Automated Reusable Cup Return Systems Tested at Major Ice Hockey Tournament
At the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) U18 World Championship, automated return stations for reusable cups were installed across two arenas as part of a large-scale circular system.
Over the course of the tournament, 23,000 reusable cups enabled more than 55,000 beverage servings across venues hosting over 70,000 visitors.
The installed Sensoneo Smart DRS return stations processed more than 44,300 cup returns, with fans returning nearly 5,000 cups per day. Cups were returned via automated units, with deposit refunds issued instantly to payment cards — without registration, mobile applications, or manual handling.
The deployment marked one of the first large-scale uses of fully automated reusable cup return infrastructure in a live sporting environment, providing real-world data on circular systems under high visitor volumes.
Related Articles
Page
About us
Circular Economy News covers the latest products, technologies, equipment, trends and key developments that are shaping the global circular economy. It highlights innovation across the entire value chain, from breakthrough solutions to their real-world application in industry..
Circular Economy News is a fast-growing industry media platform where circular economy leaders connect, exchange ideas, and share hands-on experience — turning industry conversations into real business opportunities. Its LinkedIn media page is the platform’s most effective channel for reach and engagement with a professional audience, with a community of over 5,000 subscribers actively following industry updates, innovations, and market developments.
Danish wind tech firm Vestas hails new era for the industry, as new method of recycling wind turbine blades promises to eliminate landfill disposal across the sector.
Vestas has unveiled an alternative to scrapping decommissioned wind turbine blades, which harnesses a newly discovered chemical process to ensure old blades can be recycled.
A British company has developed the first tractor in the world to be completely powered by cow dung.
The liquid methane gas-powered T7 vehicle is said to be first of its kind and could mark a turning point in efficient energy supply on UK farms.
