North Queensland Cowboys fans will have the chance to take part in Australia’s largest public trial of reusable aluminium beer cups this weekend, in an effort to cut down on single use plastics in stadia.
About 20,000 fans are expected to attend this weekend’s QLD derby between the Cowboys and the Titans (25 March), with 100% of all draught beer and ciders to be served in the WOSUP aluminium cup.
It’s the first of a three-game trial of the cups, which will see a total of around 21,000 cups used, collected and washed onsite, for future use.
Trials of the cup will also be undertaken at the Redcliffe Dolphins (7 April) and Newcastle Knights (22 April) NRL matches, with results of the trial expected at the end of the season.
Further information on WOSUP (War On Single Use Plastic) cups available at https://wosup.com.au/
Quotes attributable to Queensland Country Bank Stadium Venue Manager Tom Kimball
“Being a ‘good neighbour’ is important to us, so we’re always looking at ways to be more sustainable, while also considering important factors like the fan experience, functionality, hygiene, cost, delivery, storage, washing and disposal.
“We’ll be assessing how this cup works across the board, for the fans, our key stakeholders like caterers and cleaners, and also seeking analysis on environmental impacts any logistics challenges associated with a possible change.
Quotes attributable to WOSUP Co-Founder and CEO Martin Salter
“WOSUP was born at the footy, with this this exact purpose in mind, delivering fans a superior drinking experience that keeps your beer colder for longer, while replacing single use plastic with a lightweight, reusable, infinitely recyclable option.
“Because of this, aluminium is a key building block of a sustainable, circular economy. While only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, 75% of all aluminium produced remains in use.
“WOSUP cups are also a climate game-changer, thanks to a tree planting partnership with Australia’s first carbon offset provider, Greenfleet, creating a net carbon abatement of 3kg CO₂-e per use, adding up to 15kg CO₂-e over each reusable cup’s life cycle, depending on usage.”
Quotes attributable to North Queensland Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel
“At the top of the 2023 season, the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have the backing of a record breaking 9,600 full season members, keen to pack Queensland Country Bank Stadium to the rafters at this weekend’s home game.
“With support reaching critical mass at levels we’ve never seen before, now is the perfect time for the Cowboys to support innovative ways such as WOSUP cups to improve our fans’ end-to-end game day experience.
“We’re thrilled to include the WOSUP initiative in our ongoing efforts to support North Queensland’s sustainability, which includes our Cowboys Community Foundation Containers for Change program.
“We applaud Stadiums Queensland’s enthusiasm in improving the sustainability of major events at the venues to benefit our region’s future generations.
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