Is it time for all trade shows to switch to reusable cups?

Borealis and Messe Düsseldorf piloted a reusable cup scheme at K Show 2025 with the aim of cutting waste and offering a ‘practical blueprint’ for advancing circularity at large-scale events. Philip Knapen, Borealis’ Application Development and Technical Service Manager for Consumer Products, tells us more about the company’s core learnings from the project.

I think it would be useful to start with an overview of the project - please could you give a brief summary?

At K 2025, Borealis and Messe Düsseldorf, supported by a number of value chain partners, introduced a reusable cup system – the first of its kind at Messe Düsseldorf. The aim was to reduce single-use plastics at the event and to pilot a model that could serve as a blueprint for circular systems at future large-scale events.

Around 50,000 reusable polypropylene cups were used across the Messe Düsseldorf fairground, supported by on-site collection, washing, and redistribution systems.

Circular principles were also embedded at the design and production stages, guiding material and technology choices: the modified polypropylene (PP) Daploy cups were based on chemically recycled feedstock from OMV’s ReOil technology. They were produced at Faerch using Bockatech’s EcoCore foam injection molding technology, which enables significantly lower material use than solid-wall designs. This made it possible for the cups to be lightweight yet robust, and capable of withstanding repeated washing and reuse.

The in-mold labels, supplied by MCC Global IML and applied by Faerch, were also made from polypropylene, resulting in a fully monomaterial cup structure designed for recyclability.

How did the collaboration between Borealis and K Show come about?

As the world’s leading trade fair for plastics and rubber, K plays a central role in shaping discussions about the future of the industry, and circularity is increasingly at the heart of that conversation.

Borealis has a long-standing relationship with K and Messe Düsseldorf, and we saw K 2025 as an opportunity to move the circularity discussion from theory into practice. We therefore approached Messe Düsseldorf with the idea of piloting a reusable cup system at the fair—one that could demonstrate how circular solutions can work in a large-scale event setting.

Messe Düsseldorf shared this ambition and agreed to pilot the concept at K 2025. From there, the collaboration developed naturally, bringing together value-chain partners who shared our commitment to innovation and advancing circularity, and who had the complementary expertise to help us put the system into practice.

Please could you walk us through the process from start to finish? How did the collection and washing process work on-site, and what were the biggest operational challenges?

The cups were delivered to the Messe Düsseldorf site ahead of K 2025 and distributed throughout the fairground. During the event, they were used to serve both hot and cold drinks at all restaurants, bars, shops, and food trucks, as well as at the Borealis and Borouge stand, and the MCC Global IML stand.

After use, visitors could return the cups via a dedicated collection system. Around 50 clearly marked collection points were installed throughout the fairground, and logistics staff also collected cups left on tables. The cups were then transported to on-site dishwashing facilities, cleaned, and returned to service within a few hours, allowing them to circulate repeatedly throughout each day of the show.

The biggest operational challenge was ensuring correct use of the collection infrastructure—specifically, that cups were to be returned only via the dedicated cup bins. However, we saw them in many instances mixed with general waste. This will need to be a key focus area as reuse systems are scaled to future events.

How did the collaboration perform based on the goals and objectives you came up with before it was put into practice, and what are some key learnings you’ll take away from the project?

As the first reusable cup system ever implemented at Messe Düsseldorf, the project set out to demonstrate that reuse could be implemented at a large, busy event like K.

The collaboration delivered on that ambition. The cups proved robust and fit for purpose, with no material or quality issues, and the system operated reliably across the fairground throughout the event.

The project also generated clear, practical learnings—particularly around collection—which can now be used to further refine the system. Overall, it confirmed that reuse is a credible and scalable approach for major events and provides a solid foundation for future improvements and wider adoption.

How did K Show attendees respond to the pilot - was engagement high? And have you received any constructive feedback following the event?

The response from attendees was very positive. Engagement with the reusable cup system was high, and partners who participated in the project reported receiving favorable comments from visitors.

While the pilot was not designed as a formal feedback study, the on-site experience and informal feedback reinforced that visitors were open to reuse and willing to engage with circular solutions at the event.

If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:

The ultimate guide to packaging innovation in 2026

The ‘complex reality’ of reusable packaging in Europe

Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation

Strategic learnings from the Sustainable Packaging Summit