Festival green: Change the future with deposit by 2023

Introduce deposit festivals

Are you ready to make a difference in the world? Whether it's for sustainability reasons or simply to make your event run more smoothly, there are a lot of changes happening right now in the area of sustainability. Introducing deposits at festivals is one of the best solutions to reduce waste and create a better experience. In this article, we will take you through the new legislation, what this means for you as a business owner, and how Sjef implements deposit money to give you as a business owner the best experience for your visitors.

New deposit legislation July 1, 2023

As of July 1, 2023, the new law came into effect: Entrepreneurs are no longer allowed to offer free disposable cups and containers containing plastic, this also applies to festivals. Even cups that at first glance appear to be made of paper, but still contain a plastic layer, will have to go.

The good news is that this measure stems from the European Single Use Plastics Directive and aims to reduce the impact of plastic on our environment. Festival goers will now have to pay an extra amount on top of the price of food or drinks for these disposable items.

The guidelines are now as follows:

€0.25 for a cup

€0.50 for a meal (possibly with multiple trays)

€0.05 for pre-packaged small portions of vegetables, fruits, nuts and portion packs for such things as toppings and sauce.

Full ban on disposable plastic from 2024

As of 2024, the use of disposable plastic will be banned in the Netherlands. That means festivals and events will have to switch to sustainable alternatives, such as reusable cups. In Belgium, this ban has already been in place since 2020. It is no longer a choice, but a necessity to protect our planet.

The new sustainability plan is ambitious, but it includes one important exception. With high-quality recycling, it will still be possible to use disposable objects, although they must be separated and recycled. This means that by 2024, as much as 75 percent of cups must be processed this way, and as much as 90 percent by 2027. This is quite a challenge for many organizers, but more sustainable alternatives, such as hardcups, are already available.

What does this mean for you as an entrepreneur?

So starting today, business owners will be required to offer a reusable option. There are two different ways business owners can provide their visitors with these new sustainable options.

The first option involves offering reusable cups and trays for which you have to pay a deposit and can return them.
Alternatively, business owners can choose the second option and fill your own cup or tray with your drink or food.

Entrepreneurs have the choice to decide which of these options to offer.

Deposit money as a step toward circular packaging process

By 2050, the Netherlands wants to be fully circular, and to that end deposits on packaging are a step in the right direction. In particular, the introduction of deposits on plastic bottles has already had a major impact: as many as 50% fewer bottles have ended up in litter. Any packaging handed in can be cleaned and reused again, as in the case of glass bottles of beer, or (partially) recycled, as in the case of plastic bottles and cans.

Deposit integration for your festival

Transparency
Imagine if every can, cup or bottle you turn in for deposit were fully tracked. With Sjef's system, it is now possible. This advanced system not only recognizes the flow of deposits, but also the different products at the deposit level. This makes it even easier to see which packaging is returned the most and where we can still take steps to reduce environmental impact.

Efficiency at the bar
Time is money, especially in the hospitality industry, where long lines and delayed order processing can leave both visitors and staff frustrated. The solution? Instant recognition by simply clicking on everything in the order. And to make sure nothing is overlooked, we've even set up a separate registration, meaning no order is forgotten by making it a mandatory question in the checkout.

Reconciliation
When it comes to managing our stock of cups, we are always mindful of both the purchase and the amount going to Deposit Money Netherlands. Keeping track of the stock is therefore direct and efficient. We want to make sure the cups are purchased in a sustainable and responsible way, while also taking good care of the environment by making sure the cups can be reused and recycled, which is why we use the deposit system. At Sjef, it's all about the balance between responsible sourcing and responsible waste management.

Loyalty
After a successful event, you naturally want visitors to enjoy the experience for a long time. By creating an online shop after the event is over, visitors can spend their credits on what they like. It's the perfect way to continue their enjoyment by letting them choose from an assortment of unique products. By creating such an experience, you can strengthen your relationship with your festival attendees and build a loyal fan base.

Coin registration / Deposit cup
As an organizer, it is important to make the right choices regarding the sale of drinks. Give your visitors the option to choose between coins or charge a first time deposit on the cup. This way you encourage sustainability and create a more conscious audience. In addition, you ensure a more efficient flow because fewer actions are required at checkout.

Deposit integration through Sjef

In this article, we've taken you through the new legislation and why using deposits is an efficient way to reduce waste and create a better experience at your festival. Take the plunge today and stay ahead of the curve! With Sjef, you can ensure your festival visitors have the very best experience when using their deposit. Contact us at info@sjef.app or click here.