{"id":8007,"date":"2025-07-02T06:03:43","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T10:03:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=8007"},"modified":"2025-07-02T06:03:43","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T10:03:43","slug":"lisbon-introduces-citywide-reusable-cup-scheme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=8007","title":{"rendered":"Lisbon introduces citywide reusable cup scheme"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The project is a partnership between Lisbon\u2019s municipality, TOMRA, and AHRESP. Credit: TOMRA Systems ASA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Lisbon has reportedly emerged as the first European capital to launch a comprehensive reusable cup programme supported by a local deposit-return framework.<\/p>\n

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The project, a partnership between Lisbon\u2019s municipality, TOMRA, and Portugal\u2019s Hospitality, Catering, and Similar Businesses Association (AHRESP), seeks to curb plastic waste and reduce carbon emissions. It introduces a practical approach to managing waste in busy urban settings.<\/p>\n

Starting 26 June 2025, TOMRA-activated collection points began operating at two kiosks, known as \u2018quiosques<\/em>\u2018, located in Pra\u00e7a de S\u00e3o Paulo and Pra\u00e7a do Pr\u00edncipe Real, respectively. <\/p>\n

Patrons buying drinks receive them in reusable cups, paying a refundable deposit that is returned when they tap their bank card or phone at a designated return station. This streamlined process encourages participation in the scheme.<\/p>\n

The complete implementation of the reusable cup initiative is set for October 2025.<\/p>\n

TOMRA\u2019s \u2018Rotake\u2019 system oversees the entire process, encompassing digital monitoring, cup collection, cleaning, and redistribution.<\/p>\n

This technology is claimed to guarantee high standards of efficiency, hygiene, and environmental sustainability throughout the cups\u2019 life cycle.<\/p>\n

Every evening, Lisbon\u2019s entertainment districts use around 25,000 cups, often marketed as reusable but lacking a formal system for collection and cleaning.<\/p>\n

The city\u2019s recent regulation banning single-use plastic cups demanded a robust solution in response. <\/p>\n

The local hospitality sector\u2019s involvement is vital to the programme\u2019s success. AHRESP, Portugal\u2019s leading hospitality organisation, is facilitating the integration of caf\u00e9s, bars, and nightlife venues into the reuse initiative.<\/p>\n

At least 17 return stations are being planned for the city centre, simplifying the reuse process.<\/p>\n

Lisbon\u2019s scheme draws on TOMRA\u2019s successful trial in Aarhus, Denmark, where over one million cups were returned, achieving an 85% return rate after 18 months.<\/p>\n

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