Sustainable Sport NEWS

War on Single Use Plastic (WOSUP) has advised that its reusable aluminium cups are to be trialled at the upcoming Wallabies vs Argentina rugby union test match at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on 15th July.

A total of 20,000 reusable aluminium WOSUP cups will replace single-use plastic during the test match, which marks the Wallabies’ first and only appearance in Sydney this year before the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Use of the aluminium cups will replace approximately 220kg of plastic waste and offset 60,000kg CO₂-e, equating to 95 trees planted, thanks to WOSUP's tree planting partnership with Australia's first carbon offset provider, Greenfleet.

The trial is the first step in testing rugby fans' use and return of reusable WOSUP cups, in what WOSUP hopes will lead to a long-term, sustainably-driven partnership with Rugby Australia.

The reusable WOSUP cups will be co-branded with Hearts in Rugby Union’s logo, a charity that helps rugby players with life-altering injuries receive the best possible support throughout their lives. All printing costs will be covered by WOSUP as part of its support of the charity.

WOSUP’s Rewards loyalty program is built into the cups via a QR code, providing a plug-and-play solution for a dynamic new sustainability sponsorship category. The loyalty program, accessed via customised QR codes on WOSUP cups, will deliver valuable information, alongside attractive offers, competitions and money-can’t-buy experiences.

Commenting on the trial WOSUP Chief Executive, Martin Salter stated “we are extremely excited that a progressive sporting code such as Rugby Australia has taken the lead to make a stand and trial a ban on single-use plastic cups at their international against Argentina this year.

“WOSUP’s cups are a climate game changer. In the war on single-use plastic, our solution comes down to one simple truth: prevention is the best cure for plastic pollution choking our planet.

“Our reusable and infinitely recyclable aluminium cups are purposely designed for use at large-scale sport and entertainment venues, where the biggest impact can be made in tackling throwaway culture, globally.

“Aluminium is the building block of a circular economy. It is recognised as the most sustainable and abundant metal in the world, and the most recycled material on Earth. While only 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled, 75% of all aluminium produced remains in use.”

Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Andy Marinos added “Rugby Australia is proud to partner with WOSUP for this significant trial of reusable aluminium cups during the highly anticipated Australia vs Argentina rugby union test match.

"This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainability and demonstrates our dedication to reducing single-use plastic waste. We are excited to be at the forefront of driving positive change in the sporting industry and look forward to seeing the sustainable results that can be achieved with WOSUP’s innovative cups."

WOSUP’s native tree planting partnership with Australia’s first carbon offset provider, Greenfleet, creates a net carbon reduction of 3kg CO₂-e per use, alongside positive land use outcomes.

For more information about WOSUP go to www.wosup.com

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