San Francisco 49ers launch reusable cup scheme at Levi’s Stadium

The San Francisco 49ers have launched a new reusable cup programme at Levi’s Stadium in partnership with PepsiCo, as part of wider efforts to reduce single-use packaging at sporting events.

The initiative began during the team’s first preseason fixture, with fans in the United Club and Graton Winners Club – areas that together accommodate around 6,500 spectators – served drinks in durable, washable cups. After use, the cups can be deposited in designated return points, where they are collected, sanitised, and put back into circulation.

Organisers estimate that over the course of 10 home games this season, the move will prevent the use of tens of thousands of disposable cups.

The project marks PepsiCo’s first reusable cup initiative with a National Football League (NFL) team, though the company has previously trialled similar systems at other venues across the United States. The scheme forms part of PepsiCo’s broader sustainable packaging strategy, which focuses on cutting virgin plastic use, developing circular packaging solutions, and supporting infrastructure for recycling and reuse.

Operations at Levi’s Stadium are being supported by Bold Reuse, which is handling the collection and sanitisation of cups, in collaboration with Levy, the stadium’s catering provider.

Kevin Hilton, 49ers VP of Corporate Partnerships, said: Sustainability has always been a core pillar of Levi's® Stadium, dating back to its early designs, and we are constantly trying to find new ways to reduce waste, consumption, and emissions.

This reusable cup program not only reduces plastic waste, in addition to other behind-the-scenes practices, it also allows the Faithful to take an active role in our sustainability mission. We are proud to partner on this project alongside PepsiCo and appreciate their continued support of our sustainability initiatives.

The 49ers have highlighted the scheme as an extension of the venue’s existing sustainability efforts, which have earned industry recognition in recent years.