Cup trays at festivals: time for a more sustainable alternative

In this blog, we look at why the classic cup tray has actually had its day and an alternative that is truly forward-looking.

The cheapest choice is rarely the best
Even if you get cardboard trays for free from your brewer, they are anything but cost-free. They are only used once and then end up in the trash, or, even worse, on the festival ground.

Not only does this look messy, it also creates a huge waste mountain and extra clean-up costs for you as an organizer. Moreover, those single-use trays leave a serious ecological footprint due to production and transport.

Limited functionality and comfort
Furthermore, they are simply difficult to use. Visitors need both hands and struggle to get through the bulk. That leads to spills faster and makes it harder to hold something else, such as a phone or snack, at the same time. A little rain or moisture and the tray loses its strength, which can cause cups to sag or fall over. Not the most reliable solution, then...

Ever stricter legislation
The European Union has taken a clear course in recent years: single-use plastics and related disposable products are systematically banned. Plastic-coated cardboard trays are already officially banned. And it's only a matter of time before fully cardboard variants will also be in the crosshairs. Organizers who commit to reusable alternatives today will be prepared tomorrow.

No sustainable solution
Cardboard trays disappear into landfills after one round. There is no circular value, no reuse and production required every time. In principle, they are recyclable, but that proves difficult to live up to. The cardboard must not be contaminated and must be neatly separated from other waste. In practice, they mainly end up in the incinerator.

That doesn't fit the sustainable ambitions of modern festivals or the expectations of their visitors.

What is the alternative?
When we asked ourselves that question about 10 years ago, there was basically no answer. So we started developing Cupkeeper as a direct answer to all the above challenges. This is how we arrived at a well thought-out product that is practical, durable and user-friendly. The benefits at a glance:

• Safe & practical: sturdy enough to carry six cups at once in one hand, thanks to the ergonomic handle. Moves more easily through crowds and doubles carrying capacity.
• Efficient: up to 12 cups per attendee makes for more efficient bars that can sell more drinks at the same time.
• User-friendly: foldable and easy to store or attach with the hook. This keeps it out of the way until the next round.
• Sustainable: made of recycled polypropylene (PP) and designed for reuse. Less waste, less environmental burden and more circular value.
• Additional revenue: Cupkeepers can be resold at the bar, making sustainability financially interesting as well.
• Brand visibility: provided with festival or sponsor logo, the Cupkeeper becomes a souvenir that visitors keep and keep using. This way they are proud to carry your brand with them for years to come, even at other events.

Come and meet us!
Cardboard trays may seem like the easy choice, but in practice they bring more disadvantages than advantages. Those who bet on reusable solutions like Cupkeeper are not only choosing sustainability, but also a better visitor experience and extra brand value.

This blog post is a contribution from Cupkeeper, manufacturer and seller of compact, collapsible cup holders. Learn more at www.originalcupkeeper.com or meet the various Cupkeepers during Festivak at booth #417.