Cleveland Browns of the NFL Partner with PureCycle to Create Closed-Loop Plastic Recycling

On August 20, Zhuansu Shijie reported that the Cleveland Browns and PureCycle Technologies announced a deep partnership to recycle polypropylene plastic waste generated by fans during games and use it to produce fan souvenir cups made from 100% recycled resin. This marks the first time in professional sports that a full closed-loop application of plastics—from collection to end-product—has been achieved.

Technical breakthrough achieves material recycling
The core of this collaboration lies in PureCycle's proprietary dissolution recycling technology. This technology can transform post-event collected polypropylene plastic cups, packaging bags, and other waste through deep purification treatment into PureFive recycled resin. According to Erik Johnson, Product Director of Churchill Container, this resin meets the standards of traditional virgin plastics in terms of food-grade safety, physical properties, and appearance, addressing the industry's challenges in applying recycled materials to high-end packaging.

Data-Driven Recycling System
Since the partnership began in 2023, both parties have established a standardized recycling process at Huntington Bank Stadium through the PureZero waste management program. After each event, staff members collect and sort polypropylene and aluminum products from the stands, concourses, and public areas. To date, a total of 33,000 pounds of plastics and aluminum have been recycled, along with the processing of 40,000 pounds of cardboard waste. These materials are processed at PureCycle’s facility in Ironton, Ohio, and are transformed into cups, packaging, and other products used at the stadium.

The demonstration effect of the industry is apparent.
The newly launched "Run It Back" commemorative cup series, made from 100% recycled polypropylene containers produced by Churchill Container, will make its debut during the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on August 23. Michele Powell, Vice President of Venue Operations for the Cleveland Browns, stated that the project not only provides fans with an accessible way to engage in environmental sustainability but also promotes a transformation of the sports industry's supply chain through technological demonstration. Dustin Olson, CEO of PureCycle, emphasized that professional sports leagues, as high-traffic venues, have a significant exemplary effect on the upstream and downstream sectors of the industry chain through their sustainable practices.

Practice paths of the circular economy
This model constructs a regional recycling system for plastic waste through a three-stage process of "collection - regeneration - reuse."

1. Post-match precise recyclingComplete the sorting of waste in the designated area within 2 hours after the event ends.
2. Industrial regenerationPureCycle plant purifies mixed plastics to food-grade standards.
3. End product reuseRegenerated materials are remanufactured into event souvenirs and operational supplies.

This model breaks through the material degradation problem in the traditional recycling system, enabling polypropylene materials to be recycled multiple times while maintaining quality. Industry analysts point out that this case provides a replicable solution for waste management in large public events, which holds significant reference value, especially in the context of increasing pressure to control plastic pollution.