Ball tackles sports industry’s single-use plastic addiction with aluminum recycling stadium team-ups

30 Oct 2020 --- Metal packaging giant Ball and Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE) are partnering to launch aluminum packaging recycling systems and educational initiatives in three major sports stadiums in the US and UK.

The move comes as part of Ball’s efforts to reduce single-use plastic waste in the sports industry.

“Globally, prior to the pandemic, 93 billion disposable plastic cups were used and discarded every year. Ball and KSE’s desire to change that is at the heart of this partnership,” Bradford Walton of Ball tells PackagingInsights. 

Closed-loop recycling, consumer engagement
In Denver, Colorado, US, the Ball Arena is replacing all cans, cups and bottles with aluminum alternatives and aims to introduce a closed-loop recycling system by 2022. 

Ball is busy preparing long term aluminum recycling goals while sports events remain widely postponed.The Ball Arena project includes investments in the collection, processing and reclamation schemes within the stadium and community education initiatives to promote awareness about aluminum recycling. 

Similar schemes will be introduced at Arsenal FC stadium in London, UK, and Los Angeles’ SoFi stadium in the US, where Ball will be working with sports clubs to explore ways to reduce impact on the environment. 

Details of how projects at each location will be enacted remain to be seen, but Ball says it is concentrating on what can be done immediately, by preparing for the eventual return of spectators to the stadiums. “We’re focused on solutions that are available today, creating a positive impact from their first use within these venues,” says Walton. 

“That vision starts with reducing single-use beverage packaging across all three venues through a shift to infinitely recyclable aluminum beverage packaging options, as they are available.”

“To start, we are working with KSE to develop a baseline from which we will build each tailored program. We are in the beginning stages now, and we look forward to sharing more as our plans develop.”An aluminum recycling scheme will be introduced at Arsenal FC stadium’s in London, UK.

COVID-19 creates opportunities for sports 
The postponement of most sporting events due to the COVID-19 virus presents companies with the opportunity to reform recycling and sustainability policies in stadiums, says Ball. 

The company is using the time to prepare long term goals for when public sports events can recommence. 

“This partnership is a long-term partnership, focused on the massive potential to make the sports and entertainment industry more sustainable – elevating fan experiences and leveraging this platform to raise awareness about aluminum’s sustainability credentials,” says Walton. 

“While the global scale of the pandemic has certainly impacted every industry, it has also brought into sharp focus the impact we have on one another and the planet. This partnership comes at a time when we have the opportunity to reimagine and plan for a return to venues where we are creating less waste.”Ball is targeting a 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

Aluminum recycling first 
Ball’s priority is to establish the aluminum recycling process so the stadiums are completely circular once back in action. 

“We are committed to making recycling an easy, everyday choice for consumers by providing them with infinitely recyclable aluminum cans, bottles and cups that can be used and back on a store shelf in just 60 days, and enhancing recycling infrastructure in venues,” says John A. Hayes, Ball’s CEO. 

This year, Ball was awarded the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certification for all 23 of its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) beverage can plants.

In April, Ball announced plans to achieve a 55 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 to support the Paris Climate Agreement. 

By Louis Gore-Langton