O-I Brazil is tackling waste and emissions with a new initiative - 'Recycle and Make a Goal' - that intends to boost glass recycling at football games.

By partnering with local organisations, the programme successfully collected more than 8,000 glass bottles during the São Paulo FC season opener at Morumbi Stadium in Brazil.

This innovative project involved collaboration with the São Paulo Municipal Department of Urban Cleaning, startup Grupo Seiva, and the Queen of Recycling Work Cooperative.

Crushing machines were installed at four collection points around the stadium, making it easy for fans to recycle their glass containers.

The recycled glass, or 'cullet', is then sent back to O-I for remanufacturing into new glass packaging. 

This focus on a circular economy benefits the environment by reducing reliance on virgin materials and lowering energy consumption during production.

“This is the second initiative of a project focused on cullet collection around the Morumbi Stadium,” said O-I Brazil’s manager of Circular Economy, Alexandre Macário.

“Despite the heavy rain during the event, we managed to gather more than a tonne of glass packaging. We are working to make this project permanent in São Paulo’s stadiums.” 

Macário also highlighted plans to expand the programme to other Brazilian cities where O-I has manufacturing plants, improving logistical efficiency. O-I Brazil operates glass manufacturing plants in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and Vitória de Santo Antão. 

Local authorities also praised the initiative. Sidinei Couto Jr, sub-mayor of Butantã, emphasised the project’s contribution to environmental well-being and community safety. 

“By prioritising sustainable practices, recycling, and safety, the subprefecture contributes to the local quality of life and sets a positive example for other sectors and communities,” said Couto Jr.

“We hope this operation will be permanent and bring tangible benefits, such as reducing environmental impact, promoting recycling, and improving local safety.”

This successful partnership between O-I Brazil and local organisations demonstrates how innovative recycling programmes can be implemented around major sporting events, contributing to a more sustainable future.