Last Updated on: 13th February 2024, 04:42 pm
In an impactful collaboration, Swedish innovator Bluewater teamed up with the Betway SA20 cricket league in South Africa to introduce sustainable hydration solutions during the league’s Playoffs and Final. The initiative saw the provision of stainless steel water bottles and over 2,600 litres of purified drinking water, effectively preventing the use of thousands of single-use plastic bottles. This effort facilitated approximately 5,341 refills of 500ml bottles, marking a significant stride towards sustainable practices in large sports events.
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape emerged victorious at the Newlands Cricket Ground, capping off a tournament where environmental sustainability was a central theme.
Bluewater Africa’s General Manager, Janneke Brasecke, remarked, “This partnership with Betway SA20 is a key step towards creating more sustainable and eco-friendly sports events.”
The partnership ensured the availability of safe, potable water for players, spectators, and staff, with Bluewater’s purification units being a staple in the dugouts. Every player from the qualifying teams was equipped with a personalised, reusable Bluewater stainless steel bottle, providing a sustainable alternative to disposable plastic bottles.
Graeme Smith, the Betway SA20 League Commissioner, highlighted the initiative’s significance: “We are excited to take our first step towards reducing the use of single-use plastic at the Betway SA20. This partnership helps us ensure that we are committed to both improving access to clean drinking water amongst our participants, attendees and contractors, as well as reducing plastic waste. It also reinforces the company’s commitment to improving access to clean drinking water globally and creating a positive impact on human health and the environment.”
Janneke Brasecke further emphasised the potential of sports in promoting sustainability: “Professional sport has a unique opportunity to drive both awareness and action on planet-wide sustainability challenges. With the alarming reliance on single-use plastic bottles still so apparent at many events and venues around the world, this is a bold and important step by Betway SA20 to demonstrate that there is now a real and present solution for sustainable and healthy hydration at cricket events, without harming people and the planet.
Bluewater’s hydration stations were positioned at strategic locations, including the Newlands Cricket Ground and the Wanderers in Johannesburg, ensuring comprehensive coverage and accessibility.
Brasecke concluded with optimism about the partnership’s broader implications: “We are stoked to be launching this collaboration with Betway SA20 and we hope it inspires many other events and venues to follow suit in ending the stranglehold of plastics.”
