Glasgow's OVO Hydro launches SEC-wide elimination of single use plastic cups

Instead, reusable Stack Cups will be introduced, saving the campus two million cups per year and reducing its carbon footprint by 1500 tonnes in the next 10 years. 

Stack Cups will be used at the venue for the first time the weekend at Planet Earth II which is running on Sunday, March 27 at the OVO Hydro.

They will be used in seating areas while the SEC will use compostable versions throughout the rest of the venue. 

Jason Cockburn, Regional Sales Director, Scotland On Trade, Heineken. Debbie McWilliams, Director of Live Entertainment, SEC. Colin Banks, Head of Sponsorship & Partnerships, OVO Energy

The cups will also be used in the SEC Armadillo from Thursday, March 31 at Ru Paul's Drag Race.

Fans can get involved by following a simple four-step process:

1. Pay £1 deposit for a Stack Cup at the bar.
2. Enjoy their drink of choice.
3. Swap their used cup at the bar for a clean one on their next order.
4. Return cups to a redemption point to receive a £1 refund or place in a collection bin at the end of the night to help SEC support environmental and charitable initiatives.

Debbie McWilliams, director of live entertainment at SEC, said: "The SEC is committed to working towards a greener future for live events, and the removal of single-use plastic cups in the OVO Hydro and SEC Armadillo is a huge step forward in our sustainability journey.

"Switching to Stack Cups will help us save 2m single-use plastic cups per year and reduce our carbon footprint by 1500 tonnes over ten years.

"The initiative will have a positive impact on fans’ experience, as they are convenient and easy to carry.

"It’s never been easier to get on board with making live events more sustainable."

Colin Banks, Head of Sponsorship & Partnerships, OVO Energy. Debbie McWilliams, Director of Live Entertainment, SEC. John McNeil, Head of Commercial, SEC Food.

The step forms a key part of the SEC's journey towards net-zero by 2030 as part of its wider sustainability strategy, which includes a sustainable food initiative championing local suppliers and reducing food waste to below 1%. 

The Stack Cup initiative is supported by OVO Energy, SEC Food and A.G. Barr and the partnership will create five jobs at Stack Cup's centre in Glasgow. 

Colin Banks, Head of Sponsorship & Partnerships at OVO Energy, added: “At OVO, we’re committed to establishing purposeful partnerships which reflect our commitment to help get people closer to lower carbon living.

"We absolutely share The SEC’s ambitions to work hard today to implement initiatives and solutions that ensure a lower-impact future for live events. 

"Removing single-use plastic cups in the OVO Hydro is a significant step in an ongoing journey with The SEC and we’ll continue to work together to identify practical ways in which to make low impact live events the norm for Scotland’s home of live entertainment."

Today's announcement has been met with praise from Zero Waste Scotland, who exist to lead Scotland to use products and resources responsibly. 

Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland said: "In Scotland, our collective consumption of products and materials causes around 80% of our carbon footprint.

"This is something we need to act upon. 

"It’s imperative that we take steps to reduce our reliance on the earth’s precious resources and keep existing materials in circulation – that is the essence of a circular economy.

"Single-use plastics are a particular blight on the environment and Zero Waste Scotland works with a number of businesses, across the country and beyond, to implement more sustainable solutions, which is why we’re thrilled to see the OVO Hydro’s campus-wide move towards reusable cups.

"As an iconic venue, beloved the world over, this move is sure to set a precedent for other hospitality venues, and concertgoers alike, to seek out more sustainable options when it comes to single-use plastics."