The use of reusable packaging at events is becoming more popular as organisers prioritise sustainability. At Circulayo, we've worked with event organisers to improve their sustainability efforts. Our mission is to assist them in recognising the savings and positive environmental impact of using reusable packaging, whether it’s at a football game or a music festival. The advantages of using reusable packaging extend beyond environmental benefits, as it also offers business benefits. Waste accumulated from events is one of the largest sources of unnecessary single-use plastic pollution.
It is estimated that at a single major sporting event, 750,000 plastic bottles are used. An average stadium holding 300 events per year uses 5.4 million single-use cups. That’s just one stadium. With over 2 thousand stadiums around the world, that would result in a lot of single-use cups being wasted. To be precise, it would result in over 12 billion single-use plastic cups being discarded after just 1 use. And that’s just stadiums. Think about the number of festivals and other events that use single-use plastic cups that are just thrown away.
A lot of single-use plastic products are not recycled after use, they often end up in landfills, oceans, or within our environment. Single-use plastic packaging is not disposed of correctly, resulting in taking 20 – 500 years to decompose. Waste is not the only environmental problem. For each single-use plastic packaging or product created, there are tonnes of greenhouse gasses emitted, just for the product to be used for a short amount of time and then thrown away.
How to Swap to Using Reusables at Events?
To reduce your single-use plastic waste, begin by creating a list of requirements and identifying areas where you can become more sustainable. Look for reusable packaging options that can replace single-use plastic packaging. There are many options available, so choose the best one for your needs. Let your vendors and stallholders know that you're making the switch to reusable packaging to encourage others to do the same.
When looking for vendors, suppliers, and stallholders, ensure that they also have sustainability in mind - they might be able to provide you with ideas that you haven't thought of! Working alongside others who share your sustainability mindset, will make the process easier and want the best for the event. Using local options and services near you helps to bring down your footprint whilst supporting local businesses.
Start small by making one change at a time to see the benefits and make adjustments easily. When using reusables, ensure that there's an easy place to return them and that attendees know where to go. Encourage your attendees to be sustainable and bring their own reusable products. To encourage them to do so, why not offer a discount or special offer? Engage with your attendees to find out what they want to see for the next event to boost sustainability.
Benefits of Using Reusable Packaging
Using reusable packaging has numerous benefits that can positively impact both the environment and your event. By opting for reusable products, you can reduce the amount of litter and waste left behind, especially in outdoor events where it can harm wildlife. Additionally, since plastic takes years to decompose, it helps preserve natural habitats.
Furthermore, the production of reusable packaging and products has a lower carbon footprint, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Raw materials are also used less frequently since products can be used repeatedly, reducing the need for new products to be created.
Using reusable packaging can also save costs in the long run, as fewer products need to be created and purchased for each event. This leads to more efficient supply chains and the ability to track packaging for future events.
Embracing sustainability and reusable packaging can improve your event's reputation and loyalty among consumers, who are increasingly looking for environmentally friendly options. Sharing this news with your consumers and stakeholders can also encourage others to follow in your sustainable footsteps.
Circulayo – Sustainability Support
With Circulayo’s support, you can track your reusable packaging throughout the supply chain, measure and communicate your sustainable efforts with stakeholders and consumers, and see your environmental impact (what have you saved and what does that mean). How do we do this? We use technology to enhance your reusable packaging to provide you with all these benefits. Visit our website to learn how we can support your event in going sustainable.
