In recent years, sustainability has become a major focus in the world of events and festivals. But reducing environmental impact doesn’t just mean “doing the right thing”: it is often also a smart choice from an economic and communication perspective.
A concrete example comes from Ortigia Sound System, which chose to adopt customized reusable cups to limit single-use plastic and enhance the audience experience.
Reducing Single-Use Plastic at Events: A Real Necessity
Festivals, concerts, and food & beverage events are among the main producers of temporary waste, especially disposable cups.
The adoption of reusable cups makes it possible to:
- drastically reduce the amount of waste generated during the event
- limit the dispersion of plastic into the environment
- improve waste collection and cleaning management
In the case of Ortigia Sound System, the reusable cup is not just an alternative to single-use items—it becomes an active part of a more conscious and responsible approach to organizing a large event.
The Cup as a Tool for Brand Awareness and Identity
A customized cup is not just a container: it is a visual object, constantly in the hands of the audience. During a festival, it gets photographed, shared on social media, carried around the venue and, often, taken home.
For Ortigia Sound System, this means:
- greater brand recognition during and after the event
- consistency between the cultural message and the focus on sustainability
- turning the cup into a true souvenir
The result is widespread, organic, and authentic branding that does not interrupt the audience’s experience but becomes part of it.
Improving the audience experience
Compared to traditional disposable cups, reusable cups offer a higher perceived quality:
- they are more durable
- more comfortable to use in crowded settings
- they convey a sense of care and attention to detail
For attendees, drinking from a “real” cup enhances the overall experience and strengthens the perception of a well-organized, modern festival that is attentive to the values it promotes.
Deposit, reuse, and economic advantage
One of the least discussed aspects is the economic one.
In the system adopted by Ortigia Sound System, the cup is given to attendees with a deposit: those who return the cup get their deposit back, while those who keep it (as a souvenir or by forgetting to return it) do not.
This generates several advantages:
- partial recovery of the initial cost of the cups
- lower expenses for continuously purchasing single-use items
- reduced waste disposal costs
In many cases, non-returned cups also become an indirect source of revenue, while continuing to promote the brand even outside the event.
Sustainability that truly works
The Ortigia Sound System case shows that customized reusable cups are not just an ethical choice, but a concrete solution that brings together:
- environmental impact reduction
- stronger brand identity
- improved audience experience
- real economic benefits
When sustainability, communication, and event organization work together, the result is a more efficient, more recognizable, and more memorable event
Organizing a festival, concert, or event?
Discover how customized reusable cups can help you reduce single-use plastic, strengthen your brand and optimize your costs.
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