50 cl reusable cup: which size for your events and breweries?
50 cl reusable cup: which size for your events and breweries?
The 50 cl reusable cup is the essential solution for serving XL pints, long cocktails or soft drinks at busy events. Compliant with the AGEC law in France, economical over time and more environmentally friendly than disposable cups, this XXL size meets the expectations of festivals, breweries, concert organisers and local authorities. For half-pints, opt for the standard 33 cl size or the 25 cl for your soft drinks, juices or beer. But how do you choose the right model? What uses is this half-litre size really suited to? We explain everything in this complete guide.
What is a 50 cl reusable cup?
A 50 cl reusable cup is a rigid plastic glass, most often made of food-grade polypropylene (PP), designed to be washed and reused hundreds of times. With a capacity of 500 millilitres, it corresponds to an XL pint and is the largest standard size used in events and mobile catering.
Unlike a disposable cup, which ends up in the bin after a single use, a reusable cup can be washed in a dishwasher and put back into service immediately. Its resistance to impacts and drops makes it an ally at events where the breakage of a traditional glass would be both dangerous and costly.
Why adopt the 50 cl reusable cup for your business?
A measurable environmental gesture
A single 50 cl reusable cup can replace several hundred disposable cups over its lifetime. For a festival welcoming 10,000 people drinking an average of 4 drinks, that is 40,000 single-use cups avoided. The impact in terms of waste, raw materials consumed and CO₂ emissions is considerable.
A profitable investment
Although the unit purchase cost is higher than a disposable cup, the calculation quickly becomes favourable. Over 100 uses, the price per use falls below that of a single-use plastic cup. The deposit scheme put in place at festivals (generally €1 to €2) also guarantees that the cups are returned, which secures the investment.
A powerful communication tool
The large smooth surface of a 50 cl cup offers an ideal printing area for your logo, your slogan or your event's visual. Visitors often leave with their cup as a souvenir: your brand lives on well beyond the event, on terraces and in your customers' kitchens.
Compliance with the AGEC law
Since 2021, the AGEC law (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy) in France bans single-use plastic tableware at many events and requires reuse for on-site dining. The 50 cl reusable cup directly meets this regulatory obligation and spares the organiser the risk of penalties.
What uses is the 50 cl size ideal for?
Festivals, concerts and outdoor events
This is the prime use of the 50 cl size. Festival-goers appreciate large capacities that limit trips to the bar and keep service flowing. For organisers, the 50 cl size means higher average spend and better profitability at the drinks point of sale.
Craft breweries and beer gardens
The XL pint size is the benchmark in the world of beer. Craft breweries find a container worthy of their creations, able to show off the colour of the beer thanks to the frosted translucent look of the polypropylene.
Sporting events and stadiums
During sporting competitions, the 50 cl cup withstands the sudden movements, knocks and drops inherent in the atmosphere of the stands. Its sturdiness avoids broken glass and guarantees spectator safety.
Weddings, birthdays and large receptions
For high-end private events, the personalised 50 cl reusable cup adds an elegant and lasting touch. Guests leave with a useful souvenir bearing the date and theme of the event.
Food trucks and mobile catering
Food trucks offering cocktails, smoothies or soft drinks in large sizes find in the 50 cl a size suited to their mobile customers, who appreciate being able to drink while walking without fear of breakage.
How to choose your 50 cl reusable cup
The material: favour food-grade polypropylene
Polypropylene (PP) is now the reference material for professional reusable cups. It combines impact resistance, light weight, dishwasher compatibility and food-contact compliance. Check that the cup complies with European standards on migration and that it is guaranteed BPA-free.
Resistance to washing
A good reusable cup 50 cl should withstand at least 100 to 200 wash cycles without deformation, clouding or loss of mechanical strength. Beyond the stated number of cycles, it is the retention of its visual appearance that makes the difference between a professional product and an entry-level model.
Personalisation
For events, personalisation is almost always essential. Find out about the techniques available (screen printing, pad printing, digital printing), the number of colours possible, the printing area and the minimum order for marking. An expert brand will be able to guide you to the solution best suited to your quantity and budget.
Packaging
For professionals, packaging by case directly determines logistics. A size delivered in cases of around 400 units is ideal: it optimises transport, simplifies storage and makes it easier to put into service on the day.
Comparison of capacities: 25 cl, 40 cl or 50 cl?
Not all reusable cup capacities have the same use. Here is a comparison to help you choose the size best suited to your business.
| Size | Capacity | Main uses | Type of drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 cl | 250 ml | Receptions, tastings | Wine, water, juice, half-pint of beer |
| 40 cl | 400 ml | Bars, standard events, breweries | Draught beer, soft drinks, cocktails |
| 50 cl | 500 ml | Festivals, concerts | XL pint, long cocktails, large soft drinks |
The 50 cl size is particularly recommended when you serve generous drinks, when your customers like large capacities or when you want to limit the number of trips to the bar.
How to maintain your 50 cl reusable cups
Maintenance of a reusable cup directly determines its lifespan. Here are the best practices to follow:
- Washing in a professional dishwasher at a maximum temperature of 65 °C to preserve the transparency and rigidity of the polypropylene.
- Avoid abrasive products and scouring sponges which scratch the surface and affect the appearance of the cup in the long term.
- Air drying or in a suitable dryer to avoid thermal shock.
- Storage away from sunlight and heat sources to avoid any deformation.
By following these simple instructions, a 50 cl reusable cup can be used for several years without losing its functional qualities.
How many cups should you plan for your event?
The rule of thumb generally accepted in the events industry is to plan for 1.2 to 1.5 cups per participant for an event with a deposit system and on-site washing, and 2 to 3 cups per participant for an event without a deposit system. These ratios take into account breakages, losses and souvenirs taken away by visitors.
For a festival of 5,000 people with a deposit system, you will therefore need to plan for between 6,000 and 7,500 reusable 50 cl cups. With packaging of 405 units, that represents approximately 15 to 19 cases to order.
AGEC law: what the regulations say for 2026 in France
The AGEC law, which has gradually come into force in France since 2021, imposes several obligations on event organisers and catering establishments:
- Ban on single-use plastic cups for on-site consumption.
- Obligation to offer reusable tableware in on-site catering.
- Stricter checks at large events bringing together more than 1,000 people.
Choosing 50 cl reusable cups in food-grade polypropylene immediately brings you into compliance with these obligations and protects you against the penalties provided for by law.
FAQ — 50 cl reusable cup
How many times can a 50 cl reusable cup be used?
A professional-quality polypropylene 50 cl reusable cup can be washed and reused between 100 and 500 times depending on the conditions of use and maintenance. Beyond that, its transparency may begin to decrease but its functionality remains intact.
Is the 50 cl reusable cup dishwasher safe?
Yes, provided you respect a maximum temperature of 65 °C and avoid abrasive products. Dishwasher cleaning is even recommended to guarantee impeccable hygiene between each use.
Can a 50 cl reusable cup be personalised?
Yes, the large smooth surface of a 50 cl cup lends itself particularly well to personalisation. Several techniques are available: screen printing, pad printing or digital printing depending on the number of colours and the quantity ordered.
What is the price of a 50 cl reusable cup?
The unit price depends on the volume ordered, the personalisation and the quality of the polypropylene used. For professional orders, expect between €0.30 and €0.80 per cup depending on the options chosen.
What is the difference between a reusable cup and a disposable cup?
The disposable cup is designed for a single use and ends up in the bin after use. The reusable cup, made of thick, durable polypropylene, is dishwasher safe and can be reused hundreds of times, which makes it economical and environmentally friendly over time.
Is the 50 cl reusable cup recyclable?
Yes, at the end of its life, polypropylene is a 100% recyclable plastic. It joins the rigid plastics recycling stream and can be turned into new raw materials.
Order your 50 cl reusable cups from a specialist supplier
Whether you are organising a festival, running a brewery or managing an events venue, choosing a reliable supplier determines the success of your project. At Covr, we offer a complete range of reusable cups in several capacities, with personalisation options suited to all volumes.
Discover our Covr 50 cl reusable cup, delivered in cases of 405 units, in durable, dishwasher-safe, food-grade polypropylene. For more intimate events, also explore our 25 cl cup and our 40 cl cup, which complete the range perfectly.
Our team is at your disposal to help you choose the size, quantity and personalisation best suited to your event. Contact us for a personalised quote and benefit from our expertise in eco-responsible packaging for professionals.
