Parties | Smirnoff, Big Pineapple Festival, Custom Cups, Sustainability |

Most brands think custom printing stops at plastic cups.

Smirnoff Australia knew better.

For Big Pineapple Music Festival 2018, they didn’t just want branded cups — they wanted paper cups. Specifically sourced, custom printed paper cups that could handle a full day of festival chaos while keeping their branding sharp.

That’s where the REDDS sourcing team came in.

The Challenge: Paper > Plastic (But Make It Work)

Here’s the thing about paper cups at festivals: they’re not as straightforward as plastic.

You need:

• Structural integrity (no one wants a soggy cup 30 minutes in)
• Print-friendly surface (paper absorbs ink differently than plastic)
• Festival-proof durability (dancing, crowds, heat)
• Brand visibility that lasts all day

Smirnoff and their parent company Diageo had worked with REDDS on multiple festival activations before. But this time, they wanted to go sustainable without sacrificing brand presence.

The Solution: Custom Sourcing + Strategic Printing

We didn’t just slap a Smirnoff logo on generic paper cups. We:

1. Optimized Print Design for Paper

Paper absorbs ink differently than plastic. We adjusted the Smirnoff branding to ensure bold, crisp visibility that wouldn’t fade or smudge.

2. Scaled Production for Festival Volume

Big Pineapple needed thousands of cups. We coordinated sourcing and printing timelines to deliver on schedule.

3. Maintained Brand Consistency

The red Smirnoff branding needed to pop against paper material. We tested print contrast to ensure maximum visibility in photos and IRL.

Why This Matters (Beyond One Festival)

Environmental Positioning

Smirnoff showed up with sustainable packaging while competitors were still using plastic. That’s a brand statement.

Sourcing Capabilities Signal Partnership Value

Any printer can print. Not everyone can source the right materials for your specific needs. That’s the difference between a vendor and a partner.

Paper Cups = Different Aesthetic

There’s a visual texture to paper that photographs differently than plastic. It looks more premium, more intentional. Check the photos from Big Pineapple — the paper cups feel elevated.

The Result: Festival-Proof Branding

Onsite at Big Pineapple Festival, the paper cups performed. They held up through hours of use, the branding stayed sharp in photos, and Smirnoff maintained visual consistency across their entire activation.

Photos by Stills In Time show the cups in action — in hands, in photos, looking exactly as intended.

The Bigger Picture

This wasn’t about cups. It was about understanding that different events require different solutions.

Plastic works great for some activations. Paper works better for others. The brands that win are the ones who know the difference — and work with partners who can deliver both.

Smirnoff gets it. They didn’t default to plastic just because it’s easier. They asked for paper, we sourced it, and we made it work.

That’s strategic event marketing.

Photos by Stills In Time / via Big Pineapple Music Festival. 

Contact Us
For More Info

After custom REDDS cups for native yet engaging brand placement at your event?

Your brand is in good hands. Contact our team for more information on REDDS’ printing services for bespoke branding on our products.

Phone: +61 2 9669 6312

Email: print@reddscups.com.au

Interested in our product sourcing services for a custom supply? 

REDDS’ sourcing arm is experienced, service driven and price competitive. We can look into any job of any size for you. Chat to one of our team for more information.

Phone: +61 2 9669 6312

Email: info@reddscups.com.au