Reusable Cup System in Action
The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship introduced a reusable cup system across its venues as part of efforts to reduce waste and improve sustainability. All beverages served in the arenas were provided in reusable cups featuring a unique design created specifically for the Championship. A deposit system was in operation, with fans paying €3 when purchasing a drink.
The deposit was instantly returned to their payment card when the cup was brought back to designated Smart DRS return points throughout the venues. Eight return stations were deployed across both arenas: three automated Smart DRS return stations were available at the Bratislava arena, one of which was equipped with two return slots and two payment terminals. A further five stations were located at the Trenčín arena, three of which also featured dual return slots.
The return process was designed to be quick and accessible. No registration or mobile application was required. Fans simply inserted their cup or multiple cups into the machine and tapped their payment card. The deposit was automatically refunded within seconds.
System Performance and Circular Operation
During the championship, a total of 23,000 specially designed reusable cups were placed into circulation, forming the foundation of a fully reusable system across all tournament venues.
With nearly 5,000 cups collected daily, the system demonstrated strong visitor engagement and operational consistency across all 29 games and 9 match days. All returned cups were washed daily using industrial facilities and reintroduced into circulation, ensuring a continuous reuse loop throughout the event.
In total, over 55,000 beverages were served during the tournament, while fans returned cups more than 44,300 times. These figures show that cups were used more than twice on average, clearly demonstrating multiple reuse cycles within a single championship.
These results highlight how automated return solutions can seamlessly integrate sustainability into the fan experience, making responsible choices intuitive, efficient, and scalable.
Feedback from Arenas
Return machines were strategically placed 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, guided fans to the nearest return points and explained the simple return process.
The deployment of the Smart DRS system also significantly improved working conditions for staff at concession stands. By eliminating the need to manually handle cup returns, manage deposits, or process cash, staff were able to focus entirely on serving visitors. This streamlined approach reduced queues and improved overall service efficiency.
“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,” said Ľuboš Schwarzbacher, spokesperson for the championship.
Supporting IIHF Sustainability Ambitions
By introducing the technology, the 2026 U18 World Championship took a significant step toward more sustainable and circular event operations while maintaining convenience for fans. The reusable system helped avoid an estimated 70,000–80,000 single-use plastic cups, delivering an immediate reduction in waste and contributing to lower CO₂ emissions associated with disposable packaging.
The initiative forms part of the International Ice Hockey Federation’s broader sustainability efforts, promoting responsible resource management and reducing environmental impact across its events.
Robert Lago, Marketing Manager, Slovak Ice Hockey Federation:
“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.”
Smart DRS Technology
Unlike many reuse systems that rely on mobile applications, QR code scanning or manual processing, the Smart DRS system introduced at the Championship operates as a fully automated solution requiring no registration or app download. Using artificial intelligence to recognise eligible cups, the system enables a seamless, staff-free return process with direct refunds to payment cards. Designed for large venues and high-visitor-volume environments, it reduces manual handling and allows staff to focus on serving visitors.
Smart DRS technology is highly adaptable, supporting both reusable (refillable) 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, allowing deployment with existing reusable cups or the development of tailored solutions, while integration with washing systems and back-of-house processes ensures smooth implementation with minimal operational disruption.
"We are pleased that the modern Smart DRS cup return machines turn an everyday moment, such as getting a cup deposit back, into a fast, simple and sustainable experience. Thanks to Visa Direct, fans can experience in practice the benefits of fast and secure digital money movement," said Martin Hainzl, Senior Manager at Visa.