#Japan #Tokyo #Alvark Tokyo #Thermos #My Bottle Project

Thermos and Alvark Tokyo's My Bottle Initiative

In a commendable effort to combat environmental pollution, Thermos Inc., a global leader in vacuum bottle technology based in Minato, Tokyo, has partnered with the professional basketball club Alvark Tokyo under a sustainable development goals (SDGs) partnership agreement. This collaboration aims to significantly decrease plastic waste — specifically that from PET bottles — during games in the 2024-25 season through the innovative 'My Bottle Promotion Project'. This initiative culminated in the final event for the season, which took place on April 27, 2025.

The My Bottle Promotion Project

The My Bottle Promotion Project encourages fans to bring their own bottles to home games to help reduce the number of PET bottles discarded. The program features four key initiatives:

1. Promotion of Personal Bottles at Home Games: A booth lottery was held during 30 home games, raising awareness about using personal bottles.
2. School Visits - Basketball and SDGs Classroom: The project included basketball workshops led by Alvark Tokyo academy coaches and seminars on SDGs at local elementary schools.
3. Testing Reusable Drink Container Service: The use of reusable tumblers was trialed at games to further diminish the need for single-use drink containers.
4. Collection of Used Stainless Steel Bottles: A designated booth collected used stainless steel bottles at the game venue to promote recycling.

Success Metrics of the Initiative

From October 2024 to April 2025, the initiative successfully addressed the estimated waste generated from PET bottles over 30 home games:

• - Total participants in the booth lottery: 10,037
• - Average PET bottle waste per game: 30 kg
• - Averaged at 5 g per person, calculated by considering 20 g per PET bottle and the capacity of waste bags used for disposal.

A summary of the waste metrics is outlined below:

Monthly Breakdown of Games and Waste

Waste metrics were calculated based on measured weights and estimations of bag capacities.

Engaging Young Minds Through Education

In line with their sustainability goals, Alvark Tokyo organized special workshops, titled “Basketball and SDGs Classroom,” at local schools. Conducted by two academy coaches, the sessions highlighted both basketball skills and the importance of sustainable practices, leaving participants inspired. Feedback included enthusiastic remarks such as, “The short session was fun and informative!” This outreach not only affected the students but also their parents and school representatives, fostering broader awareness of sustainable practices.

Testing Reusable Containers

The project also saw the successful test of a reusable drink container service. Attendees at games on March 29 and April 26 were able to borrow reusable tumblers, which in total prevented the disposal of 163 single-use drink containers. Attendees were rewarded for bringing their own bottles with the chance to win signed merchandise from the players.

Recycling Used Stainless Steel Bottles

In a continued effort for waste reduction, Thermos collected used stainless steel bottles to promote recycling. The collected total weight reached 34.7 kg, with products refurbished into various materials for future use.

Exploring the Future of Sustainability

With a specific area at the games dedicated to serving drinks in vacuum-insulated glasses, THERMOS seats were introduced as a new initiative to encourage responsible drinking habits. Over 15 matches included this feature, ultimately avoiding 808 disposable drink containers.

The collaborative efforts between Thermos and Alvark Tokyo throughout the current season have laid a solid foundation for future sustainability initiatives. As they passionately advocate for reduced plastic waste through personal bottles, both organizations look forward to continuing this partnership in the coming seasons.

About Thermos Inc.

Founded in 1904 in Germany, Thermos pioneered the glass vacuum bottle and has extended its innovations over the years, leading to the first high vacuum stainless steel bottles manufactured in Japan in 1978. As a leader in sustainability, Thermos is committed to providing products that promote a comfortable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Visit Thermos Sustainability for more information.

Explore more about the company's diverse offerings at Thermos Company Website.