The Phoenix Convention Center, in collaboration with Bold Reuse, PepsiCo, and Aventura Catering, an exclusive brand of Aramark Sports + Entertainment, are proud to announce an innovative program to introduce reusable food and drink packaging across the venue. This initiative highlights the Convention Center’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship while setting a new standard for waste reduction at large-scale event spaces in the region.
The reusable packaging program aims to significantly reduce waste generated at the Phoenix Convention Center, which hosts thousands of visitors annually. Attendees will now enjoy their meals from the Phoenix Kitchens Downtown Food Hall in durable, reusable dishes, fostering a more sustainable event experience. In addition, all poured PepsiCo beverages will be served in Pepsi reusable cups, further reinforcing the program’s environmental impact.
“The Phoenix Convention Center is proud of this innovative partnership that not only focuses on sustainable event practices, but also enhances the experience of our guests,” said Jerry Harper, Director of the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues. “We’re co-creating a blueprint for the future of sustainable venues, one that reduces waste and inspires others to join the movement.”
Aramark’s Aventura Catering, PCC’s exclusive food, beverage and retail provider, began a pilot program to switch to reuseable serveware in July 2024. Aventura engaged Bold Reuse following the pilot program’s success to bolster the venue’s commitment to reducing single use waste.
“Aventura Catering is thrilled to be part of this important initiative at the Phoenix Convention Center,” said John Erickson, General Manager for Aventura Catering at the Phoenix Convention Center. “By integrating reusable serveware into our operations, we are reducing waste but also enhancing the overall dining experience for our guests. This program aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the events industry."
Bold Reuse, a national leader in reusable packaging solutions, will supply and manage the sanitization, delivery and inventory of reusable serveware and drinkware, ensuring a seamless experience for event organizers and attendees. Aventura Catering will integrate the reusable packaging program into its operations, further enhancing its sustainability efforts.
“This partnership isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about proving that sustainability is the future of the events industry,” said Heather Watkins, Co-Founder of Bold Reuse. “By collaborating with forward-thinking organizations like the Phoenix Convention Center, Aventura Catering, and PepsiCo, we’re showing the world what’s possible when bold ideas meet bold action.”
"Driving reuse at scale isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about unlocking new opportunities and creating value across the entire ecosystem," said Shay Hobby, SVP Commercial, PepsiCo U.S. Beverages – West Division. "Real transformation happens when brands, retailers, and partners align to make it easier for consumers to buy, use, and return products in a way that works for them. This is a team effort, and by working together, we can aspire to accelerate change and drive both impact and growth.”
The partnership’s three-phase rollout will redefine sustainability at the Convention Center:
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Phase One: Durable dishes and reusable cups in food hall concessions with convenient return stations, starting December 2024.
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Phase Two: Reusable cups for PepsiCo beverages throughout the venue, launching February 2025.
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Phase Three: Transitioning larger banquets and catering to reusable solutions, transforming the entire event experience.
The program is off to a strong start, with testing already underway and a successful launch at COMPOST2025 on January 27, 2025. These strategic phases aim to ensure smooth implementation while maximizing environmental impact.
About the Phoenix Convention Center
The award-winning Phoenix Convention Center is one of the largest convention venues in the United States. It boasts nearly one million square feet of rentable meeting and event space. As a department of the City of Phoenix, the Phoenix Convention Center is a vital economic enterprise for the state and local economy. The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues include the Phoenix Convention Center, Symphony Hall Phoenix, Orpheum Theatre Phoenix and nine downtown parking facilities.
About Aventura Catering
Aventura Catering, an exclusive brand of Aramark Sports + Entertainment, offers an wide variety of services including full-scale catering and event planning. From site selection to menu creation, Aventura coordinates every aspect of your special event with passionate precision in its state-of-the-art design center. At Aventura, we plan every event your way, raising the standard of event cuisine.
About Bold Reuse
Bold Reuse is leading the reusable packaging revolution, helping companies transform their operations to reduce waste, achieve sustainability goals, and enhance customer loyalty. Trusted by iconic brands like Starbucks, PepsiCo, Portland Trail Blazers, Arizona Diamondbacks, KC Current, and more, Bold Reuse delivers seamless, scalable reuse solutions for large venues, campuses, and corporations. With a proven track record of innovation, Bold Reuse has supported its partners in diverting over 5 million pounds of waste from landfills and creating tangible environmental impact. For more information, visit http://boldreuse.com.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.