In an ambitious step toward circular packaging systems, a citywide trial project in the U.S. has successfully replaced thousands of single-use beverage cups with reusable alternatives, proving that reuse at scale is not only possible — it’s practical.

The pilot, led by sustainability coalition NextGen Consortium and executed in partnership with local cafés, retailers, and reusable packaging provider TURN, was launched in the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Over a span of several months, the project tested how a reusable cup program could work at a citywide level across multiple foodservice locations.

Consumers participating in the program received their drinks in high-quality, durable cups embedded with RFID chips, allowing the cups to be tracked, returned, washed, and reused. Drop-off bins were strategically placed around the city, and digital platforms allowed customers to register and track their cup usage, all while receiving reminders to return them within a defined window.

According to early results, the reuse system displaced nearly 40,000 single-use cups during the trial period. This represents a meaningful reduction in waste and highlights the effectiveness of incentive-driven return systems when properly supported by infrastructure.

Key factors in the program’s success include:

• Integration with existing point-of-sale systems at participating retailers
• Frictionless customer experience through app-based tracking and return
• Consistent cleaning and re-sanitization processes to meet food safety standards
• Strategic partnerships with universities, chains, and city government

Importantly, the project was also designed to generate real-world insights into consumer behavior, return rates, and operational feasibility. Data collected from the pilot will inform best practices for other municipalities and corporations looking to transition away from single-use models.

“What this trial shows is that reusable cup systems can be scaled, even outside of closed-loop environments like offices or stadiums,” said a spokesperson from the NextGen Consortium. “It’s a model for what the future of beverage packaging could look like.”

The trial's success arrives at a time of mounting legislative and consumer pressure to reduce packaging waste. With more states and countries banning or taxing single-use plastics, reuse systems like this offer a viable alternative that maintains convenience while dramatically lowering environmental impact.

As interest in circular packaging accelerates, the Ann Arbor trial offers a blueprint for cities, brands, and operators seeking sustainable, scalable packaging solutions that move beyond the single-use paradigm.