Circular Economy in Practice: Borealis and Messe Düsseldorf Test Reusable Cup System at K 2025

Pilot project with 50,000 reusable cups made from chemically recycled polypropylene demonstrates potential for sustainable large-scale events

Handover of reusable cups to Diakonie Düsseldorf; Copyright: Borealis

After completion of the reusable pilot project at K 2025, cleaned cups will be handed over to Diakonie Düsseldorf, among others. Copyright: Borealis

16.02.2026

At K 2025, a comprehensive reusable cup system was used for the first time at the Messe Düsseldorf exhibition centre. Together with Borealis, the trade fair tested a circular concept for beverage packaging based on chemically recycled raw materials. The pilot project shows how reuse, mechanical recycling and social engagement can work together at large events.

50,000 Reusable Cups Made from Chemically Recycled Raw Materials

Reusable cups made from chemically recycled polypropylene for K 2025; Copyright: Borealis

The reusable cups used at K 2025 are made from foamable polypropylene based on OMV's ReOil® technology. Copyright: Borealis

As part of the pilot project, 50,000 reusable cups made from foamable polypropylene from Borealis were used. The material is based on chemically recycled raw materials from OMV's ReOil® technology and is an example of innovative approaches in the circular economy.

Bockatech, Faerch, MCC Global IML and ARBURG were also involved along the value chain. The cups were used in restaurants, bars and food trucks on the exhibition grounds and at selected exhibitor stands.

A specially set up return and cleaning system with around 50 collection stations enabled rapid reuse within a few hours.

Reuse, Donation and Mechanical Recycling

After the trade fair ended, the remaining cups were collected, cleaned and sorted:

Over 4,000 cups went to local scout groups and social projects.
Around 15,000 cups were donated to the Diakonie Düsseldorf.
Damaged cups or those recovered from residual waste are mechanically recycled at mtm plastics (Borealis Group) in Germany.

Handover of reusable cups to local scout group; copyright: Messe Düsseldorf

Unused reusable cups from the pilot project will be donated to local scout groups and social initiatives in Düsseldorf after the trade fair closes. Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf

Scalable Circular Solution for Large Events

Thomas Franken, Director of K at Messe Düsseldorf, emphasises that the project has shown that visitors are willing to actively engage with circular solutions. The insights gained will be incorporated into future concepts for waste prevention and reuse.

Borealis also emphasises the importance of collaboration along the entire value chain. The pilot project demonstrates that large-scale reusable systems are feasible even in complex event environments when material innovation, logistics and recycling processes are integrated.

The initiative underscores that promoting the circular economy, especially in the area of reusable packaging and recycling, is also feasible at highly frequented events.