Danish festival replaces tents with recycled plastic shelters

This year's Smukfest in Denmark is introducing a sustainable alternative to traditional festival tents, with 220 small shelters made from recycled plastic set to debut in the Sølund camping area. These "ReTents" are designed to tackle the significant environmental footprint associated with disposable festival tents.

Cathrine Christensen, sustainability coordinator for Smukfest, explained that the production of tents heavily impacts the festival's carbon footprint. "We have a vision of lowering our emissions, and there was great potential around the tents," she stated. The festival aims to move away from a "use and throw away" culture, where tents are often used once and then discarded as waste.

While Smukfest has reduced its purchase of new tents to 4,100 this year (down from 5,380 last year), the ReTents represent a more significant shift. Developed in collaboration with ReTent and plastic manufacturers, these reusable units feature a hard, round shell and a fixed base. Last year, 20 groups tested the ReTents, providing feedback that led to adjustments, such as ensuring the modules are completely waterproof.

Leasing a two-person ReTent costs 1,800 Danish kroner, compared to 1,250 kroner for a standard two-person "Hotelt" tent. Smukfest, which is completely sold out for its August 2-9 run, aims to replace even more tents with these eco-friendly options in the coming years.

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We have a vision of lowering our emissions, and there was great potential around the tents.