Reusable tray test phase at the PreZero Arena

TSG Hoffenheim and PreZero have been partnering in a special way for years and trying to live up to the role model status of a Bundesliga football club in the process. In line with its zero-waste vision, the PreZero Arena became the first football stadium in Europe to be certified by TÜV SÜD  for its operational waste and recyclables management in accordance with DIN SPEC 91436 in the summer of 2023. All with the vision of producing zero waste and using 100% recyclables.

Now, TSG and PreZero are taking another voluntary step on the "Road to Zero Waste". At the Bundesliga match against VfB Stuttgart (1-1), reusable trays for currywurst and French fries were tested in a kiosk in front of the South Stand. The previous disposable trays had to be disposed of as residual waste due to contamination and could not be recycled. This test is a further step towards producing even less waste in future and continually increasing the recycling rate.

"The fact that TSG Hoffenheim has had very ambitious fans for a long time when it comes to reusable cups was once again clear to see here. They are familiar with the reusable cup system and have now responded extremely positively to the test run with reusable trays," said Marcus Sagitz, the managing director of marketing, communications, public affairs and CSR at PreZero International. "In the end, everyone benefits from the circular economy – the fans, our partners and certainly the environment."

An evaluation of this test is primarily intended to provide information on the return rate, the quality of the cleaning and further suggestions, for example on how to improve the return system. The scope of the test will be extended to include the entire PreZero Arena at the home game against FC Augsburg. The full-scale introduction is then planned for the new season.