The pilot project of returnable cups at selected events will cost Prague 2.4 million crowns
The shape of the cups that will appear on the floodplains. Photo: PCT
The capital, in cooperation with the Prague City Tourism (PCT) company, is launching a pilot project of returnable cups for events held on the Prague waterfront and at the Exhibition Center. The goal is to promote sustainable tableware options instead of single-use plastics. The city reserved 2.4 million crowns for the project. After the end of the testing phase, the system will go to a fully commercial level without city support. This was reported by Klára Janderová, PCT press spokesperson.
PCT was commissioned by the city to implement the trial phase of the project and distribute the cups at the events. It will run from September 2022 to February 2024. “We have finally managed to launch the project of recyclable cups on the Prague embankments. We want to send a clear signal to the organizers because, especially during larger events, garbage from non-returnable material accumulated here,” said Jan Chabr (TOP 09), councilor for the area of property management and property shares.
“At the moment, we have established cooperation with the Prague embankments and the Prague Exhibition Centre. We live in a time when we have to think sustainably, which is why we are starting a pilot operation and providing a sustainable and nature-friendly variant of returnable cups for selected events in Prague,” added PCT chairman František Cipro. The cups made their first appearance at the Waterfront Farmers’ Markets on Saturday, September 3rd.
During the project, which will last 19 months, 50 thousand cups will be available. During this trial period, event organizers have the opportunity to use the cups completely free of charge.
After the start-up phase ends at the beginning of 2024, the city will evaluate the project and decide on further steps. The visual side of the cups entitled “For a sustainable Prague” draws attention to the city’s ecological intention. In addition, the color parameters and symbols on the cups will change regularly.
“After this year’s start at farmers’ markets, next season we would like to introduce returnable cups on board ships and then possibly in other establishments on the Prague waterfront,” added Petr Hozman, curator of the Prague waterfront.