Derby County is to implement the use of reusable cups across Pride Park Stadium for the 2023/24 season in a move for the club to be more sustainable on matchdays and reduce the use of single use plastic.
As a member of the EFL’s Green Club scheme, which was launched in October 2021 and helps provide a framework for EFL clubs to improve their environmental practices, the club is actively looking to improve its environmental performance.
After joining the scheme and having an initial assessment of operations, clubs are given bespoke guidance and practical advice on how to implement change in their environmental operations.
The club is continually looking to evolve in this area and t is working with local company Circulayo to implement the use of reusable cups. Circulayo also work with Derby Arena, Bustler Market and Darley Park on various events.
Andy Flinn, Chief Executive Officer of Circulayo Ltd, said: “It is pleasure to be working with Derby County on the reusable cup scheme and implementing a practical and technological data solution. It is an excellent opportunity to support the club's EFL Green Club Scheme objectives and create a significant and lasting impact on single-use plastic reduction and sustainability in the club and the city.”
The club’s decision has been made following three trial games towards the end of last season in the South Stand, where just over 200kg of single plastic was saved as a result from pint and half pint cups, the equivalent to 442.67 footballs, and 96% of cups were returned.
The first trial game, against MK Dons in April, saw Circulayo supply the reusable cups with a return rate of 98%. At just this single match alone a total of 44.48kg of single-use waste plastic was saved from going to landfill and oceans - the equivalent to the average weight of 98.94 footballs.
The process for supporters to play their part in being more sustainable when purchasing a drink at a Derby home fixture during the 2023/24 season is simple - by simply returning their cups to the kiosk counters or by depositing them in the wall-mounted sleeves alongside the general waste bins in the concourse areas. These will then be collected, washed, and prepared in time for the next home fixture.
Fans can also interact with the drink cups by scanning the QR code on the cups and get educated on the plastic and carbon savings by using them. Circulayo calls it AppNostic, which is a developing infotainment platform.
Draught beverages will be served in reusable cups from the kiosks but, as always, cannot be taken into the stadium seating areas, while soft/bottled drinks can be served in a reusable cup upon request and are eligible to be taken into the seating area.
Want to know more about Circulayo and their work? Visit circulayo.com.