Public, festive and sporting events
Organisers of public events (festivals, local celebrations, sporting events) are legally required to introduce alternatives to single-use cups through deposits or reusable cup systems.
Is it mandatory to use reusable cups at events?
In practice, yes. Under Spanish regulations, since 1 July 2023, organisers of festive, cultural and sporting events in Spain must introduce alternatives to single-use cups, and reusable cups with a deposit are the most widely used solution.
Regulations already in force in Spain (Ley 7/2022 and RD 1055/2022)
Spain has requirements that are already in force and coexist with the PPWR:
Separate charges for disposable cups
Establishments providing single-use plastic cups must charge for them and show the cost separately on the receipt to discourage their use.
Reuse in hospitality
The targets for introducing reusable beverage packaging set out in RD 1055/2022 require minimum percentages for beverage distributors in the HORECA channel.
What makes a cup genuinely reusable?
A thicker cup is not reusable in itself. It needs a real circuit: the cup must be returned, washed with appropriate guarantees and made available for reuse, ideally with traceability. Ekomon manufactures personalised reusable cups and offers a washing service, with hygiene analyses carried out by an independent laboratory, and QR traceability to monitor cup circulation between events.
Frequently asked questions
For information only; this does not constitute legal advice. These regulations apply in Spain, and additional regional or municipal rules may exist. Last reviewed: November 2026.
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