Circular economy
The circular economy refers to an economic system in which the value of products, materials and other resources is retained for as long as possible within the economy, and their efficient use in production and consumption is improved, thereby reducing the environmental impact of their use and minimising waste generation and the release of hazardous substances at all stages of their life cycle, including through the application of the waste hierarchy.
Borussia Dortmund is actively committed to promoting the circular economy in order to minimise negative environmental impacts, such as waste generation on home match days and beyond. A comprehensive circular economy strategy covering all aspects of resource management is to be developed by the end of 2026. This encompasses not only waste, but also resource inflows and outflows in the areas of events & catering and merchandising.
Borussia Dortmund, for example, has identified the optimisation of waste separation and prevention as a key area for action. By this, BVB means improving infrastructure, staff training and collaboration with waste management service providers in order to reduce waste volumes before, during and after events at the stadium and, where possible, return them to the recycling cycle.
The hybrid cup system also plays a role here. Whilst we are unable to offer reusable cups throughout the stadium for safety reasons, we work with the waste management company to ensure that the disposable cups are returned to the recycling cycle at the sorting plant. To reduce food waste, we work with charitable organisations. In addition, the Bistro 09 catering outlet collaborates with Too Good To Go.
PUMA’s RE:FIBRE textile-to-textile recycling programme uses polyester textile waste from factory offcuts, faulty products and second-hand clothing as the main source of material for the production of new textiles. With RE:FIBRE, PUMA aims to reduce textile waste and become less reliant on the use of plastic bottles for the production of recycled polyester used in our products. PUMA utilises this technology in Borussia Dortmund’s match and training wear.