Scaling Sustainability for the 2026 World Cup

Past tournaments demonstrate the scale of the challenge. Previous events generated over 2,100 tonnes of stadium waste, including 202 tonnes of plastic. For hotels and restaurants, the pressure to maintain quality while reducing waste is driving a search for scalable packaging solutions. Ian Lifshitz, Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs for the Americas at APP Group, argues that sustainability is defined by the everyday items guests touch, from food containers to tissue products.

To address these demands, APP Group is positioning its Foopak line—specifically the plastic-free and PFAS-free Bio Natura range—as a practical tool for mass-market service. The product is designed to handle high-volume needs like trays and cups without compromising compostability. Beyond individual packaging, the company is integrating these efforts into its broader Regenesis framework, which focuses on forest conservation and carbon management. As the tournament approaches, these functional, eco-conscious materials serve as a test case for whether the hospitality sector can successfully transition away from traditional plastics during one of the world's largest sporting events.