DRS : Automated reusable cups drive waste reduction at international championship

When organisers of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship set out to improve the environmental credentials of their event, they turned to Smart DRS — a technology company specialising in intelligent packaging return solutions. The result was a fully reusable cup system deployed across two arenas in Bratislava and Trenčín, Slovakia, serving all 29 games over nine match days.

A total of 23,000 specially designed reusable cups, produced exclusively for the Championship, were placed into circulation. All beverages served across both venues were provided in these cups, making the system — rather than the exception — the rule. Fans paid a €3 deposit when purchasing a drink, refunded instantly to their payment card upon returning the cup at one of eight automated Smart DRS return stations distributed across the two arenas.

Three return stations were installed at the Bratislava arena, one of which featured dual return slots and two payment terminals. The Trenčín arena hosted five stations, three of which also incorporated dual return slots. No registration or mobile application was required at any point: fans simply inserted their cup and tapped their card. The deposit was returned within seconds.

The environmental impact of the initiative was substantial. Over the course of the tournament, more than 55,000 beverages were served, while fans returned cups on more than 44,300 occasions — nearly 5,000 returns per day. With 23,000 cups in circulation and over 55,000 beverages served, cups were reused more than twice on average, demonstrating genuine multiple-use cycles within a single championship event.

The system helped avoid an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 single-use plastic cups — delivering an immediate reduction in packaging waste and contributing to lower CO₂ emissions associated with disposable containers. All returned cups were washed daily using industrial facilities and reintroduced into circulation, maintaining a continuous reuse loop throughout the championship.

Robert Lago, Marketing Manager of the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation, outlined the federation's ambition: “Our goal is to deliver an outstanding championship experience while acting responsibly toward the environment. Sustainability is a key focus, aligned with the commitments of both the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation and the International Ice Hockey Federation. Introducing reusable, deposit-based cups is a practical step to reduce single-use plastic waste. With a fast, contactless return process via Smart DRS machines, the system also improves fan convenience while significantly lowering the event’s environmental footprint.”

The Smart DRS system operates as a fully automated deposit-based return scheme, distinguishing it from many comparable initiatives that rely on mobile applications, QR code scanning, or manual processing. Using artificial intelligence to recognise eligible cups, the technology enables a seamless, staff-free return process with direct refunds to payment cards.

The deployment at the Championship also yielded significant operational benefits. By removing the need for staff to manually handle cup returns, manage deposits, or process cash at concession stands, the system freed personnel to focus entirely on customer service — reducing queues and improving overall efficiency.

Return machines were positioned strategically in high-traffic areas both inside the arenas, near concession stands, and outside the venues. Clear signage and in-arena communication, including informational videos during game breaks, directed fans to the nearest return points and explained the process.

Ľuboš Schwarzbacher, spokesperson for the championship, reflected on the visitor response: “We are pleased that we were able to offer fans a more convenient and innovative way to support the sustainability goals of the championship. Visitors responded very positively to the instant refund of deposits directly to their payment cards. Beverage operators also appreciated that cup returns were automated through dedicated return machines located outside concession areas, allowing staff to focus fully on customer service.”

The Smart DRS platform is designed for versatility. It supports both reusable cup systems and deposit return schemes for single-use packaging, and can be integrated into existing collection infrastructure to accommodate different packaging types, shapes, and sizes. Its recognition technology supports multiple identification methods — including visual design recognition, QR codes, Data Matrix, UIC, and RFID — making it deployable with existing reusable cups or bespoke solutions developed for specific events.

Integration with washing systems and back-of-house logistics ensures smooth implementation with minimal operational disruption, a critical factor in environments where turnover between fixtures is rapid and downtime is not an option.

The 2026 U18 World Championship has demonstrated that large-scale sporting events can successfully combine innovation, convenience, and environmental responsibility — and that the technology to do so is already proven and operational.