Introduction: Sustainability – the goal of every modern event

Sustainability is a central goal in the event industry today. Whether it's festivals, trade fairs, or conferences – all organizers are working to make their events more environmentally friendly. They focus on recyclable materials, green logistics, and reducing waste.

But one small detail is often overlooked: the cloakroom. While many areas are already adopting digital and sustainable processes, the cloakroom often remains an analog and resource-intensive relic. And cash is one of the biggest obstacles.

Summary: Why cash is a problem for sustainability

• High CO₂ footprint: Cash payments generate six times more emissions than digital payment methods – primarily due to transportation and management.

• Cloakroom tokens as waste: The classic paper tokens in cloakrooms are resource-intensive and avoidable.

• Hidden opportunity: The cloakroom can be a simple lever to make events more sustainable.

• Sustainability as an advantage: Large organizers like the Nuremberg Trade Fair rely on sustainable solutions that not only relieve the environment but also impress guests and partners.

1. The CO₂ footprint of cash

The environmental impact of cash is enormous. A cash payment in Germany on average causes 18 grams of CO₂ equivalents, while a card payment only emits 3 grams of CO₂ equivalents. This means: Cash causes six times more emissions than digital payment methods.

Why?

• Transport: Cash must be picked up, transported, and deposited regularly – an energy-intensive process that generates high emissions.

• Management: The manual handling of cash, from billing to financial accounting, requires additional energy and labor time.

In 2015 alone, cash payments in Germany emitted 17,000 tons of CO₂ – equivalent to the annual energy consumption of over 1,000 households.

2. Why the cloakroom offers a chance for sustainability

The cloakroom may seem like a small part of event logistics at first glance, but it has a significant impact on the sustainability balance. For organizers who want to make their events greener, here is an easy opportunity for optimization:

• No more cloakroom tokens: The classic paper tokens generate unnecessary waste and resource consumption. Switching to digital processes makes the cloakroom not only more sustainable but also more efficient.

• Less transportation: Cash needs to be regularly transported and securely stored – a process that consumes a lot of energy. A cloakroom without cash saves emissions here.

3. Sustainability as a competitive advantage

Brands and organizers are increasingly relying on sustainable concepts to differentiate themselves and convince their target audiences. Big names like Nuremberg Trade Fair and Olympiahalle Munich are already investing in sustainable solutions to make their events more environmentally friendly.

For organizers, sustainability is not only an ethical goal but also a clear competitive advantage. Guests, sponsors, and partners are increasingly paying attention to the environmental balance of an event. The cloakroom can be a crucial point to further advance the sustainability strategy.

4. Conclusion: Sustainability also starts with the cloakroom

The event industry has long recognized sustainability as a priority, but the cloakroom is often overlooked. Cash and cloakroom tokens represent obstacles that not only waste unnecessary resources but also deteriorate the CO₂ balance of an event.

The good news: Even small changes like the introduction of paperless processes or switching to cashless in the cloakroom can have a significant impact on the sustainability of an event.

Would you like to learn how to make the cloakroom more efficient and sustainable? Download our free PDF "How to make the cloakroom cashless" and discover simple solutions for greener events.

➡️ Click here to download the PDF!