Related REMEDIES Pillars: Prevention and Zero-Waste Solutions
Partner(s)/Owner(s): Alchemia-nova Greece
Other Partners Involved: ANGR (Solution Provider: closed-loop cleaning infrastructure for reusables as a service), Bio-Mi (Research partner: material development), AITIIP (Technical partner: injection molding ), CIBOS (IT partner: mobile application), NTUA (Scientific partner: water quality monitoring & evaluation).
Made for: Beverage suppliers, event organizers, cultural managers, venue operators, municipalities, festival sponsors, festival attendees, tourists, and EU citizens.
What is the PLUG-AND-PLAY 2 ZERO-WASTE?
This innovative solution is a comprehensive system designed to eliminate single-use plastic waste at festivals and events. The demonstrator focuses on the 0.5L beer glass, which research has shown to be the most frequently discarded item, responsible for over 70% of event-generated waste. The project integrates bio-based, reusable cups with an on-site washing unit, ensuring a sustainable alternative to disposable plastics while promoting circular economy principles. The REMEDIES project has developed this system to target high-waste areas and introduce practical, scalable solutions for event sustainability.
The circular approach ensures the washing, reuse, and redistribution of cups, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of large gatherings. The integration of a mobile application further enhances user engagement and transparency throughout the process to support a strong commitment to sustainability from all parties involved.
Impact: What Challenges Does This Technology Address?
- Infrastructure and Logistics: Many festivals and tourist hubs lack the necessary facilities to clean and sanitize reusable containers efficiently.
- Financial Costs: Reusable systems require an initial investment, which may be higher than single-use options.
- Consumer Behavior: Encouraging attendees to return reusable cups remains a challenge in large, outdoor settings.
- Space Limitations: Event venues often have limited storage space for reusable packaging.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Successful implementation requires collaboration between vendors, event organizers, and waste management entities.
The system tackles these issues by offering a decentralized, plug-and-play efficient washing solution, reducing reliance on single-use plastics while promoting sustainability at scale. At the same time, user facilitation and of environmental performance fostering more sustainable consumption habits and reducing the environmental footprint of mass gatherings.
This solution, tested in the Sea Star Festival Demo Site, aligns with the third pillar of the REMEDIES program — Prevention and Zero-Waste Solutions.
Unique Value Proposition: What Makes This Technology Stand Out?
The PLUG-AND-PLAY 2 ZERO-WASTE solution provides a scalable, circular system for reducing plastic waste at events and in high-traffic venues. Key advantages include:
- Scalability & Flexibility: The system is adaptable to different event sizes and industry-specific needs, ensuring broad applicability across the hospitality and entertainment sectors.
- Circular Design: The integrated approach covers the collection, cleaning, and redistribution of reusable cups and bottles, minimizing environmental impact.
- Smart Monitoring & Transparency: Users and businesses can track material cycles, reuse rates, and environmental impact through an intuitive app and web platform.
- Customization & Accessibility: Designed for ease of integration, the system accelerates the transition toward zero-waste solutions by providing event-specific customization options.
By integrating cleaning infrastructure with sustainable, bio-based alternatives, this solution accelerates the transition to reuse-driven models in the event industry.
Technical Characteristics
- Closed-Loop Reusables Cleaning Infrastructure with vertECO®: a plug-and-play container-based infrastructure for consistent, safe and hygienic reusables cleaning, utilizing vertECO® technology for greywater treatment and reuse, capable of washing over 2,000 cups per hour.
- Plastic-free Packaging: 0.5L biobased – biodegradable (PBS : PHBV) cups for beer, EE 10/2011, designed for over 100 uses, dishwasher safe, and recyclable.
- UX/UI Smart Tracking: The system uses NFC/QR/Barcode scanning for user identification, performance tracking, and integration with business operations, enabling real-time monitoring and management.
Exploitation Pathway: How Will This Technology Be Put Into Action?
The adoption and expansion of PLUG AND PLAY 2 ZERO WASTE I will follow several strategic pathways:
- Leasing Model: Event organizers can lease the CPSS system tailored to their needs, offering flexibility in implementation.
- Investment in Reuse Systems: Businesses and municipalities investing in circular economy infrastructure can integrate this system for long-term sustainability.
- Promotion & Advisory Services: Case studies will be developed to attract investment and provide consultancy on effective reuse models.
- Scalable Deployment: The system can be expanded to new locations based on demand, enabling broader adoption across different industries.
Through these pathways, PLUG AND PLAY 2 ZERO WASTE I aims to revolutionize sustainable event management, fostering large-scale reduction of plastic waste and advancing circular economy principles in mass gatherings.
User: Who Can Benefit from This Technology?
The PLUG-AND-PLAY 2 ZERO-WASTE caters to a diverse range of stakeholders, including B2B and B2C users:
- Beverage Suppliers & Event Organizers: Ensuring compliance with sustainable practices and reducing event-related waste.
- Cultural Managers & Venue Operators: Implementing reusable cup systems to enhance sustainability efforts.
- Municipalities & Expo Organizers: Supporting local zero-waste initiatives and green infrastructure development.
- Festival Attendees & Tourists: Providing eco-friendly alternatives for large-scale events.
By facilitating widespread adoption, this solution supports the global transition toward sustainable packaging and waste management in the hospitality and entertainment industries.
Stay tuned!
Explore the Marketplace Page for the PLUG-AND-PLAY 2 ZERO-WASTE I: Cleaning Infrastructure for Reusables in combination with Bio-based Cups & Mobile Application – available soon!
Watch the Technology Presentation of YouTube – available soon!
