PureCycle Technologies, Inc. and the Orlando Magic are teaming up to divert thousands of pieces of plastic waste from being landfilled or flowing into Central Florida waterways. The Orlando Magic are the first NBA team to implement PureCycle’s PureZero™ waste program. PureZero is a first-of-its-kind plastic waste recycling program geared toward stadiums and entertainment venues. “With the adoption of our PureZero™ Program, the Amway Center can help close the loop on plastic waste generated at each game,” said PureCycle CEO Dustin Olson. “As an Orlando-based company, we are proud to work with the Magic. They are an organization deeply committed to sustainability, and we look forward to helping them tackle the plastic waste crisis right here in our own backyard.”
No. 5 plastic (polypropylene) is a common plastic found at stadiums across America and it mostly goes unrecycled, because leftover food and liquid makes it difficult and costly to salvage. Through game-changing technology, PureCycle will remove color, odors and impurities from souvenir cups and food containers to create an ultra-pure recycled (UPR) plastic that can be recycled multiple times. “The Orlando Magic are thrilled to partner with PureCycle and continue in our quest to be champions off the court,” said Magic Vice President of Global Partnerships J.T. McWalters. “With our home arena, the Amway Center, achieving LEED Gold certification, this partnership underscores our commitment to sustainability. By implementing PureCycle’s PureZero™ program, we are helping end plastic waste pollution in the region. We are not simply recycling with PureCycle; we are helping change the culture of single-use plastic.”
PureCycle’s partnership with the Orlando Magic aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated during the upcoming season. To do so, the Magic and PureCycle will implement an innovative sustainability plan for the Amway Center that includes stocking concessions with No. 5 plastic products. Once those products are recycled with PureCycle, a truly circular recycling system will be achieved. Together, the organizations are committed to philanthropic efforts in the community relating to environmental efforts and sustainability. With this partnership, PureCycle will be a “Proud Partner of the Orlando Magic.”