Case Study: BSC Young Boys Pioneers the Use of Arboloom’s Compostable Wood Veneer Cups for Sustainable Football Events

Introduction

At Arboloom, we are committed to transforming the way the world approaches sustainability, particularly in large-scale events. Our latest collaboration with BSC Young Boys and Feldschlösschen showcases how innovative solutions can dramatically reduce environmental impact. By introducing the world’s first compostable wood veneer cups at Wankdorf Stadium, we are setting a new standard for sustainability in the sports industry.

The Challenge

Every year, millions of plastic cups are discarded after major events, contributing significantly to environmental pollution. At BSC Young Boys' home games alone, around one million plastic cups were thrown away annually. The need for a sustainable alternative that could reduce waste and promote a circular economy was clear, and we at Arboloom were determined to provide a solution.

Our Solution

In response to this challenge, we developed a groundbreaking product: compostable wood veneer cups. These cups are made from FSC-certified wood sourced from the EU, ensuring that our raw materials are both sustainable and responsibly managed. The ecological footprint of our cups is three times smaller than that of traditional plastic cups and 20 percent smaller than reusable cups. After use, the cups are processed into chipboard, closing the material loop and contributing to a truly sustainable circular economy.

Implementation

Our journey to bring these innovative cups to BSC Young Boys fans began with a pilot test during a match against Lausanne-Sport in the summer of 2023. While the feedback highlighted some areas for improvement, particularly regarding taste, we took this as an opportunity to refine our product. Through a rigorous optimization process in close collaboration with Feldschlösschen, we were able to resolve these issues and enhance the overall drinking experience.

On February 18, 2024, we reintroduced our optimized wood veneer cups at Wankdorf Stadium. This marks a critical milestone in our mission to eliminate plastic waste and promote sustainability at major sporting events.

Results

Our wood veneer cups have the potential to prevent nearly 11 tons of plastic waste from being generated at Wankdorf Stadium each year. This reduction in waste also translates to a CO2 reduction of 39.1 tons, underscoring the significant environmental impact of our innovation. We are proud to be part of a movement that not only addresses waste management but also contributes to broader sustainability goals.

Testimonials

• Wanja Greuel, CEO of BSC Young Boys: "This partnership with Arboloom is a pioneering step towards climate-friendly gastronomy at major sporting events. We are thrilled to set new standards in the Super League and to lead by example in the fight against plastic waste."
• Natalia Röthlisberger, Managing Director of Arboloom: "The feedback from YB fans was invaluable in helping us improve our product. The wooden cup is now at Super League standards in terms of drinking experience. We are confident that our commitment to a sustainable and fully-fledged alternative to plastic cups will benefit the fans, the climate, and our partners."

Conclusion

At Arboloom, we believe that sustainability is not just a goal but a responsibility. Our collaboration with BSC Young Boys and Feldschlösschen demonstrates how innovative, eco-friendly solutions can make a real difference. By replacing plastic with our compostable wood veneer cups, we are not only reducing environmental impact but also setting a new benchmark for sustainability at major events. We invite other organizations to join us in this mission to create a more sustainable future.

For more information about our sustainable solutions and ongoing projects, visit www.arboloom.com and follow us on social media. Together, we can make a difference.