The Boomerang Alliance’s Campaign Manager Toby Hutcheon
Driven by a shared commitment to reducing waste, stakeholders from Melbourne’s leading venues, events, and precincts recently attended a ‘ReUsables Roundtable’ aimed at exploring scalable reuse systems for cups and containers.
Facilitated by Sustainability Victoria in collaboration with Boomerang Alliance, an organisation actively campaigning to end plastic pollution and waste, the event focused on showcasing practical alternatives to single-use materials and explored the environmental and operational benefits of adopting reuse models in controlled public settings.
The roundtable featured a presentation from Sustainability Victoria’s Circular Advisory Service for Events and Tourism, which outlined its key service offering including building partnerships, providing tailored circularity advice, and facilitating connections – all supporting more sustainable and resource-efficient practices. Boomerang Alliance, having led Plastic Free Places and the Choosing to Reuse Report, presented a ‘Choosing to Reuse’ guide for stadiums, festival and events.
Two Australian reuse service providers, Bettercup and WOSUP showcased scalable systems currently in operation, while TOMRA presented its pilot city-wide reuse system operating in Aarhus, Denmark – a pioneering open urban space solution for reusable takeaway packaging.
Tennis Australia, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and the City of Melbourne shared insights – organisations that have already implemented reuse practices – while value chain partners from hospitality, catering, and cleaning and waste management provided their perspectives. Green Music Australia also offered insights on Reusables in the context of festivals.
Ira Malhi, Sustainability Victoria’s Circular Advisory Lead, Events and Tourism, said, “The ReUsables Roundtable was the first of its kind in Victoria and demonstrated the strong interest in reuse systems at venues and events. Sustainability Victoria is committed to supporting that transition with practical tools, advice, and collaboration.”
The Boomerang Alliance’s Campaign Manager Toby Hutcheon said, “The roundtable brought together representatives of the major stadiums, venues and festivals in Melbourne, with the businesses who provide reuse services.
“Judging by the interest and energy in the room, the reuse revolution is ready to start,” said Toby.
This landmark gathering underscored the momentum building across Melbourne’s events and venues to embrace reuse and build a circular future.
Alex Cross, Program Lead Zero Waste City – Waste and Recycling, from the City of Melbourne said the Reuse Roundtable marked a meaningful first step toward enabling a scalable reuse system for Melbourne.
“It showcased compelling case studies and exhibits from reuse providers, proving that large-scale implementation is achievable,” said Alex. “Most importantly, it brought together reuse innovators with key organisations managing hospitality venues, stadiums, and precincts – bridging a critical gap in knowledge and connection.
“This collaboration laid the groundwork for a future where reuse is not just possible, but practical and impactful across the city.”
The event also featured the growing variety of reusable cup and container systems with a session showcasing reuse service providers – B-Alternative, Cercle, Goodcup, Grounded Goods, Huskee, Reusably and StackCup.
Shane Rawson, CEO of Stack-Cup Australia, added, “It was great to connect with so many passionate people working toward the same goal of advancing reuse, and the supplier showcase was such a valuable opportunity to share ideas and learn from others in the space.”
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