Sustainable events and good practices for reuse
In Portugal, sustainability at events is no longer just an aspiration, but a requirement regulated by law. From the prohibition of single-use plastics in catering to the active promotion of reusable cups and deposit systems, the country has taken firm steps towards a circular economy model applied to concerts, festivals and popular celebrations. In this article, we analyze the Portuguese legal framework and explore real examples of events that are already making a difference.
If you organize events in Portugal or collaborate with brands present in this market, this guide is key to adapting to the new regulations and raising the standard of sustainability.
Portugal has also adopted a robust regulatory framework for sustainable events, in line with European directives, emphasizing waste prevention and reuse:
- Regime Geral de Gestão de Resíduos (RGGR) – Decreto-Lei 102-D/2020: This decree-law, in force since the end of 2020, updates the Portuguese waste law in accordance with the European circular economy legislative package. Among other provisions, it reinforces the rules for waste prevention in events and hospitality. For example, the obligation to provide free public tap water in reusable containers in restaurants and events was introduced. Since July 2021, every consumer has the right to request tap water served in reusable cups, free of charge, also applicable at gastronomic festivals or fairs, reducing dependence on plastic bottles. The RGGR also authorized consumers to bring their own containers for bulk purchases and take-away food, facilitating “zero waste” event models (for example, attendees being able to use their own cups or Tupperware in certain venues). Likewise, the free delivery of single-use bags is prohibited and large stores are obliged to offer reusable beverage containers when they exist on the market, measures that affect event logistics (e.g., food stands must charge for bags and can serve in customer containers).
- Transposition of the Single-Use Plastics Directive – Lei 76/2019 and Decreto-Lei 78/2021: Portugal approved Law 76/2019 (of September 2, 2019) which prohibits the use and provision of single-use plastic tableware in all catering and beverage establishments, including events and festivals. This law, after postponements due to the pandemic, fully came into force in July 2021. In practice, since that date restaurants, bars and event stalls are prohibited from using disposable plastic plates, cups, cutlery or straws, which must be replaced by reusable (or, in the meantime, compostable) alternatives. The measure covers “all establishments, other premises and events in the catering sector”, so event caterers had to adapt. Decreto-Lei 78/2021, for its part, transposes Directive (EU) 2019/904 and extends these restrictions, aligning them with European deadlines. This 2021 standard prioritizes reusable products and sustainable circular systems instead of single-use ones. For example, from June 1, 2023, Portugal also prohibited the distribution of certain disposable plastic packaging in stores (e.g. trays or containers for fruit, bread and vegetables), complementing the elimination of single-use plastics in all areas. In summary, the combination of Lei 76/2019 and DL 78/2021 has meant that the use of disposable plastic utensils in catering and events is prohibited in Portugal, pushing organizers to implement reusable cups, compostable or edible tableware, etc., in any event with beverage and food service.
- Deposit and return systems: Although Portugal is still implementing a national deposit system for packaging (initially planned for 2022 and delayed to 2025), some regulations already encourage these practices. There is no obligation as explicit as in Spain for festivals to return the cup deposit, but the philosophy of Portuguese legislation is to promote effective reuse. In fact, the Portuguese legislator has pointed out that the EU measures were not ambitious enough and has chosen to go further by directly prohibiting the use of plastic tableware in fixed and non-sedentary catering (such as food from food-trucks at events). Organizers are encouraged to implement voluntarily returnable “taras”, and more and more events are doing so to align with national waste reduction goals. In addition, Portugal has developed voluntary guides and programs, such as the Guia de Boas Práticas para Eventos Sustentáveis (BCSD Portugal, 2019), which, although not law, guide events to minimize waste, properly manage recyclables and prioritize the reuse of materials (e.g. modular decorations, reusable accreditations, etc.).
Events that are already implementing reuse models in Portugal
- Rock in Rio Lisboa (Portugal): One of the largest Portuguese festivals, Rock in Rio Lisboa, has embraced sustainability as its flag. In 2018 it introduced collectible reusable cups, being one of the first major events in Portugal to do so. According to the organization, this measure “zeroed” (completely eliminated) plastic cup waste at the venue. Rock in Rio's reusable cups are sold with a small deposit and are highly appreciated by attendees, who often take them as souvenirs, reducing cups abandoned on the ground to practically zero. From 2022, the festival went further by installing water fountains throughout the space for attendees to refill their bottles or cups, instead of buying new bottles. This attacked another important source of waste (water bottles) and offers a free service to the public. The management of Rock in Rio states that festivals must be leaders in these practices and that, after implementing the reusable cup, “there was practically no garbage on the ground” in terms of plastics, improving the experience and image of the event. The 2024 edition of Rock in Rio even announced an unprecedented logistical operation with its partners (Heineken, Coca-Cola, etc.) to manage 14 tons less waste thanks to reusable cups and recycling.
- NOS Alive (Lisbon, Portugal): Another large Portuguese festival, NOS Alive, implemented an ingenious system called “copo reutilizável solidário”. In collaboration with the sponsoring brewery, they introduced reusable cups where when returning the cup at designated points, instead of recovering the deposit, that amount is donated to local charities. At NOS Alive 2022, for example, for each cup returned a donation was made to organizations such as Brigada do Mar (coastal cleaning) and other NGOs. This initiative managed to recover 34,467 cups for future reuse and simultaneously generated funds for social causes, all while reducing post-concert garbage. While the model differs (there is no refund to the user but a solidarity incentive), it has worked to keep the venue clean and raise awareness about reuse and altruism. Many attendees choose to return their cups knowing that they are contributing to a good cause, or keep one as a souvenir and return the rest. NOS Alive thus combines sustainability and social responsibility, aligned with the goal of “plastic zero” events.
- Boom Festival (Idanha-a-Nova, Portugal): This biennial music and alternative culture festival is internationally recognized for its comprehensive ecological approach. Boom implements reuse systems in almost all areas: from reusable cups and plates in its food areas (with on-site washing), to compostable dry toilets and exemplary waste management (recycling nearly 40% of its total waste). Attendees are motivated to bring their own containers and the organization sells reusable kits for those who do not bring them. Thanks to these measures, Boom Festival has achieved numerous sustainability certifications and awards (such as the A Greener Festival Award in 2023). It is an inspiring case of how an event can achieve near-zero waste, demonstrating that with the right logistics (volunteer “eco-team” teams, environmental education on the premises, etc.) even a festival of 30,000 people can minimize its impact.
In conclusion, in Portugal, current regulations mark a clear direction: events must reduce their environmental footprint and adopt responsible consumption models. The reuse of cups is not only a response to this requirement, but also an opportunity to optimize costs, improve the public's experience and reinforce the event's environmental commitment.
At ENCORE we work side by side with organizers, venues and brands to design reuse systems adapted to each project. If you are planning an event and want to ensure compliance with regulations while implementing an efficient and sustainable solution, write to us. Our team will advise you personally to help you plan and execute a reusable cup management system without friction and with real impact.
