Ball Corporation and CU Boulder introduce aluminium cups to sports fans

Ball Corporation has partnered with the University of Colorado Boulder to launch Ball's infinitely recyclable aluminium cup to collegiate football fans during the 2019 football season at Folsom Field. The move is part of the university's goal to become plastic-free in their sports venues by 2020.

John A. Hayes, Ball's chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, "Ball and CU have a long history together, and we're proud to team up with them to pioneer sustainable solutions in our industries. With CU's commitment to sustainability, the university is the ideal partner for piloting our new aluminium cup at the collegiate level. Sports fans are becoming more mindful about the impact their everyday choices have on the environment, and we're excited to offer them the opportunity to enjoy their favourite beverage at the game in our infinitely recyclable aluminium cup."

The partnership is part of Ball's recently launched pilot program, which will manufacture a limited supply of aluminium cups through 2020 to meet customer demand from major sports and entertainment venues.

The aluminium cups will debut on September 7 during the Colorado Buffaloes' home opener against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The CU Athletic Department will be the first collegiate venue in the nation to introduce the aluminium cups to sports fans, according to a press release.

"As an Athletic Department and university, we are proud of all we have done thus far and will continue to do in reducing our carbon footprint," said CU Athletic Director Rick George. "We are thrilled to partner with Ball on this important project. Being conscious of the environment is not only the right thing to do, it sets an example for our fans and everyone else watching that they should make sustainable choices, too."

Ball's research shows that 67 percent of U.S. consumers say they will visit a venue more often if they use aluminium cups instead of plastic. The research also shows that 78 percent of consumers expect beverage brands to use environmentally friendly containers in the next five years.