Ball and University of Colorado Partner on New Aluminum Cup

Sep 17, 2023

Ball Corporation has launched a pilot of infinitely recyclable aluminum cups in the U.S. and the University of Colorado Boulder will introduce the cups to fans at Folsom Field for the 2019 football season.

Ball developed the aluminum cup over the past several years as an alternative to plastic cups for use at home and in other areas where plastic cups are common, including indoor and outdoor venues across the country. The pilot will produce a limited supply of aluminum cups through 2020 for use in such locations, including entertainment venues and major concessionaires.

Beginning this month, Ball will roll out a number of pilots with major venues and concessionaires across the U.S. to replace their plastic cups with aluminum cups. Ball's research shows that 67% of U.S. consumers say they will visit a venue more often if they use aluminum cups instead of plastic cups and that 78 percent of consumers expect beverage brands to use environmentally friendly containers in the next five years.

In addition to its sustainability and recycling strengths, the aluminum cup is sturdy, durable and cool to the touch, and can be customized with logos and graphics. The cup is currently available in a 20-oz. size and Ball aims to introduce additional sizes in the future based on market demand. Ball expects to ramp up production in its Westminster, Colorado, innovation facility by the end of 2020, and it looks forward to the opportunity to expand adoption of the cups to restaurants, bars, convenience stores, breweries and retail locations.