The San Francisco 49ers have introduced a reusable cup programme at Levi's Stadium together with their long-standing partner PepsiCo. The franchise wants to expand its sustainability strategy and at the same time make stadium visits more environmentally friendly for fans. For PepsiCo, this is the first project with reusable cups in collaboration with an NFL team.
The programme was launched at the 49ers' first pre-season game in the United Club and Graton Winners Club areas, which together can hold up to 6,500 spectators. In future, visitors will receive PepsiCo drinks in robust, reusable cups. These can be deposited in collection containers after use, then cleaned and reused. The aim is to save tens of thousands of disposable cups over the course of the season. The stadium is working with the company Bold Reuse and the hospitality partner Levy to implement the programme.
Sustainability as a core principle at Levi's Stadium
„Sustainability has been a key element of Levi's Stadium from the beginning, and we are constantly looking for new ways to reduce waste, consumption and emissions,“ said Kevin Hilton, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the 49ers. The new programme offers fans the opportunity to actively contribute to the sustainability mission.
PepsiCo is also pursuing the expansion of sustainable packaging solutions with global projects. „Promoting reuse requires collaboration and systemic change to make the reusable option the most convenient and accessible for consumers,“ said Burgess Davis, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo North America.
Part of a long-term environmental strategy
The project complements the „Faithful to the Planet“ initiative, which the 49ers launched in 2023. It bundles partnerships with international brands to promote reforestation, plastic reduction and other environmental measures, among other things.
Levi's Stadium has been a pioneer in sustainable stadium management since it opened in 2014. It was the first NFL stadium to achieve LEED Gold certification for new construction and received LEED Gold awards for operations and maintenance in 2016 and again in 2024. The arena was also recently recognised by the Green Sports Alliance for its water and energy savings.
Source: San Francisco 49ers
