Automated reuse technology supporting a premium outdoor festival experience
Ženy Víno Funk, a unique music and lifestyle festival located among the vineyards near Pezinok, Slovakia, combines music, wine culture, gastronomy and community into a distinctive outdoor experience.
For the 2026 edition, the festival introduced Smart DRS automated reusable cup collection technology to make returning cups easier, faster and more convenient for visitors. The deployment builds on Smart DRS experience with automated reuse solutions for large events.
The objective was simple:
Enable festival guests to enjoy reusable cups without queues, manual returns or complicated processes — while giving organizers measurable data about the reuse system performance.
Key outcomes
| METRIC | RESULT |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Boutique vineyard festival |
| Event Date | 26 – 27June |
| Type of reusable cups | Two types – one made for the non-alcoholic beverages, the other for wine |
| Deposit Amount | €3 and €5 |
| Type and number of return points | 5 Smart DRS Collection points, 4 of them in its Dual version (two return slots, two terminals) |
| Refund Method | Instant payment card refunds |
| Total number of cups collected | 6,565 |
| Highest return activity | 18 – 23:30 |
See Smart DRS in Action: Real Festival Visitors Returning Cups
At Ženy Víno Funk, visitors experienced how simple reusable cup returns can become.
Smart DRS enabled guests to return cups independently through automated Smart Collection Points and receive their deposit refunds directly back to their payment cards, without downloading an app, registering, or waiting for manual processing.
The challenge: Making Reusable Cup Returns Convenient at Festivals
Reusable cups are becoming standard at festivals and outdoor events as organizers look for alternatives to single-use packaging and look for more efficient ways to introduce reusable packaging systems at scale.
However, traditional reusable cup systems often create operational challenges:
- manual cup collection points,
- queues after peak hours,
- additional staffing requirements,
- limited visibility of return data,
- inconvenience for visitors.
For a premium festival experience like Ženy Víno Funk, sustainability needed to work together with comfort and convenience.
The Solution: Automated Smart DRS Collection Points
Smart DRS introduced an automated reusable cup return system designed for high-traffic events.
Across the festival area, visitors had access to:
● 5 Smart DRS Smart Collection Points,
● including 4 dual-version collection points for higher capacity.
The system enabled visitors to:
- insert reusable cups,
- receive automatic cup recognition,
- confirm their return,
- receive instant deposit refunds directly to payment cards.
No app.
No registration.
No manual handling.
Data-Driven Reuse: Understanding Visitor Behaviour
Beyond collecting cups, Smart DRS provides event organizers with real-time operational insights.
During Ženy Víno Funk:
● 6,565 cups were collected,
● each return included almost 2 cups on average.
● The highest return activity occurred between: 18:00 and 23:30
This information helps organizers understand visitor behaviour and optimize:
- collection point placement,
- staffing,
- washing logistics,
- future event planning.
Instant Payment Card Refunds: Removing Barriers to Reuse
One of the biggest challenges for reusable systems is making returns as easy as possible. Smart DRS solves this by enabling instant deposit refunds directly to payment cards, removing friction from the reusable cup return process. This creates a reuse experience similar to modern digital payments: simple, familiar and convenient.
Why Automated Reusable Cup Systems Matter for Festivals
Successful reuse depends on visitor participation.
The easier the return process becomes, the more likely guests are to participate.
Automated reusable cup collection helps festivals:
- improve visitor experience,
- reduce manual operations,
- collect reliable performance data,
- increase return convenience,
- support circular event models.
Ženy Víno Funk demonstrated how technology can make sustainability feel effortless.
FAQ: Reusable Cup Return Systems for Festivals
How does an automated reusable cup return system work?
Visitors return cups into Smart Collection Points, where the system identifies returned items and processes the deposit refund automatically.
Can reusable cup returns work without an app?
Yes. Smart DRS allows visitors to return cups and receive refunds directly to payment cards without downloading an application.Yes. Smart DRS allows visitors to return cups and receive refunds directly to payment cards without downloading an application.
Are automated reusable cup systems suitable for festivals?
Yes. Automated collection points help festivals handle large numbers of cup returns while reducing queues and manual operations.
How many cups were returned at Ženy Víno Funk?
During the festival, Smart DRS collected 6,565 reusable cups through 3,454 return interactions.
What data can event organizers receive?
Smart DRS provides information including:
- number of returns,
- returned cup volume,
- peak return periods,
- collection point usage,
- refund performance.
- card success rate
- sum by card
- automated video recordings for disputed cases
Planning a festival or large event with reusable cups?
Smart DRS helps organizers create convenient, measurable and automated reuse systems.
Discover how automated reusable cup returns can improve your visitor experience and sustainability performance.
