Circular economy

Circular economy refers to an economic system in which the value of products, materials, and other resources is retained in the economy for as long as possible and their efficient use in production and consumption is improved, thereby reducing the environmental impact of their use and minimizing 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 circular economy in order to minimize negative environmental impacts such as waste generation on home match days and beyond. A comprehensive circular economy strategy covering all dimensions of resource management is to be developed by the end of 2026. This includes not only waste, but also resource inflows and outflows in the areas of events and catering, and merchandising.

Borussia Dortmund, for example, has identified the optimization of waste separation and avoidance as an important starting point. For BVB, this means improving infrastructure, training employees, and working with waste disposal service providers to reduce the amount of waste before, during, and after events at the stadium and, where possible, return it to the recycling cycle.

The hybrid cup system also plays a role here. Although we are unable to offer reusable cups throughout the stadium for safety reasons, we work with the waste disposal company to ensure that disposable cups are returned to the recycling cycle at the sorting plant. We work with non-profit institutions to reduce food waste. In addition, the Bistro 09 restaurant participates in the Too Good To Go initiative. 

PUMA's RE:FIBRE textile-to-textile recycling program uses polyester textile waste from factory waste, defective products, and used 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 dependent on the use of plastic bottles for the production of recycled polyester used in our products. All Borussia Dortmund jerseys are part of the recycling program.