PepsiCo & 49ers: Reusable Plastic Cups at Levi’s Stadium

The San Francisco 49ers, in partnership with long-standing collaborator PepsiCo, have launched a new initiative introducing reusable cups at Levi’s Stadium. 

This is PepsiCo’s first reusable cup project with an NFL franchise, adding to the venue’s "award-winning sustainability reputation".

"Sustainability is truly a team sport and we’re grateful to the 49ers and to Bold Reuse for this exciting collaboration," writes Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo, on LinkedIn.

Transforming the fan experience

The initiative debuted during the 49ers’ first preseason game in August 2025, with durable PepsiCo beverage cups made available in the United Club and Graton Winners Club, which hosts up to 6,500 fans combined. 

Supporters can now return their cups to designated bins after use, where they are collected, sanitised and redistributed for reuse. 

Over the course of the 2025 season, the programme is expected to eliminate the need for tens of thousands of disposable, single-use cups.

"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," says Kevin Hilton, 49ers VP of Corporate Partnerships. 

"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."

PepsiCo’s packaging vision

PepsiCo brings experience from several reuse-focused pilots across the US, all part of its wider sustainable packaging strategy. 

The strategy prioritises reducing virgin plastic use, improving packaging design and investing in solutions that strengthen the entire packaging lifecycle.

The company says it is moving away from a standalone reuse target, but it will continue supporting reuse within its broader commitment to ensure all packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable.

"Advancing reuse requires collaboration and a systemic shift to help make the reusable option the most convenient and accessible option for consumers to enjoy their beverage," says Burgess Scott Davis, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo North America. 

"Initiatives like this can provide important insights into how that shift can become a reality at scale while having an immediate impact in reducing waste. 

“Sustainability is truly a team sport and we're grateful to the 49ers for their collaboration on this effort."

The programme is being delivered with Bold Reuse, a national reuse specialist, in partnership with the stadium’s hospitality provider. 

The closed-loop system ensures every collected cup is cleaned and redeployed efficiently, aligning with growing demand for scalable reuse models in food and beverage services.

Building on sustainability

The reusable cup initiative complements the 49ers’ "Faithful to the Planet" programme, launched in 2023, which unites global partners to drive environmental action. 

The initiative supports projects such as redwood forest restoration, river plastic removal and tree planting in Africa, while also engaging fans in environmental stewardship.

Since opening in 2014, the stadium has achieved multiple LEED Gold certifications for both design and operations, most recently in 2024 and has been honoured with the Green Sports Alliance "Play to Zero" Award for outstanding water and energy conservation.