Sustainable UPC glass

The Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) has a reusable takeaway cup system, implemented in all the bars on its campuses, which has traditionally been based on the physical management of cups and plastic tokens. With the aim of taking a step forward in digital transformation and service efficiency, inLab FIB is leading the development of a technological solution to fully digitalise this process.

This project is part of the responsible consumption pillar of the Sustainable UPC 2030 Plan and has the following main pillars:
• Modernisation of the user experience: Replacing physical tokens with an agile, mobile-accessible digital system that facilitates the loan and return of glasses at any bar in the university community.
• Obtaining real-time data and metrics: Implement analytics tools to understand the level of system adoption, the pattern of cup usage and the volume of items reused.
• Environmental impact assessment: Turning these metrics into direct indicators of waste savings and the university’s carbon footprint reduction.