Reusable cup system to be piloted at K 2025

K 2025 will see the implementation of the first comprehensive reusable cup system at a Messe Düsseldorf event. The pilot initiative represents a significant effort towards reducing waste from single-use cups at large-scale events. Messe Düsseldorf is committed to reducing waste at its large-scale events. This initiative represents a significant step towards reducing single-use packaging at global exhibitions, aligning with the objectives of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

The reusable cups, made from foamable PP supplied by Borealis, will be available deposit-free at all restaurants and bars across the site throughout the duration of the show. To support reuse, Messe Düsseldorf will install special collection containers. Visitors can return the cups to service points, place them in the collection containers, or take them home for personal reuse.

Logistics staff will ensure that cups left on tables or placed in the collection containers are retrieved, rinsed in on-site kitchens, and returned to service. Any cups disposed of in general waste bins will be collected after the fair and recycled by Borealis. Unused cups will be donated for further use.

The pilot is able to be realised as a result of a collaboration between various partners, including 

Arburg, who has supplied the machinery; Bockatech, whose EcoCore foaming technology, used for the durable injection moulded cups, reduces plastic use by up to 50%, doubles the thermal insulation, cuts manufacturing time and provides 5x the strength while ensuring recyclability; MCC Global IML, a manufacturer of sustainable in-mould labels for rigid plastic packaging; and Miko Pac, a company specialised in developing and producing innovative plastic packaging solutions for various industries, including food service.

The initiative will assess reuse and recycling rates, providing valuable insights for the effective implementation of scalable reuse systems at future events Messe Düsseldorf will analyze usage patterns, tracking how many cups are used, re-used, and recycled. The insights gained will contribute to the development of more sustainable solutions for future events, since reducing emissions and waste from operations is a key objective of Messe Düsseldorf’s sustainability strategy.

Thomas Franken, K Director, Portfolio Plastics and Rubber, Messe Düsseldorf, explains the motivation behind the initiative: “Introducing reusable cups to replace single-use cups at K 2025 aligns perfectly with our motto, ‘The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible.’ As the global forum shaping the future of plastics, K 2025 provides the ideal platform to highlight practical initiatives that reflect the industry’s commitment to sustainability – while also supporting Messe Düsseldorf’s own sustainability goals.”

An additional sustainability advantage comes from the use of chemically recycled feedstock based on OMV’s ReOil technology. 

“ReOil is our proprietary chemical recycling technology that converts end-of-life plastics into circular feedstock for the production of chemicals, in particular new plastics,” said Maximilian Grasserbauer, OMV Senior Vice President Circular Economy. We operate ReOil at our Schwechat refinery close to Vienna, Austria, and are continuously investing in advancing this technology to ensure a reliable supply of circular feedstock for the market. ReOil is part of our sustainable base chemicals portfolio, designed to support our industry’s shift toward circular feedstocks.”

Beyond reusability and recycled content, the cups contribute to the circular economy in multiple ways: they are lightweight and material-efficient, have a reduced carbon footprint, and are fully recyclable.

 "At Borealis, we are committed to creating innovative solutions in collaboration with our value chain partners and this initiative is a prime example,” said Peter Voortmans, Borealis Vice President Marketing Consumer Products. “Reuse systems are key to making large-scale events more sustainable, and our polypropylene solutions for foam support this by enabling lightweight, durable, and fully recyclable applications that use less material than conventional alternatives.

Borealis will exhibit together with Borouge at Hall 6, Stand A43.