The Phoenix Suns have formalized a partnership with Footprint, a locally based materials science company dedicated to sustainable technology. The partnership with Footprint will help transform the home of the suns and Mercury into a laboratory for sustainable solutions just before the suns kicks off the 2021-2022 season.
Starting with the team’s season opener on Wednesday evening, fans will see plastic paraphernalia and other concession items being replaced by Footprint’s plant-based alternatives. Over time, the arena will introduce more footprint products and technologies.
Gilbert-based Footprint was founded in 2014 by former Intel engineers Troy Swope and Yoke Chung. The company’s mission is to end the use of single-use plastics by developing a plant-based fiber technology.
Footprint was recently recognized on the CNBC Disruptor 50 list and works with companies like McDonald’s, Kraft Heinz, Beyond Meat, and Conagra. Although nothing has been finalized, it has been reported that Footprint is in talks about a merger with Gore Holdings VII Inc.
With fans returning to sporting events, this partnership underscores the need for venues to implement more sustainable practices. Major sporting events and concerts pose unique environmental challenges. An EPA study found that sporting events produce 39 million pounds of waste each year.
“The sports industry will begin to realize that there is this movement around sustainability and what it means to be a part of it – I think all stadiums will see it as something they have to do and there will be a minimum of transparency what that means, “said Susan Koehler, Footprint’s chief marketing officer, to CNBC.
Through this partnership and the transformation of the Footprint Center, Phoenix Suns and Footprint have positioned themselves to be at the forefront of this emerging innovation.
The Phoenix Suns front office management emphasized this point and what it means for the organization.
“The idea is that Footprint creates an innovation laboratory for us within our arena, and then we can use that and inspire other arenas around the world to do the same,” says managing partner Robert Sarver.
“They will help us eliminate single-use plastic in our arena and we will help them promote their brand so that over time it becomes a household name,” said Sarver.
At an official ribbon cutting ceremony outside the arena last week, Suns President and CEO Jason Rowley reiterated those sentiments. “We are confident that, with the support, commitment and hard work of everyone involved, the Footprint Center will serve as a model sports and entertainment venue for sustainable innovation.”
Other in attendance included Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Larry Fitzgerald, who was named the first Footprint Ambassador. Mayor Gallego spoke to the crowd and emphasized the importance of this partnership for the larger Phoenix community.
“Just yesterday evening, the Phoenix City Council and I passed an updated, comprehensive climate protection plan that will accelerate our goal of reaching net zero by 2050,” said Gallego. “I am proud to have partners like The Suns and Footprint who are fully committed to a healthy, sustainable future for Phoenix.”
The suns have long been leaders when it comes to sustainability and environmental issues. They were one of the first arenas to switch to solar energy and have taken various measures to save water.
After a historic season that included a Western Conference championship and final, the Phoenix Suns will have an expanded platform to further promote this type of innovation.
[ad_2]
