料來源：”Reusable cups – with Camden Town Brewery”, Arsenal FC, retrieved on Jun 2025, https://www.arsenal.com/news/reusable-cups-camden-town-brewery We’ve got more new cups”, Arsenal FC, Feb 2024, https://www.arsenal.com/sustainability/aluminium-cups
年起在主場⽐賽⽇全⾯推⾏碳中和可重⽤杯系
阿⼠東維拉⾜球會
般尼茅夫⾜球會
賓福特⾜球會
。
每季預計可減少超過 30 萬個即棄塑膠杯，預算在推⾏兩年內累 積節省超過 130 萬個即棄杯。
資料來源：”Carbon-neutral reusable cup system to launch at Leeds game”, Aston Villa FC, Feb 2022, https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2022/february/07/carbon-neutral-reusable-cup-system-tolaunch-at-leeds-game/
資料來源：”A.F.C. Bournemouth”, Sports Positive, November 2019, https://www.sportpositiveleagues.com/team/bournemouth-2019/
”A.F.C. Bournemouth”, Sports Positive, March 2023, https://www.sportpositiveleagues.com/team/bournemouth-2022/
主場⽐賽⽇已移除所有即棄塑膠杯，當酒吧在無玻璃杯可⽤ 時，會提供包括重⽤塑膠杯在內的選項。
資料來源：”Our Approach”, Brentford FC, retrieved on Jun 2025, https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/sustainability-our-approach
⽩禮頓⾜球會 沒有資料
般尼⾜球會
⾞路⼠⾜球會
曾於2022年試⾏重⽤杯。
資料來源：”Single Use Plastics”, Burnley FC, retrieved on Jun 2025, https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/sustainability/single-use-plastic-reduction-removal
已在主場引⼊ 20,000 個沒有印上品牌的重⽤杯，於⽐賽⽇使 ⽤，代替即棄塑膠杯。
資料來源：”Chelsea F.C.”, Sports Positive, March 2023, https://www.sportpositiveleagues.com/team/chelsea-2022/
⽔晶宮⾜球會 沒有資料
愛華頓⾜球會
資料來源：”Everton Switch To Reusable Plastic Cups With Sodexo”, iSportConnect, November 2019, https://www isportconnect.com/everton-switch-reusable-plastic-cups-sodexo/ “Reusable cup firm raises glass to ‘game-changing’ innovation”, Tees Business, Jan 2025. https://teesbusiness.co.uk/2025/01/09/reusable-cup-firm-raises-glass-to-game-changinginnovation/
曼城⾜球會
曼聯⾜球會
紐卡素⾜球會
諾定咸森林⾜球會
新特蘭⾜球會
熱刺⾜球會
資料來源：”Leeds United introduce reusable cups at Elland Road with Gather”, Leeds United FC, September 2021, https://www.leedsunited.com/en/news/leeds-united-introduce-reusable-cups-at-elland-road-withgather
資料來源：”Reds roll out reusable cups at Anfield”, Liverpool FC, October 2019, https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/announcements/369562-reds-roll-out-reusable-cups-at-anfield “ 《 The Red Way 》”, Liverpool FC, Mar 2023, https://backend.liverpoolfc.com/sites/default/files/202303/LFC%20The%20Red%20Way%20V12%20-%20compressed.pdf
資料來源：”City introduce reusable cup scheme”, Manchester City FC, September 2019, https://www.mancity.com/news/club-news/club-news/2019/september/manchester-cityintroduce-reusable-cup-scheme
沒有資料
沒有資料
2023 年 12 ⽉在主場球迷區 (Fan Zone) 推⾏重⽤杯。
資料來源：”Sustainability”, Nottingham Forest FC, retrieved on Jun 2025, https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/club-information/sustainability/
資料來源：”News: SAFC partner with Event Cup Solutions”, Sunderland AFC, October 2023, https://www.safc.com/news/club-news/2023/september/event-cup-solutions-partnership
2019/20 球季起在主場的 般⼊場區開始推⾏重⽤杯系統，估計
每年可節省超過 125 萬個即棄杯。
資料來源：”Passionate About Our Planet”, Tottenham Hotspur, retrieved on Jun 2025, https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/the-club/passionate-about-our-planet/ ⾱斯咸⾜球會 沒
資料來源：”Reusable cups introduced at Molineux”, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, May 2024, https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/sustainability/20240510-reusable-cups-introduced-at-molineux/
光合化學氧化劑的形成 (Photochemical
電離輻射
資源耗竭 (Water
淡⽔⽣態毒性 (Freshwater
淡⽔⽣態毒性 (Freshwater
淡⽔富營養化
海洋富營養化 (Marine
⽣態毒性 (Marine ecotoxicity)
環境影響類別 單位
ExecutiveSummary
st sports infrastructure projects in Hong Kong’s history, Kai Tak ter referred to as the Park) currently relies on single-use paper e services during large-scale events, generating significant -recycle waste This runs counter to the government’s recent waste reduction and circular economy policies
nternational venues have already transitioned to reusable cup 65% of 2025/26 Premier League stadiums, Jamsil Baseball and Hong Kong Stadium (during the 2019, 2023, and 2024 of ns). The return rate for reusable cups at past Rugby Sevens hed 90% on average, demonstrating that with proper system ong public is willing to adopt reuse solutions
his report proposes a tailored and phased reusable cup an for the Park, including concrete system designs and It also calls for the government to provide initial funding e-to-five-year trial and operations period Key points of the
grant of 5 million Hong Kong Dollar to support the pilot, urement of 50,000 reusable cups, installation of on-site es, deployment of digital tracking systems, and staff training; n stadium of the Park alone, the system is expected to reduce -use cups over three years; period, the system should transition to a financially selfdel managed by the Park operator to avoid long-term reliance s.
er recommends that the government reserve an additional xpand the Park’s reuse model to other large-scale venues in
otential environmental benefits of adopting a reusable cup this report is based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model eport Reusable is Futurable, a research collaboration between Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and City Kong Estimation in this report, simulated scenarios based on euse system design were compared across multiple environmental indicators
The findings show that reusable cups outperform single-use paper cups in 15 out of 16 impact categories, including climate change, water depletion, fossil depletion, and particulate matter formation
Over a three-year period, replacing the single-use cups with the proposed reusable cup system is estimated to result in the following reductions:
eliminatingthepollution fromalmost 800,000cartrips betweenTuenMunand Central
x800,000
Implementing a reusable cup system is already an emerging popular practice among international venues Hong Kong is equipped with the technology, available space, and growing public support to make this happen. What is missing is the policy commitment to act As the city’s newest flagship venue, the Park should set the standard for sustainable event management, marking a critical turning point in Hong Kong’s waste reduction journey A well-designed reuse system will not only respond to public demand and corporate social responsibility, but also serve as a key step towards fulfilling Hong Kong’s sustainability promises.
Preface
Kai Tak Sports Park, built at a cost of HK$31.9 billion and almost entirely funded by the Hong Kong government, is the city’s largest sports infrastructure project to date and the second most expensive stadium in the world According to governmental sources, the main stadium, indoor arena, and other facilities are expected to draw over 700,000 attendees annually for sports events Moreover, in the first half of 2025, around 590,000 people have already visited the venue to attend major concerts The Park’s environmental performance will inevitably become a key benchmark in evaluating Hong Kong’s commitment to sustainable development on the global stage
Since opening in March 2025, however, the Park’s reliance on single-use cups for beverage service at large-scale events has fallen short of the sound environmental ambitions to reduce waste and champion sustainability During the Hong Kong Sevens 2025, over 510,000 disposable paper cups were used across just three days part of an estimated 860,000 single-use items consumed. These items are difficult to clean up and recycle and are ultimately sent to landfill, in odds with the city’s waste reduction and sustainability goals
Replacing disposables with reusables is one of the most effective pathways forward In fact, public acceptance of reuse systems has far exceeded expectations During Coldplay’s four-day concerts at the Park in 2025, an impressive 94% of reusable LED wristbands were returned, well above the global average of 86%. This demonstrates that when welldesigned systems are in place, the Hong Kong public not only accepts environmental measures but actively participates in them By contrast, the Hong Kong Sevens’ decision to abandon its previous reusable cup system and revert to single-use cups drew pushback, underscoring the public’s growing expectations for sustainable practices
Implementing a reusable cup system in the Park would not only reduce waste but also position it as a socially responsible and environmentally-
Hong Kong Sevens 2025
No. of single-use paper cups used within 3 days
510,000
Total single-use items disposed
Coldplay Concert LED Wristband Return Rate pieces
860,000 Hong Kong 86%
Global Average
forward enterprise, in line with the Park’s green ambitions. The Park was designed with multiple green building features, with the stated goal of inspiring and influencing other sports venues and organisation to embark a sustainable journey In this spirit, this report builds on a published LCA model in Reusable is Futurable to estimate the environmental impact of introducing a reusable cup system at the Park, compared to single-use cups, in order to provide data-informed guidance for future system design and policy decisions.
It is worth noting that some constituent areas within the Park already support reusable jugs, proving that the necessary facilities are in place. Meanwhile, Greenpeace Borrow-and-Return Cup Program, launched in 2022, has been successfully implemented across 50 cafés, with a return rate of 99%, further corroborating the reuse system’s feasibility to operate successfully and be adopted by users and businesses alike in Hong Kong Introducing a reusable cup system is not starting from scratch; it is a well-tested solution with public backing It represents a crucial leap for Hong Kong to align itself with globally recognised standards for sustainability in the food and beverage sector, and deliver on its waste reduction commitments
5
Whatisareusesystem?
A reuse system is an integrated setup that coordinates the design, borrow-and-return, cleaning, and logistics of durable packaging. Its goal is to reduce waste from single-use items by enabling containers to circulate across multiple uses Unlike arrangements that rely solely on consumers to bring their own cups, a reuse system provides an accessible, low-barrier option that does not shift the burden of waste reduction onto individuals The system operator whether it is a venue, retailer, or third-party service provider lends out reusable containers, which users return after use The containers are then collected, washed and sanitized, ready for the next use until they wear out, break or need to be replaced
Scope
This report draws on Greenpeace’s hands-on experience in promoting local reusable cup systems and compiles international case studies from major venues as references. It is subdivided into four main sections:
1 International Case Studies – showcasing how stadiums and cities around the world have successfully implemented reusable cup systems;
2.Tailored Proposal for the Park – presenting a reuse system proposal specifically designed for the Park, including system design and operational workflows;
3 Cost Estimation – providing projected costs to serve as a reference for the Park’s management and relevant government departments;
4.Environmental impact Estimation– built on the LCA model from the Reusable is Futurable study to estimate the potential environmental benefits of a full-scale reusable cup system at the Park, including reductions in waste, carbon emissions, and resource use
A growing number of major sports venues around the world have successfully implemented reusable cup systems to reduce single-use waste From the Hong Kong Sevens achieving a 90% return rate on average, the Seoul Metropolitan Government leading and funding a reuse system at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, to over 65% of 2025/26 Premier League clubs rolling out similar systems these examples demonstrate that reusable cup systems are becoming a global trend for waste reduction at major venues With existing local examples to build upon, and the right government leadership and infrastructure, a reusable system can be both a feasible and impactful alternative in Hong Kong
This section highlights three representative local and international case studies to serve as key references for implementing a reusable cup system at the Park
Case Study 1
Hong Kong Sevens
Case Study 2
Seoul’s
Jamsil Baseball Stadium
Case Study 3
Premier League in England
CaseStudy1： HongKongSevens
Achievinga90%CupReturnRate
Since 2019, the Hong Kong Sevens has been one of the first major international sporting events in Asia to implement a reusable cup system. Led by Hong Kong China Rugby and the social enterprise BottLess, spectators were given the option to use reusable cups instead of disposable ones.
It’s estimated that this three-day event at Hong Kong Stadium helped avoid around 300,000 single-use plastic cups 。 6
In its early phase, the system required a refundable HK$10 deposit for each cup, which was refunded upon return of the cup, or donated to an official charity partner. The system also integrated Octopus payments to streamline the deposit and refund processes
In 2023 and 2024, the system was further simplified reusable cups were issued at all concession points without requiring a deposit Return points were prominently located throughout the venue, and the return process only required two simple steps: "EMPTY" and "STACK " These changes helped improve both operational efficiency and return rates
With an average of 30,000 attendees per event day in 2024 , BottLess reports a return rate of around 90% on average This demonstrates that even in a fast-paced, high-traffic environment, a well-designed system can achieve effective disposable waste reduction at the source
This example also shows that even older venues like the Hong Kong Stadium can implement reusable cup systems and supporting infrastructure Given its larger scale and newer facilities, the Park should be even better equipped and responsible for implementing a robust reusable cup system
Hasreduced plasticwasteper capitaby approximately 11.4%
Jamsil Baseball Stadium, one of Korea’s most iconic sports venues, is also the top waste-generating site among the seven facilities managed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The stadium produces an average of 86.7 tonnes of waste annually, including approximately 860,000 single-use cups and food containers 8
In response to city-wide plastic reduction goals, the Seoul Metropolitan Government led a pilot reusable container program in 2023, involving two professional baseball teams, catering Food and Beverage (F&B) vendors, and local self-reliance centers The program was expanded in the 2024 season to include 10 types of reusable containers including drink cups, lunch boxes, and food trays with 20 return stations set up across the venue Used items were collected daily and cleaned by a municipal supported facility
10
The initiative set clear waste-reduction targets: for 2024, its target was 800,000 uses of the reusable containers and a 24-tonne reduction in waste.
Although the system only achieved 600,000 uses and 17 tonnes waste reduction, the system model proved effective, with a 75% average return rate.11
Beyond the stadium, the Metropolitan Government launched a citywide fund in 2023 to promote reusable and bring-your-own-container programs in other sectors, including food delivery, festive events, and funeral services. The annual fund is expected to reach KRW 4 48 billion (approx HK$25 million) by 2025, with KRW 298 million (approx HK$1 7 million) specifically earmarked to support stadium-based reusable systems.12
Seoul’s experience demonstrates that government leadership through funding, stakeholder coordination, and concrete goal-setting for waste reduction and the use of reusable containers, it can effectively build public trust and commercial participation in reuse systems, providing a strong policy model for similar facilities.
Premier League clubs are not only competing on the pitch but also racing ahead in sustainability Of the 20 clubs competing in the 2025/26 season, 13 have adopted reusable cup systems at their home stadiums greatly reducing the use of disposables. A survey found 84% of fans agree Premier League clubs should use reusable or returnable cups in stadiums , reflecting what began as a waste reduction effort is now also central to clubs’ brand reputation and social responsibility. 13 14
Liverpool FC introduced reusable cups at Anfield Stadium in 2019 According to the club’s sustainability report, The Red Way, cup return rates rose from 20% in 2021 to 98% in 2022. The program is expected to save over 170,000 disposable cups per season 15
Aresenal
Saving approximately 20,000 cups per game
Liverpool Expected to reduce 170,000 cups per season on average
Tottenham Hotspur
Saving over 1.25 million cups per year
Tottenham Hotspur FC launched its reuse programme in the 2019/20 season in general admission areas, reducing over 1 25 million cups annually Used reusable cups can be returned at designated points, which are then washed and reused. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was also the first stadium in the UK to adopt the “Keg Cap Collection Service,” where beer keg caps and scrapped cups are recycled into new caps or building materials Each decommissioned cup can be recycled into six new caps, reducing plastic waste by over 100 kg each season . 17
Aston Villa FC introduced reusable cups in their home stadium in 2022 The club prepared extensively: its marketing and communications teams issued user guides online and via email, and clear signage to guide users was posted across the venue. The club leveraged past sales data to calculate the required cup quantities for each of the stadium’s bars and deployed support staff to avoid labour shortfalls18
Experiences from the Premier League football clubs show that the simpler and clearer the system design, the more public support it gains Reusable cup systems not only enhance environmental outcomes but also improve the overall fan experience, making them a win-win solution for venues and visitors alike.
This stage involves designing the system workflow and configuring on-site infrastructure, including cup selection, return station locations, washing logistics, and coordination with various operators. For frontline staff that dispense beverages to customers, their existing workflow is not expected to change significantly; the beverage dispensing protocol will simply replace single-use cups with reusable ones
To effectively implement a reusable cup system at the Park, it is crucial to pair it with a practical operational design and execution plan. This section outlines a three-step process planning, borrow and return process, and post-return handling based on international examples and local pilot experiences The aim is to help the Park’s management team introduce and integrate the system with minimal disruption to current operations, using a phased approach and employing the appropriate support infrastructure The goal is to ensure the system aligns with event logistics, fits seamlessly into audience experience, and achieves waste reduction at source. 1
CupSelectionandProcurement
Cups should be durable, stackable, and withstand high-temperature washing
Labels such as "REUSE" or "RETURN" should be printed on the cups to remind users to return them
The Park should procure appropriate cups that meet safety standards Each cup can be tagged with RFID or QR codes for digital tracking monitoring usage, condition, and triggering timely replacement
Stakeholder Coordinationand RoleAssignment
The Park should convene coordination meetings with F&B vendors, snack stalls, and cleaning contractors to align expectations and responsibilities Key areas include daily cup quantity needs, distribution plans, collection workflows, temporary storage, cleaning, and post-cleaning redistribution.
Washingand LogisticsArrangements
It is recommended to arrange on-site washing within the park area Possibilities include a kickstart trial of washing in food court of Kai Tak Mall, renting dishwashing facilities from the Hotels within the park, and allocating approximately 800 sq ft of space for on-site washing and high-temperature sanitization This reduces the need for off-site transportation and cuts down on logistics costs and the associated carbon emissions. On-site washing improves turnover rate, especially important for multi-day events where cups are reused multiple days in a row Equipment and procedures in the on-site washing and hightemperature sanitization facility must comply with local Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) standards, with clear hygiene protocols and periodic quality checks.
Once the system design and infrastructure are in place, implementation success hinges on clear, user-friendly execution of reuse services on event days This includes cup distribution, staffing, signage, and return mechanisms all of which needs to be designed to integrate smoothly into the spectator experience
CupDistributionand SalesWorkflow
All F&B vendors should serve drinks in reusable cups
No changes are needed to the point-ofsale or ordering processes
Staff continue serving drinks as usual just with reusable cups instead of singleuse cups.
AudienceGuidance andEducation
To boost user participation, awareness building and guidance should be delivered via:
Short instructional videos or infographics on social media and event websites in the days leading up to the event
Clear signage on screens, at return points, and snack stalls
Public announcements before the event, during halftime, and at event’s end
StaffBriefingand On-SiteSupport
The Park should provide standard operating procedures (SOPs) to F&B vendors that outline hygiene practices and contingency plans (e g , for cup shortages)
Informative signage should explain the return procedures and environmental benefits of the reuse system
Staff or volunteers can assist during peak hours (e.g., halftime or post-event) at bar counters and return stations
ReturnStationSetup
Attendees who use reusable cups should be able to return them at exits, in F&B zones, and near waste bins.
The process should be simple: empty any leftovers and drop the cup into a clearly marked bin
A successful system will visibly reduce on-site waste, allowing cleaning staff to be reassigned to support the reusable system’s logistics and washing needs
Collection
Staff can regularly remove reusable cups from collection bins and retrieve those left behind by spectators after the event
To maximize turnover efficiency, cleaning of the first batch can begin during the event can be arranged, allowing this batch to be available for same-day or next-day reuse
WashingandStorage
All procedures should meet FEHD hygiene standards. Custom dishwashing units may be tailored to the Park's conditions, covering rinse, heat sanitization, drying, and storage This stage should include quality checks to identify damaged or heavily soiled cups.
After each event, the Park should use digital tracking (e.g., RFID) to collect data and analyze:
Number of cups returned
Number of lost or damaged cups
Number of washes per cup
These insights help monitor system performance and inform adjustments Reports can be compiled quarterly or biannually to evaluate and refine cup quantity, return station layout, and staffing. Environmental metrics,e.g., waste and carbon reductions, can also be estimated and reported in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures
CostEstimation
As Hong Kong’s flagship venue, the Park regularly hosts a wide range of international sports events and performances, attracting millions of local residents and overseas visitors each year Implementing a reusable cup system here can serve as a key demonstration of sustainable venue operation citywide
Greenpeace recommends the government allocate an initial funding of HK$5 million to support the Park in:
Establishing the necessary infrastructure and hardware (Reusable cups, dishwashers, signage, return stations, etc )
Covering system design, pilot operations, and promotion/education during the trial phase
Enabling the Park to operate the reuse system over a three-year trial period, gradually building operational experience
Providing a proven model for replication at other major venues (e g West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong Coliseum, Queen Elizabeth Stadium and the future renovation of Hong Kong Stadium)
The Park should aim to achieve financial self-sufficiency for the reusable cup system by the end of the trial period, avoiding the need for long-term public subsidies
In addition, Greenpeace recommends that the government reserve another HK$5 million to scale the model beyond the Park, promoting wider adoption of reusable cup systems at other major venues across Hong Kong.
1.SetupCostEstimation
Purchase of 50,000 reusable cups
$750,000
Dishwashing and sanitizing equipment
On-site return bin & signage system
Cleaning and storage space setup (approx. 800 sq. ft.)
System integration
Publicity and education (pre-launch)
Project kick-off management and
$300,000
Unit cost approx $15 per cup, includes cup printing and electronic tracking (e g RFID or QR code) Quantity is based on the stadium’s max capacity If the number of usage exceeds the number of available reusable cups, then protocols will be in place to encourage users to keep and reuse the same cup throughout the event Simultaneously coordinate cups to be washed and reused during the event to maximize circulation
Includes one industrial-grade dishwasher (output: 5,500 cups/hour), water and drainage systems, heating and sanitization systems, air-drying equipment, etc Quoted with reference to Hong Kong dishwasher seller prices
Remark: This Cost could be revised if using existing dishwashing equipment from Kai Tak Mall Food Court or hotels in the Park area is possible
$30,000
$600,000
$350,000
$100,000
Approx 30 return stations with signage per zone (return bins, liquid disposal areas, instructions)
Estimated cost of installing ventilation, plumbing, and hot water systems Based on local renovation quotes
Remark: This Cost could be revised if using existing dishwashing equipment from Kai Tak Mall Food Court or hotels in the Park area is possible
Covers system design, analytics, and record-keeping software
Covers social media campaigns instructional videos and on-site promotional materials aimed at early-stage audience engagement
Covers first 6 months of staffing (including logistics coordination, planning, and installation support)
Cleaning manpower and consumables
Event day coordination and support
Cup loss replenishment and maintenance
$400,000
$250,000
$200,000
Each event requires cleaning approx 50,000 cups
Assuming 3–4 events per month about 10 part-time staff are needed per event for washing, drying, and logistics
On event day, coordinate logistics, cover wages for event support staff, manage and recruit volunteers to assist with collecting reusable cups
Based on the Reusable is Futurable report estimating a 7% annual natural loss rate Estimated replacement of ~7 000 cups per year at $15 each, plus maintenance of other system components
The following assumptions were used for the projection:
Based on the Park’s capacity and the government tender, the Main Stadium is expected to host about 40 sports events per year
It is assumed each event operates at full capacity, with 50,000 attendees Each person uses 1 cup per event
Over three years, the Main Stadium is estimated to host at least 120 events, leading to a total reusable cup usage of 6 million times, replacing an equivalent number of single-use cups The average cost per use of a reusable cup is HK$0 82, while the unit cost of a single-use paper cup ranges between HK$0 33–0 94 Taking into account the environmental and social benefits, the reusable cup system is considered reasonably cost-effective.
A detailed methodology is provided in full report: https://act.gp/4lOmfXC
The study is based on the findings of the report Reusable is Futurable, with adjustments made to reflect Hong Kong-specific system model and suggested operational conditions at the Park
The LCA -based estimation in this report covers 16 environmental impact categories, including greenhouse gas emissions, water use, particulate matter formation, agricultural land occupation, marine ecotoxicity, and more
The projection assumptions used are consistent with the scenarios in Section 5 part (iii) of this report, “Cost-Effectiveness of a 3-Year Reusable Cup Pilot Program.”
Based on the assumptions and modelled scenarios, the results show that reusable cup systems outperform single-use cup systems in 15 out of 16 environmental impact indicators.
SDGs Impact Category
Climate Action
Good Health and Wellbeing
Climate change
Fossil depletion
Ozone depletion
Human toxicity
Particulate matter formation
Photochemical oxidant formation
Ionising radiation
Water depletion
Clean Water and Sanitation
Life Below Water
Freshwater ecotoxicity
Freshwater eutrophication
Marine eutrophication
Marine ecotoxicity
Description
Emissions of hydrocarbons, CO2, CH4, etc that cause global warming
Consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels
Emissions that deplete the ozone layer
Emissions of toxic substances that negatively impact human health
Emissions of particles to the air that cause respiratory impacts in humans
Emissions of gases that affect photochemical ozone formation
Emission of radionuclides that are damaging to humans and ecosystems
Consumption of water
Emissions that cause toxic stress to the ecosystem
Emissions that alter pH and nutrient availability in freshwater ecosystems
Emissions that alter pH and nutrient availability in marine ecosystems
Emissions that cause toxic stress to marine ecosystems
Responsible Consumption and Production
Metal depletion
Consumption of metals
Life on Land
Agricultural land occupation
Terrestrial acidification
Terrestrial ecotoxicity
Occupation and transformation of natural land to agricultural plots
Emissions that alter pH of terrestrial ecosystem
Emissions that cause toxic stress to terrestrial ecosystems
Reusable outperformed disposable
The chart below is based on the simulated three-year pilot scenario at the Park, with four highlighted impact categories where reusable cups outperformed single-use cups, with their range of improvement and environmental benefits
Emissions of carbon dioxide equivalent (COeq) reduced by approximately 51–75%
Emissions of particulate matter (PM equivalent) reduced by approximately 44–72%
Water use reduced by approximately 73–86%
Water Depletion
Fossil Depletion
Fossil fuel use reduced by approximately 36–68%
The reduction is of similar magnitude as the amount of carbon dioxide that more than 20,800 trees absorb in a year
Remark: 1 tree absorbs on average 10 kg of per year in the first 20 years of its lifespan
The avoided emissions are of similar magnitude as the amount of PM that driving more than 800,000 times from Tuen Mun to Central emits
Remark: The driving distance between Tuen Mun and Central is 34 kilometers A standard vehicle is assumed to emit 11 1 mg of per kilometer driven
The water that is saved is enough to fill nearly 2 Olympic-sized swimming pools
Remark: One Olympic pool holds approximately 2 5 million liters
The fossil fuels saved are equivalent to nearly 330 barrels of crude oil
1
Overall, the findings indicate that the reusable cup system has a host of environmental benefits, including less consumption of natural resources, a smaller carbon footprint, and a smaller impact on ecosystems If attendees to the Park reuse the same cup multiple times before returning it, the environmental benefits will be even more substantial It is also important to note that when on-site washing can be arranged within the Park area, it would eliminate the need for off-site transport, significantly lessen the associated environmental impact by logistics.
While this may seem counterintuitive, given that reusable cups require washing and single-use cups do not, the lifecycle provides a broader context Water depletion in the reusable cup system primarily occurs during the use phase, whereas for single-use cups, approximately 98% of water depletion stems from the production stage This includes raw material extraction (e.g., logging), and manufacturing processes.
The report also notes disposal stage only contributes marginally to the total environmental impact Thereby end-of-life measures such as composting or recycling single-use cups have limited effectiveness on reducing impacts, that, reducing waste at source through reuse offers a more meaningful environmental benefit.
(For a breakdown of impact by life-cycle stage and impact category, please refer to the detailed result table in Appendix II.)
July 2023https://onetreeplantedorg/blogs/stories/how-much-co2-does-tree-absorb?srsltid=AfmBOoqHkPiwQIgCZdc
Remark:
barrel of crude oil is assumed to weigh 136 kg
TuenMun Central
Conclusion
As both the largest sports stadium in Hong Kong and the recipient of the highest amount of public money one that promotes “sustainable” operations Kai Tak Sports Park should move beyond outdated singleuse practices. This report consolidates local and international experiences, system design recommendations, and environmental impact estimation to demonstrate that a reusable cup system is technically feasible, spatially viable, and socially supported in Hong Kong and that it can deliver tangible environmental benefits.
Moreover, the Park is well positioned to capitalize on its untapped potential in its facilities, which lend themselves well to a reusable cup system For example, it has sufficient space to allocate to on-site washing facilities, thereby reducing carbon emissions from transport. Frequent use of the Park also utilises the use of reusable cup system, further reducing carbon emissions, water consumption, and particulate matter formation
Implementing a reusable cup system represents a key opportunity for the Park and the government to accelerate green transformation and meet public expectations for social and environmental responsibility. Greenpeace calls on the government and venue operators to promptly initiate the adoption of a reusable cup system in the Park including setting up seed funding, establishing clear targets and timelines, and integrating reuse infrastructure into operational protocols.
Greenpeace reiterates that reducing disposables and promoting reuse should become standard policy for all large venues in Hong Kong The choices made at the Park will serve as a defining example of Hong Kong’s commitment to sustainable development. Our city needs a venue that reflects the value of public investment, aligns with international best practices, and delivers on waste reduction goals. That first step should begin with Kai Tak Sports Park
AppendixI
Overview of Reusable Cup Systems Adopted by Premier League Clubs (2025/26 Season)
Club Overview
Arsenal FC
Aston Villa FC
AFC Bournemouth
Brentford FC
Brighton & Hove
Albion FC
Burnley FC
Chelsea FC
Crystal Palace FC
Everton FC
Piloted a reusable cup scheme in the 2018/19 season and fully implemented it in 2019/20, replacing single-use plastic beer and paper cups The system saves around 20,000 disposable cups per match, reducing over 500,000 cups since the project started
Source: ”Reusable cups – with Camden Town Brewery” Arsenal FC retrieved on Jun 2025 https://www arsenal com/news/reusablecups-camden-town-brewery We ve got more new cups Arsenal FC Feb 2024 https //www arsenal com/sustainability/aluminium-cups
Launched a carbon-neutral reusable cup system on match days in 2022 The club expects to cut over 300,000 single-use cups per season, aiming for a cumulative reduction of 1 3 million cups in two years
Source: ”Carbon-neutral reusable cup system to launch at Leeds game”, Aston Villa FC, Feb 2022, https://www avfc co uk/news/2022/february/07/carbon-neutral-reusable-cup-system-to-launch-at-leedsgame/
Trialed reusable cups in the North Stand in 2019 and expanded the system venue-wide in early 2020, fully replacing single-use beer cups
Source: ”A F C Bournemouth”, Sports Positive, November 2019, https://www sportpositiveleagues com/team/bournemouth-2019/
”A F C Bournemouth”, Sports Positive, March 2023, https://www sportpositiveleagues com/team/bournemouth-2022/
All single-use plastic cups removed on match days Reusable plastic cups are among the options provided when glassware is unavailable
Source: ”Our Approach”, Brentford FC, retrieved on Jun 2025, https://www brentfordfc com/en/sustainability-our-approach
No data available
Trialed reusable cups in 2022
Source: ”Single Use Plastics” Burnley FC retrieved on Jun 2025 https://www burnleyfootballclub com/sustainability/single-use-plastic-reduction-removal
Introduced 20,000 unbranded reusable cups for use on match days to replace single-use plastic cups
Source ”Chelsea F C ” Sports Positive March 2023 https://www sportpositiveleagues com/team/chelsea-2022/
No data available
Switched entirely to reusable plastic cups in 2019, with each cup reusable up to 100 times Expected to eliminate approx 75,000 single-use cups per season
Source: ”Everton Switch To Reusable Plastic Cups With Sodexo” iSportConnect November 2019 https://www isportconnect com/everton-switch-reusable-plastic-cups-sodexo/ “Reusable cup firm raises glass to ‘game-changing’ innovation” Tees Business Jan 2025 https://teesbusiness co uk/2025/01/09/reusable-cup-firm-raises-glass-to-game-changing-innovation/
Club
Fulham FC
Leeds United FC
Liverpool FC
Manchester City FC
Manchester United FC
Newcastle United FC
Nottingham Forest FC
Sunderland AFC
Tottenham Hotspur FC
West Ham United FC
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Overview
No data available
Introduced a reusable cup system in September 2021. Estimated to prevent over 350,000 disposable cups from being processed or recycled each season
Source: ”Leeds United introduce reusable cups at Elland Road with Gather”, Leeds United FC, September 2021, https://www leedsunited com/en/news/leeds-united-introduce-reusable-cups-at-elland-road-with-gather
Rolled out reusable cups at Anfield starting in 2019. Return rate improved from 20% to 98% by 2022 Estimated to reduce over 170,000 disposable cups per season
Source: ”Reds roll out reusable cups at Anfield”, Liverpool FC, October 2019, https://www liverpoolfc com/news/announcements/369562-reds-roll-out-reusable-cups-at-anfield
“ 《 The Red Way 》 ” , Liverpool FC, Mar 2023, https://backend liverpoolfc com/sites/default/files/2023-03/LFC%20The%20Red%20Way%20V12%20%20compressed pdf
Introduced reusable beer cups in 2019 Each cup is reusable up to 100 times and fully recyclable Saves approx 29,000 disposable cups per match and 800,000 per season, reducing 2.4 tonnes of plastic waste annually.
Source: ”City introduce reusable cup scheme” Manchester City FC September 2019 https://www mancity com/news/club-news/club-news/2019/september/manchester-city-introducereusable-cup-scheme
No data available
No data available
Introduced reusable cups in the Fan Zone area starting December 2023
Source: “Sustainability” Nottingham Forest FC retrieved on Jun 2025 https://www nottinghamforest co uk/club-information/sustainability/
Fully implemented reusable cup system at home games starting in 2023/24 season. Expected to use over 350,000 reusable cups per year, cutting more than 5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared to single-use alternatives
Source: ”News: SAFC partner with Event Cup Solutions”, Sunderland AFC, October 2023, https://www safc com/news/club-news/2023/september/event-cup-solutions-partnership
Started a reusable cup scheme in general admission areas during the 2019/20 season
Estimated to reduce over 1.25 million disposable cups per year.
Source: Passionate About Our Planet Tottenham Hotspur retrieved on Jun 2025
To Care Is To Do , Tottenham Hotspur, retrieved on Jun 2025, https://www tottenhamhotspur com/the-stadium/attending-matches/to-care-is-to-do/
No data available
Officially launched a reusable cup system at Molineux in May 2024, responding to over 80% of fans who wanted more sustainable initiatives from the club.
Source: ”Reusable cups introduced at Molineux” Wolverhampton Wanderers FC May 2024 https://www wolves co uk/news/sustainability/20240510-reusable-cups-introduced-at-molineux/
^ For detailed methodology, results and discussion on the environmental impact of the reuse system in Kai Tak Sports Park scenario, please refer to the full report: https://act gp/4lOmfXC
