Sustainable Products Crucial for Hospitality Ahead of World Cup 2026

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, APP Group is drawing attention to the pivotal role that sustainable paper-based products will play in the hospitality and food and beverage sectors. With 48 teams competing in 104 matches across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the tournament is expected to attract a massive surge in international visitors, leading to a significant increase in meals served and on-the-go consumption throughout the host cities.

The environmental impact of such large-scale events is a known concern, with previous World Cups illustrating the challenge. Reports from the last tournament indicated that over 2,100 tonnes of stadium waste were collected, which included substantial amounts of plastics, paper, cardboard, metals, and glass. This historical data underscores the pressure on hotels, restaurants, cafes, caterers, and event venues to adopt more sustainable practices in their daily operations.

For businesses within the hospitality industry, sustainability will increasingly be defined by practical, everyday decisions. This includes how food is presented, the materials used for takeaway packaging, and the types of products employed in high-volume service settings. Ian Lifshitz, Head of Sustainability at APP Group, emphasized this point, stating that "Sustainability in hospitality is often shaped by the small details guests interact with every day, from packaging to tissue products," highlighting the collective effort required to manage the tournament's environmental footprint effectively.