REUSABLE ‘Stack Cups’ are to replace single-use plastic cups at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC).
It comes as part of the campus’ transition towards net zero by 2030, with it saying that the move will save two million cups per year and reduce its carbon footprint by 1,500 tonnes in the next ten years.
The Stack Cup initiative is being supported by OVO Hydro sponsor, OVO Energy, as well as SEC Food and A.G.Barr – with the SEC revealing that the move will create five jobs at Stack Cup’s facility in Glasgow.
It added that the cups were chosen ‘primarily’ for their sustainability credentials, however the SEC said that the product will also benefit gig goers – with them being ‘incredibly easy to carry’, which it said will allow attendees to hold ‘multiple’ cups in each hand as they return to their seats.
The Stack Cups will be debuted this weekend at Planet Earth II at the OVO Hydro in the seating areas, with compostable cups being used throughout. The SEC said the cups will then be extended into the SEC Armadillo from March 31 at Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
Those using the cups will be required to pay a £1 deposit at the bar, with a new cup being issued at the next order. The deposit can later be retrieved at a redemption point, or the cup can be left in a designated drop off point which will see the deposit donated to charity.
Debbie McWilliams, director of live entertainment at SEC, said, “The SEC is committed to working towards a greener future for live events, and the removal of single-use plastic cups in the OVO Hydro and SEC Armadillo is a huge step forward in our sustainability journey. Switching to Stack Cups will help us save 2m single use plastic cups per year and reduce our carbon footprint by 1,500 tonnes over ten years. The initiative will have a positive impact on fans’ experience, as they are convenient and easy to carry. It’s never been easier to get on board with making live events more sustainable.”
Colin Banks, head of sponsorship and partnerships at OVO Energy, added, “At OVO, we’re committed to establishing purposeful partnerships which reflect our commitment to help get people closer to lower carbon living. We absolutely share The SEC’s ambitions to work hard today to implement initiatives and solutions that ensure a lower-impact future for live events. Removing single use plastic cups in the OVO Hydro is a significant step in an ongoing journey with The SEC and we’ll continue to work together to identify practical ways in which to make low impact live events the norm for Scotland’s home of live entertainment.”
