A new deployment in Karlovy Vary, Czechia, shows how Smart DRS can support the collection of single-use beverage containers. Four Smart Collection Points installed at the home arena of HC Energie Karlovy Vary accept empty PET bottles and cans and issue printed vouchers. Without requiring an app or registration.
Instead of a conventional deposit refund, selected vouchers unlock prizes. The first monitored results recorded 1,028 accepted beverage containers across 855 return sessions, demonstrating how Smart DRS can adapt to different packaging types and incentive models.
Smart DRS for Single-Use Beverage Containers
Smart DRS technology for single-use packaging supports the automated collection of PET bottles, aluminium cans and other beverage containers. At the Czech arena, visitors return empty bottles and cans through self-service Smart Collection Points located across the venue.
Visitors insert empty PET bottles and cans into self-service Smart Collection Points. The process requires no application or prior registration.The process requires no application or prior registration, giving venues a practical way to encourage voluntary returns while collecting reliable data on participation and returned materials.
Winning Vouchers Encourage Voluntary Returns
Visitors return an eligible empty PET bottle or can and select “Finish” on the Smart Collection Point screen. The machine randomly determines the result, either printing a winning coupon or displaying a non-winning message. No application or registration is required.
During each home game, the official fan campaign awards five prizes: one signed HC Energie Karlovy Vary jersey and four CZK 200 fan shop discounts. This prize-based model encourages voluntary returns without using a conventional deposit refund.
More Than 1,000 Bottles and Cans Collected
During the first monitored deployment, four Smart Collection Points recorded 1,028 accepted single-use beverage containers across 855 return sessions. Of these, 989 were PET bottles and 39 were aluminium cans.
Initial Deployment Results
| Metric | Result |
| Accepted beverage containers | 1,028 |
| PET bottles | 989 |
| Aluminium cans | 39 |
| Return sessions | 855 |
| Smart Collection Points | 4 |
| Winning vouchers issued | 5 |
Located near refreshment areas, the main entrance and the VIP zone, the collection points made voluntary returns accessible across the arena. The results show that visitors used the system even without a conventional monetary deposit.
One Flexible Platform for Different Return Models
The Karlovy Vary deployment demonstrates that Smart DRS can support single-use PET bottles and cans as well as reusable packaging. Depending on the project, the platform can be configured for deposit refunds, printed vouchers, prize-based incentives or other return models.
The collection points will remain available during HC Energie Karlovy Vary’s home games throughout the 2026/27 season, providing further insight into voluntary beverage container returns in a stadium environment.
About Smart DRS
Smart DRS develops AI-powered return technology for single-use beverage containers and reusable packaging. Its flexible Smart Collection Points support different packaging formats and incentive models, including deposit refunds, printed vouchers and customised reward campaigns.
Explore the Smart DRS solution for single-use packaging or discover further deployments in our case studies.
