As global concern over climate change grows and sustainability efforts gain momentum, many sports events and sports organizations have taken bold steps to reduce emissions. Since 2020, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been committed to promoting sustainable practices within the International Sports Federations (IFs), National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and the broader sports community. Since 2018, sports venues in the United States, including the Chicago White Sox’s Rate Field stadium, have eliminated single-use plastic straws from their venues.
Recently, the Los Angeles (LA) Marathon, which is one of the largest marathon events in the United States, was held from 14-16 March 2025. The partnership between APP Group and the McCourt Foundation, organizers of the LA Marathon, successfully replaced single-use plastic cups with 800,000 fiber-based, plastic-free Foopak Bio Natura cups for the event.
APP Group has emerged as a leader in compostable and recyclable packaging. Responding to the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives, APP Group now provides PFAS-free, food-safe solutions that meet evolving regulations and rising consumer expectations in the United States. Their GC120 cups, manufactured using APP Group’s design from Foopak Bio Natura, offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic-lined cups. Featuring water-based barrier technology, these cups made by APP Group are fully compostable and recyclable, helping to reduce environmental impact while supporting a circular economy. Designed for food service use, APP Group’s GC120 cups deliver high heat resistance and durability without sacrificing performance.
The largest sporting event on the planet is also continuing its commitment to saving our planet by reducing plastic products and enhancing sustainability efforts. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the largest and most ambitious football tournament in history, both in terms of scope and in its commitment to sustainability.
As the first World Cup to be hosted across three countries, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, FIFA is taking significant steps to ensure the event leaves a lasting positive environmental and social legacy. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The FIFA World Cup is setting a precedent by integrating a range of eco-friendly initiatives into its operations. To reduce landfill waste, FIFA and the host cities are implementing a range of sustainable practices, including:
- Comprehensive recycling programs within stadiums
- The use of compostable food containers and utensils
- A ban on single-use plastics, such as bottles and straws
These efforts aim to minimize the tournament’s environmental impact and promote responsible waste management by using recycled packaging, including food packaging. To further support these sustainability efforts, FIFA is also working closely with innovative companies that specialize in eco-conscious solutions.
As the global sports community continues to demand more environmentally sustainable practices, collaboration with partners who are also committed to sustainability is becoming essential. APP Group is a leader in the field of sustainable product packaging, offering practical, planet-friendly solutions that help sporting events reduce their plastic footprint. By choosing APP Group’s Foopak Bio Natura, event organizers can take a tangible step towards eliminating single-use plastics and promoting a circular economy.
