Diergaarde Blijdorp takes its first step towards an approach where reusability is the norm on January 1, 2024. Visitors will receive a €0.25 discount on hot drinks when using their own cup. We feel compelled to raise awareness among our visitors about the importance of transitioning to a culture where reusability is fundamental. This is therefore an initial call to visitors to bring their own cup and enjoy a hot drink from it while at Blijdorp.
At various fixed locations, the switch to reusable tableware had already been made, while some to-go locations still utilize disposables, or single-use packaging. The entire disposable line at Blijdorp is of plant origin and can be processed in the composting machine. However, the coffee cup contains a thin layer of bioplastic, making it subject to the new SUP (Single-Use Plastics) law. This law aims to significantly reduce the use of single-use plastic in the coming years. Reuse is the new norm. Therefore, we are also committed to promoting and encouraging the reuse of cups among our visitors.
Diergaarde Blijdorp conducted a pilot with reusable cups throughout the entire park from October 16 to 29, 2023. During this period, all to-go locations in the park exclusively offered hot drinks in reusable cups. A quick calculation shows that Blijdorp, with 20,000 reusable cups in a return system, saves a staggering 220,000 disposable cups per year. This test has also provided valuable insights into all aspects contributing to an optimal visitor experience and an as efficient as possible workflow for our staff in relation to the new approach.
Thanks in part to the pilot in the fall of 2023, Diergaarde Blijdorp has clearly outlined the necessary steps to transition to entirely reusable tableware in the park. Through a phased approach, Diergaarde Blijdorp aims to be fully switched to reusable cups throughout the entire park by April 1, 2024. Subsequently, other disposables, or single-use packaging, will be gradually replaced in the coming years.