The Atlanta Falcons NFL team has entered into a partnership with disposable products manufacturer WinCup to introduce new drinking straws and stirrers to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
WinCup’s phade products are said to be the world’s first marine-biodegradable home and industrial compostable drinking straws and stirrers. The introduction of the products at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is in line with the venue’s vision to be more sustainable.
WinCup said its agreement with Mercedes-Benz Stadium reflects the growing demand for viable alternatives to single-use petroleum-based plastics. According to WinCup, its phade products are able to overcome performance and sustainability challenges presented by paper straws and vegetable-based polylactic acid straws.
Mace Aluia, vice-president of corporate partnership sales at AMB Sports and Entertainment, which operates Mercedes-Benz Stadium, said: “Sports venues are starting to return to full capacity, and as we welcome both new and returning fans, we have committed to protecting their health, as well as the health of our shared planet.
“As part of that initiative, we are excited that Mercedes-Benz Stadium will offer sustainable, innovative products such as phade straws and stirrers, which help address the plastics pollution crisis.”
Michael Winters, WinCup president and chief revenue officer, added: “We are thrilled to partner with the Atlanta Falcons in their continued quest to be the best environmental steward in the sports industry. Our sponsorship provides us a platform to provide meaningful, sustainable solutions to teams, venues, leagues and their fans, starting right here in Atlanta.
“We look forward to seeing the continued adoption of eco-friendly products such as phade expanding in the sports world, and into communities across the US and countries throughout the world to help reduce global plastic pollution.”
WinCup is headquartered in Stone Mountain, Georgia and was recently acquired by Atar Capital, a Los Angeles-based global private investment firm.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium was the first professional sports stadium to receive LEED Platinum certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was created by the US Green Building Council and is the most widely used green building rating system.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium also serves as the home of Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United.
Image: Christopher Alvarenga on Unsplash
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