No More Plastic Cups: Eco-Products, Minnesota Twins

Team Up to Make Target Field Even Greener

In another step to minimize the waste generated at Target Field, the Minnesota Twins and Eco-Products have partnered on an innovative new effort. They aim to turn tons of fans’ trash into fertile soil. This is preferable, rather than piling up in area landfills.

Eco-Products, based in Boulder, Co., is supplying hundreds of thousands of compostable cups, plates, trays, utensils and straws at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins are ensuring that now virtually all packaging used at Target Field will be either compostable or recyclable.

Much of the packaging used in the ballpark relies on a material called Ingeo™, a compostable resin. This resin is made by a company called NatureWorks, headquartered a short distance from Target Field in Minnetonka, MN. This adds local pride for Minnesota Twins enthusiasts.

Eco-Products Partnership

“We’re proud to partner with Eco-Products as we continue to improve the sustainability of Target Field – the greenest ballpark in America,” said Laura Day, Executive Vice President of Business Development for the Twins.

While plastic bottles and aluminum will still be recycled, all other concessions-related products can be composted at Target Field. That includes beer cups, soft drink cups, coffee cups, plates, trays, spoons, knives, forks, lids and straws. This effort is yet another reason for Minnesota Twins supporters to cheer.

Eco-Products Simplifies Green for Minnesota Twins Fans

The new effort actually simplifies things for fans. All plates, utensils and trays can go into the same compostable bin – along with any leftover food.

“It’s hard to get fans to first scrape the cheese off a plastic plate – and then toss the cheese in one bin and the plate into another,” said Wendell Simonson, Vice President of Marketing for Eco-Products. “The key to maximizing waste diversion in a stadium is to make it as easy as possible for fans.”

The new partnership will help the Twins realize an even more impressive waste diversion rate. It will build on the 73 percent mark achieved in 2014. A key part of the effort involves special bins around the stadium. These bins make it easy for fans to toss out the compostable packaging and leftover food.

Keep Recycling and Composting Simple

“Only a systematic approach to packaging, or one that enables everything outside of recyclables like bottles and cans to be compostable, makes waste diversion rates of 90 percent or above possible,” Simonson said. “Keeping things simple is crucial to making this work. In order to achieve such remarkable waste diversion rates, it is essential that all stakeholders, including manufacturers, consumers, and waste management authorities, collaborate effectively. This collaboration must focus on promoting eco-friendly materials, enhancing consumer awareness about proper disposal methods, and implementing efficient systems that streamline recycling and composting processes. By doing so, not only do we help the environment, but we also pave the way for a more sustainable future.”

This Eco-Products Efforts for Minnesota Fans

The initiative not only benefits the environment but also boosts concession sales. A national survey shows that one in five Americans would purchase more beer, soft drinks, and nachos at a stadium. They are encouraged if they learned that all the trash left behind gets recycled or composted. This initiative enhances the Minnesota Twins’ efforts to attract environmentally conscious fans.

“These products make it incredibly easy for fans to compost their waste products,” said Pete Spike, General Manager of Delaware North Sportservice. “Ultimately this partnership will help us reduce our conversion rates and minimize our impact on the environment.”

Communicating to Fans

Communication to fans about where to put their items after use is crucial to making an effort like this work. Clear signage and announcements can significantly enhance the overall experience. These measures ensure that attendees feel both informed and empowered in their sustainability efforts. All of the compostable products at the ballpark have either been specially branded for Target Field, or feature Eco-Products artwork. This adds an engaging visual appeal. This artwork shows consumers how these products are different. It helps to educate them on the importance of composting and proper disposal methods. By fostering a culture of responsibility and awareness, we can all contribute to a cleaner environment while enjoying the excitement of a game.

All of which serves as a reminder about conserving natural resources, something close to the hearts of Minnesota Twins and their supporters. In a state renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, from the serene lakes to the sprawling forests, the commitment to sustainability becomes even more significant. The Minnesota Twins not only celebrate their team’s achievements but also stand as a beacon for environmental stewardship. They encourage fans to participate in eco-friendly initiatives and community efforts. By fostering a culture of awareness and action, the Twins inspire individuals and families to evaluate their own habits and make choices. Their choices should support the preservation of the natural beauty surrounding them.

Amazing Results

“There’s no better time to reach fans than when they’re taking in a baseball game and enjoying a cold beer,” Simonson said with enthusiasm. “In that vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by the sounds of cheering crowds and the crack of the bat, they’re holding a cup that not only quenches their thirst but also serves a greater purpose. Seeing that it doesn’t have to go to a landfill is an enlightening realization. It’s not just about enjoying the game; it’s about contributing to a more sustainable future. That’s a powerful feeling—to be part of something good, to know that every sip they take supports a movement towards environmental responsibility, and to feel that collective commitment to making a positive impact on the world.”

Source: Eco-Products®, Inc.