Portland pilots an RFID-enabled reusable cup program at stadiums

RFID – The breakthrough solution helping portland pioneer smart reusable cup systems

As the world works to reduce single-use plastic waste, reusable packaging systems have become a major focus of sustainable innovation. In the United States, the city of Portland is taking the lead with a groundbreaking initiative: using RFID technology to manage reusable cups at major sports venues. The project, led by Bold Reuse in partnership with Avery Dennison, not only saves resources but also demonstrates how technology can be a powerful ally in building a circular economy.

From a simple cup to a symbol of smart reuse

Bold Reuse is a company dedicated to providing circular packaging solutions that eliminate single-use plastic at public venues such as stadiums, campuses, and corporate offices. In line with this mission, the company has partnered with Avery Dennison a global leader in materials science and identification technology to launch a pilot program featuring RFID-enabled reusable cups that can be digitally tracked throughout their lifecycle.

The pilot has been deployed at two of Portland’s busiest sports arenas the Moda Center, home of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Providence Park, home of the Portland Timbers and Thorns. Together, these venues serve over 2 million fans annually, generating a massive volume of single-use plastic waste. The program, therefore, is not just about sustainability it’s a test case for how technology can streamline large-scale reuse operations.

RFID technology – Digitizing the lifecycle of every cup

Each Bold Reuse polypropylene (PP5) cup in the program is equipped with an ultra-high-frequency (UHF) RFID chip, specifically the AD-183 U9 model provided by Avery Dennison. The chip is embedded during production and protected by multiple layers of materials that can withstand high heat, industrial detergents, and repeated handling.

Unlike barcodes or QR codes, RFID does not require direct line-of-sight scanning, allowing hundreds of cups to be read in seconds. This capability is essential in large, fast-paced venues like stadiums, where manual counting or scanning is impractical.

According to Mike Colarossi, Vice President of Enterprise Sustainability at Avery Dennison:

“These RFID tags are engineered for longevity they can endure up to 1,000 industrial wash cycles without losing readability. Our goal is to create a truly sustainable solution that makes reuse simple, efficient, and reliable.”

A closed-loop system – From stadium to wash hub

At each sporting event, thousands of RFID-enabled cups are scanned and distributed across concession stands. After use, fans return the cups to designated collection bins located throughout the venue. Staff members use handheld RFID scanners to identify and consolidate the cups before sending them to Bold Reuse’s Portland wash hub.

There, fixed RFID readers continue to track the cups through every stage of cleaning from sorting, sanitizing, and inspection to packing and redistribution. Each cup carries a unique digital ID, maintaining a complete record of its lifecycle from its first pour to final retirement.

Through this data, Bold Reuse can analyze return rates, dwell times, wash cycles, and damage ratios. This level of insight enables the company to optimize logistics, improve efficiency, and extend product lifespan creating a truly data-driven reuse model.

Transparency, accuracy, and reduced human error

One of the greatest advantages of RFID technology is its ability to automate processes while minimizing human error. Since RFID tags do not require direct scanning, they can be read even when stacked or contained, dramatically improving speed and accuracy.

With this system, Bold Reuse can instantly determine how many cups are in circulation, how many have been returned, and where losses occur all in real time.

This data-driven approach allows for smarter operational decisions, such as adjusting inventory for specific events or identifying high-return areas that could serve as models for future venues.

Durability and design – The foundation of sustainability

Each RFID-enabled cup in the program is a Bold Reuse PP5 polypropylene model, designed to withstand over 500 industrial wash cycles while maintaining clarity, strength, and food safety standards.

The RFID tag itself is secured using Avery Dennison’s S8029 rubber–acrylic hybrid adhesive, known for its strong bond, chemical resistance, and heat tolerance. The chip is then covered with a 1.2-mil PET overlaminate for additional durability and protection.

This construction ensures the tag remains functional, discreet, and aesthetically unobtrusive, providing durability without compromising the user experience.

Real-world impact – Environmental and behavioral benefits

According to Bold Reuse, the two Portland venues together previously generated millions of single-use cups each year. With the RFID-enabled reuse system, tens of tons of plastic waste can be diverted from landfills annually, while significantly reducing procurement and waste management costs.

Beyond the environmental benefits, the project also encourages positive behavior change among fans. When people understand they’re part of a smart, traceable reuse system where every cup is professionally washed and tracked they are more likely to return cups responsibly, reinforcing eco-conscious habits.

Jocelyn Quarrell, CEO of Bold Reuse, emphasizes:

“RFID gives us full transparency into each cup’s journey. It provides reliable data and accountability both essential for scaling reuse programs sustainably.”

Scaling up nationwide

In its initial phase, the project includes approximately 15,000 RFID-enabled cups. Avery Dennison supplies the RFID tags, hardware, software, and data systems, while Bold Reuse manages labor and operational logistics.

Following promising early results, Bold Reuse plans to expand this model to additional venues, including stadiums, corporate campuses, and university facilities.

Barry Kubasak, Director of Operations at Bold Reuse, explains:

“This pilot allows us to understand how cups move through every stage of the venue. With that data, we can refine our collection, washing, and redistribution processes, reducing costs and improving efficiency.”

RFID as a “green key” for the circular economy

On a broader scale, the partnership between Bold Reuse and Avery Dennison demonstrates the power of combining identification technology with sustainability strategy. RFID not only improves asset management but also enables true circularity, where every product can be traced, reused, and accounted for.

When deployed at scale, this technology could transform how industries perceive packaging from disposable items into valuable, reusable assets that circulate through transparent, data-driven systems.

Conclusion

The RFID Reusable Cup Pilot in Portland stadiums represents a bold and inspiring step toward a sustainable future. By integrating durable materials, smart design, and cutting-edge RFID technology, Bold Reuse and Avery Dennison have proven that large-scale reuse is not only possible but also practical, efficient, and impactful.

This is more than just a technology project it’s a blueprint for a greener future, where every small action, like returning a cup, contributes to a meaningful global change.

The Beetech difference

With over 12 years of experience in the AutoID industry, Beetech takes pride in being one of Vietnam’s leading providers of RFID solutions and smart devices.

Our team of experienced engineers accompanies your business through every stage from consultation and implementation to full lifecycle support ensuring your RFID systems operate seamlessly and deliver maximum value.

Let Beetech be your trusted partner on the journey to building intelligent management systems that enhance your competitiveness and drive success in the digital era.

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