cups and trays at closed events, forcing festivals to switch to circular systems. This means that festivals are now required to reuse or recycle cups, creating both an environmental and behavioral change.

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The role of deposit cups

With the new legislation, deposit cups will become the norm for festivals. Visitors pay a deposit when they purchase their drink and get it back when they return the cup. This system reduces waste by encouraging reuse and contributes to a circular economy. The use of deposit cups not only helps reduce plastic waste, but also optimizes the reuse of raw materials.

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Benefits of the new regulations

The new regulations offer several advantages:

-Waste Reduction: Less disposable plastic means a cleaner festival environment.

-Cost savings: Although the initial cost of reusable cups is higher, organizers save in the long run by purchasing new cups less frequently.

-Awareness: Requiring reusable cups increases environmental awareness among visitors and encourages them to actively contribute to recycling and waste reduction.

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Impact on festivals

Festivals without a sustainable system must now invest in reusable cups and the associated return and cleaning infrastructure. Visitors must adapt by paying a deposit and returning their cups. These changes can positively influence the behavior of festival-goers and contribute to sustainable events.

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Examples of sustainable festivals

-Black Cross: This festival has introduced a deposit system for cups and aims to recycle 75% of cups by 2024, with a goal of 90% by 2027. The use of transparent RPET cups without logos effectively reduces plastic waste.

-Pinkpop Festival: Pinkpop has implemented the "Cup-to-Cup" system in which reusable cups are collected, cleaned and reused. In partnership with Cup Solutions, the festival aims to achieve 100% recycling of cups.

-Lowlands Festival: Under the Green & Clean initiative, Lowlands is implementing a deposit system for reusable cups. Visitors pay a deposit that is returned upon return, contributing to a circular system and reducing ecological impact.

-Sziget Festival: The Sziget Festival in Budapest uses deposit cups as part of their Green Sziget initiative. Visitors pay a deposit, after which the cups are collected, cleaned and reused. This supports their broader ecological goals such as energy efficiency and waste reduction.

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How Zereau Drinks helps make a difference

At Zereau Drinks, we are committed to reducing plastic waste by encouraging people to drink tap water instead of water from single-use plastic bottles.Our water taps make it easy to drink clean water, without packaging and transportation.

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Conclusion

Legislation that went into effect in January 2024 makes the use of deposit cups an obligation for festivals in the Netherlands. This measure promotes sustainability and marks an important step toward a circular economy. Festivals that embrace this change demonstrate that ecological responsibility and festival enjoyment can go hand in hand. This is a positive development that contributes to a cleaner planet and a more sustainable future for events.

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Want to learn more about how festivals are using deposit cups and how you can experience a greener festival yourself? Explore the sustainable initiatives and get insight into the approach for a cleaner planet:

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Black Cross: https://www.zwartecross.nl/ontdek/alles-komt-goed-logische-voetafdruk/stappen-die-we-maken/

Pinkpop Festival: https://www.pinkpop.nl/cup-to-cup-systeem/

Lowlands Festival: https://lowlands.nl/green-clean/

Sziget Festival https://szigetfestival.com/nl/greensziget

Zereau Drinks: https://www.zereaudrinks.com/

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