In the Alps of Alpe d'Huez, what gets left behind matters. Mountain environments carry every trace of a festival long after the stages come down. Since 2024, Tomorrowland Winter has been building a different kind of infrastructure — one that closes the loop rather than opening a bin.
2024 — The First Step on the Mountain
In 2024, Tomorrowland Winter introduced reusable cups across the entire event, replacing all single-use drinkware.
2025 — Smart Cups with RFID Technology
In 2025, the cups got smarter. RFID chips were embedded into every cup, powered by the STAR system developed by Aucxis. The deposit-and-return process became seamless.
Here is how it works:
1. Order your drinks. Order at one of the many bars at Tomorrowland Winter. One cup equals a half Pearl deposit, and the RFID chip of the smart cup is linked to the Bracelet or cashless card upon payment.
2. Return your cup(s). Once your drink is finished, return the cup(s) to a Cup Return Station, located next to each bar.
3. Get your deposit refunded. The Cup Return Station scans the chip of the smart cup(s) and the deposit is automatically refunded to the original buyer's Bracelet or cashless card.
2026 — A Fully Reusable Table
In 2026, the system took its most ambitious leap yet. Reusable plates, bowls and cutlery were introduced throughout the festival, meaning that meals and drinks served at Tomorrowland Winter are now part of a closed loop. The deposit-and-return process works the same way as for the reusable cups, making returning plates and cutlery as straightforward as possible for visitors.
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Each edition adds another layer. The loop gets tighter, the waste gets smaller, and the mountains stays a little closer to how they were found.
