Festivals generate huge amounts of waste during a short period of time, usually in three to four days. Single-use packaging is one of the dominant waste streams at the festivals. In order to minimize single-use plastic packaging waste generation and negative impacts on the environment, outdoor festivals apply alternative reusable cup systems and strategies. However, little studies have been made on how different reusable beverage cup reuse models can affect material circularity within certain festivals, and how it contributes to cup damage and loss. This article presents the results of a pilot study of different reusable cup reuse models within seven Lithuanian summer outdoor festivals. Three different models were applied and tested: A—only reusable cups, non-refundable model; B—only reusable cups, with deposit-refund; C—a mixed system of reusable cups with deposit-refund and of single-use cups. Material flow analysis (MFA) was performed, and the Materials Circularity Indicator (MCI), developed by Ellen MacArthur Foundation, was calculated to study the applied models. According to the findings, refund models (B, C models) have lower rates of damaged and lost cups compared to non-refundable reusable cup reuse model (A model). This paper shows that different reuse models provide different damage, loss and return rates of reusable cups. The data presented can aid decision-makers who need to choose a reuse model for a certain event.

This study examines the generation and treatment of disposable single-use paper cups at Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) campus located in Finland. The study was carried out within the LUT campus considering take-away venues and the waste collection system, with the intersection of the local waste treatment system. The University was considered as a closed system where different activities and services are taking place. This work contributes to a better understanding of newly adopted circularity measures and application possibilities. The research attempted to evaluate the environmental impacts, and reduction options of disposable single-use paper cups within the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) campus, and measured the circularity indicator of single-use paper cups.

The use of single-use take-away packaging for food and beverages is steadily growing globally. The consumption habits of ordering food online and the very short time of use of single-use take-away packaging suggest that high amounts of potential resources are continuously being wasted. Since there is a lack of studies that could represent the status of packaging materials used within the take-away delivery industry, it is difficult to predict the potential for material recycling and reuse. This research aimed at identifying (1) the predominant packaging materials used by the take-away food and beverage industry according to the food category, (2) packaging weight in order to understand the potential for material recovery, (3) labelling in order to understand communication with consumers about what is relevant for choosing end-of-life scenarios, and (4) the residues of the food and beverage within packaging after use, which potentially affects the recyclability of packaging. The research identified at which stages of the value chain there was a potential for the better circulation of single-use packaging materials and provided insights for decision makers (businesses, institutions, etc.) to improve the sustainability of take-away packaging.