The 2026 IIHF U18 Championship in Slovakia deployed an automated reusable cup return system powered by Smart DRS across venues in Bratislava and Trenčín. Eight return stations enabled fans to receive instant deposit refunds directly to their payment cards without requiring an app or registration. During the tournament, more than 44,300 cups were returned through the system, supporting a closed-loop reuse programme and helping avoid an estimated 70,000–80,000 single-use cups. The deployment demonstrated how automated return infrastructure can make reusable packaging practical at large sporting events.
Key outcomes
| METRIC | RESULT |
|---|---|
| Beverages served | 55,000+ |
| Cups in circulation | 23,000 |
| Automated returns | 44,300+ |
| Daily returns | 5,000 |
| Venues | 2 |
| Return Stations | 8 |
| Refund method | Instant payment card refunds |
The reusable cup system was also highlighted by the International Ice Hockey Federation in its coverage of the championship
Challenge: Scaling reuse at a high-volume international sporting event
While reusable cups are increasingly recognized as one of the most effective ways to reduce waste at live events, many organizers still struggle to achieve high return rates and operational efficiency. Traditional systems often rely on manual collection points, cash deposit refunds, dedicated staff, or mobile applications that create friction for attendees and increase operational complexity. As visitor numbers grow into the tens of thousands, even small inconveniences can significantly impact participation and return rates.
For major sporting events, the challenge extends beyond sustainability. Organizers must provide a convenient return experience, maintain fast crowd movement, minimize staffing requirements, and ensure that reusable packaging can be collected, sorted, and returned into circulation efficiently. Achieving these objectives requires more than reusable cups alone—it requires scalable return infrastructure capable of processing large volumes of packaging while providing immediate incentives for participants to return their cups.
The 2026 IIHF U18 Championship in Slovakia presented exactly this challenge. Across multiple venues and thousands of spectators, the organizers sought a solution that would support ambitious sustainability goals while delivering a seamless fan experience and enabling efficient, high-volume reusable cup collection throughout the tournament.
Solution: Automated reusable cup returns with instant card refunds
To support the tournament’s sustainability objectives while delivering a convenient fan experience, the organisers deployed Smart DRS automated reusable cup return stations across both championship venues.
Fans paid a €3 deposit when purchasing a beverage and could recover the deposit by returning their cup to any Smart DRS station. Using AI-powered cup recognition, the system automatically identified eligible reusable cups and refunded the deposit directly to the visitor’s payment card within seconds. No mobile app, registration or manual processing was required.
Eight automated return stations were installed across the arenas in Bratislava and Trenčín, enabling visitors to return one or multiple cups quickly and conveniently throughout the tournament. By combining automated cup recognition, instant card refunds and seamless venue integration, the solution removed common barriers to participation and helped make reusable packaging practical at a high-volume international sporting event.
Deployment setup
The Smart DRS reusable cup return system was deployed across both host venues of the 2026 IIHF U18 Championship in Slovakia – Vladimír Dzurilla Winter Stadium in Bratislava and Pavel Demitra Winter Stadium in Trenčín.
A total of eight automated return stations were strategically positioned in high-traffic fan areas to provide convenient access throughout the tournament. The stations were integrated into the event’s reusable cup programme, allowing visitors to return cups at any participating location regardless of where the beverage was originally purchased.
The deployment was designed to support high visitor volumes while maintaining smooth crowd movement and minimising operational complexity for venue staff. Throughout the championship, the system operated as part of a closed-loop reuse programme in which returned cups were collected, washed and returned into circulation for repeated use.
Results and performance metrics
The deployment demonstrated that automated reusable cup return systems can operate successfully at a large-scale international sporting event while delivering both sustainability and operational benefits.
During the championship:
● More than 55,000 beverages were served in reusable cups.
● Approximately 23,000 reusable cups were placed into circulation.
● More than 44,300 cups were returned through Smart DRS automated stations.
● The system processed an average of nearly 5,000 cup returns per day.
● Reusable cups completed multiple reuse cycles throughout the tournament.
● An estimated 70,000–80,000 single-use cups were avoided compared to a conventional disposable packaging model.
The results demonstrated strong visitor adoption of the automated return process and confirmed that convenient deposit recovery can significantly support participation in reusable packaging programmes at large events.
Operational benefits for events organizers
Large events face a difficult balancing act between sustainability goals, visitor experience and operational efficiency. Traditional reusable cup programmes often require dedicated collection points, manual refund processing and additional staffing resources.
By automating the return process, Smart DRS reduced the need for manual cup collection and deposit handling while providing visitors with a simple and intuitive return experience. Instant payment card refunds eliminated cash management requirements and reduced administrative complexity for organisers.
The system also enabled concession staff to focus on serving visitors rather than processing returns, helping maintain efficient operations during peak attendance periods. For event organisers, this demonstrated how reusable packaging programmes can be implemented without introducing significant operational burden or negatively affecting the visitor experience.
Sustainability impact
Reusable packaging only delivers its full environmental benefit when return rates are high and cups remain in circulation through multiple use cycles. Achieving this requires return systems that are convenient, accessible and easy for visitors to use.
At the 2026 IIHF U18 Championship, the Smart DRS deployment supported a closed-loop reusable cup programme that helped avoid an estimated 70,000–80,000 single-use cups during the tournament. By simplifying the return process and providing instant deposit refunds, the system encouraged participation and helped maximise the number of cups returned for washing and reuse.
The project demonstrated how automated return infrastructure can support circular economy objectives while making sustainable behaviour easier for event attendees. Rather than relying solely on environmental awareness, the system combined convenience and financial incentives to increase participation in the reuse programme.
Why this matters for the future of events
As governments, venues and event organisers seek alternatives to single-use packaging, reusable cup systems are becoming increasingly common at stadiums, festivals and major public events. However, scaling reuse programmes successfully requires more than reusable packaging alone. It requires efficient return infrastructure that can operate reliably in high-volume environments.
The 2026 IIHF U18 Championship demonstrated that automated reusable cup return systems can combine sustainability, convenience and operational efficiency at scale. By removing friction from the return process and enabling instant payment card refunds, Smart DRS helped make participation in the reuse programme simple for thousands of visitors.
As adoption of reusable packaging continues to grow across sports, entertainment and live events, automated return solutions are likely to play an increasingly important role in achieving high return rates and delivering a positive visitor experience.
FAQ
How does an automated reusable cup return system work?
Visitors return their reusable cups to an automated Smart DRS station, where AI-powered technology identifies eligible cups and automatically refunds the deposit to the visitor’s payment card.
Do visitors need an app to receive a refund?
No. Deposits are refunded directly to the payment card used by the visitor. No mobile application, registration or account creation is required.
Can reusable cup systems work at large sporting events?
Yes. The Smart DRS deployment at the 2026 IIHF U18 Championship processed more than 44,300 cup returns across two venues during the tournament.
What are the benefits of automated cup returns for event organisers?
Automated return systems reduce manual handling, simplify deposit management, minimise staffing requirements and improve the visitor experience.
Can automated reusable cup return systems be used at festivals?
Yes. The technology is designed for stadiums, festivals, arenas and other high-volume event environments where large numbers of reusable cups need to be collected and returned into circulation.
Deposit refunds create a direct incentive for visitors to return reusable cups, helping increase return rates and maximise the environmental benefits of reuse systems.
No. Deposits are refunded directly to the payment card used by the visitor. No mobile application, registration or account creation is required.
