Ball, a leading global provider of infinitely recyclable aluminum beverage packaging, designed the lightweight aluminum cups to bring beverage packaging circularity to sports and entertainment venues in response to growing consumer preference for more sustainable products. As the NFL's official beer sponsor and the presenting sponsor of the Super Bowl LVI, Anheuser-Busch is also doing its part by leveraging the reach of its Bud Light brand and sports partnerships to encourage recycling and sustainability behaviors among sports fans and support the brewer's ambitious 2025 sustainability goals.
"At Anheuser-Busch, we are always looking for new ways to use our capabilities and scale to enable a circular economy and help create a future with more cheers," said Angie Slaughter, Vice President of Sustainability Procurement at Anheuser-Busch. "We are committed to having 100% of our packaging made from majority recycled content or be returnable by 2025 and through this continued partnership with Ball, we are excited to once again bring a more sustainable packaging solution to sports fans at this year's big game."
The sustainable aluminum cups will be available to fans in 9-ounce, 20-ounce and 24-ounce versions across multiple locations leading up to and during the Big Game, including at the Halftime Show and the Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest. For those celebrating at home, the aluminum cups are also available for purchase on Amazon and in select grocery retailers and mass retailers including Kroger, Target, Walmart and more.
"With its vast influence and reach, sports and entertainment has the power to be a true vehicle for change. At Ball, we're committed to partnering with venues, teams and players to make a difference on sustainability by increasing use of infinitely recyclable aluminum beverage packaging, strengthening in-venue recycling, and educating fans on how they can live more sustainably," said Dan Fisher, President and CEO-elect, Ball Corporation. "We look forward to teaming up with Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light for the third time to bring fans a more sustainable way to enjoy their favorite beverage at the Big Game."
The aluminum cups' availability at this year's game builds on the partnership's success at the Big Game in 2021 at Raymond James Stadium and at Hard Rock Stadium in 2020 as part of the stadium's initiative to phase out 99.4% of single-use plastics that year. The aluminum cups are helping to drive sustainability at sports and entertainment venues across the country, including at Ball Arena in Denver, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, UBS Arena in New York, Globe Life Field in Texas, and State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
Infinitely recyclable and economically valuable, aluminum is the most sustainable beverage packaging material, and like aluminum cans, aluminum cups can be easily recycled. In fact, 75 percent of the aluminum ever produced is still in use today and aluminum cans, cups and bottles can be recycled and back on a store shelf within 60 days. In addition to its sustainability and recycling strengths, the aluminum cup is lightweight, sturdy, cool to the touch and provides an elevated drinking experience. It also can be customized with logos and graphics, as it will be for the Big Game.
