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Advancing packaging sustainability in sports and entertainment By Dan Fisher*
Not only do sports and entertainment venues have massive influence and reach, but they also have the power to unite communities around the world behind a common interest. This means that there is an opportunity to leverage this platform to drive positive change and accelerate solutions to society’s most pressing issues. As hubs of cultural and community moments, sports venues – and their teams and players – have the power to be true vehicles for change on sustainability, in particular. From committing to meeting net-zero emissions, utilizing renewable energy, serving food and beverages in 100% recyclable containers, and sourcing sustainable food, some sports and entertainment venues are already creating a microcosm of what is possible in a more sustainable world. At the same time, they are also educating fans on how simple actions – like recycling, making more conscious purchase decisions and using less water – can help them reduce their own impact on the environment. At Ball, we’re finding innovative ways to further our own commitment to helping consumers live more sustainably through partnerships with stadiums, sports teams and athletes around the world that increase use and recycling of aluminium beverage packaging – cans, cups and bottles. Aluminium is an innovative and 100% recyclable material, and we’re proud to leverage our years of expertise to both improve our product stewardship and find new ways to advance sustainability with the material. In addition to upstream enhancements like achieving Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Certification for all of our beverage packaging plants, we also invented a first-of-its-kind product – the Ball Aluminum Cup™ – to help advance sustainability and reduce plastic waste at concerts, sporting events,
picnics, parties, tailgates and more. Showing up and seeing results Since the Ball Aluminum Cup’s introduction in 2019, it has played a role in advancing sustainability and enhancing recycling at dozens of stadiums, concerts, sporting events and more. From the aluminium cup’s availability at the past three Big Games to its upcoming presence at the Formula 1 race in Miami, the cup is helping consumers celebrate more sustainably. With each of our partners, we have seen exciting progress aimed at strengthening
in-venue aluminium recycling, providing fans recycling education, and showcasing aluminum beverage packaging – cans, bottles and the Ball Aluminum Cup – as the most sustainable choice for in-venue drinks. In fact, the cup is now made with 90% recycled content which helps reduce its carbon footprint. As one example of offering sustainable choices to venues, last year we established a first-of-itskind partnership with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment to bring the aluminium cup to three marquee venues in Denver, Los Angeles, and London and advance these goals.
*President and CEO, Ball Corporation
Aluminium International Today
Ball.indd 1
July/August 2022
06/07/2022 14:05:31
