Mayflower have teamed up with Bargate to enable Mayflower Theatre to eradicate over 120,000 single-use plastic cups per annum by introducing reusable Stack-Cups – a significant step forward on Mayflower’s carbon cutting programme.
As part of its carbon cutting programme, Mayflower has also introduced improved waste stream management increasing recycling rates from 10.4% in 2020 to 60% in 2024/25 and are investing more than £500,000 in energy efficient LED lighting across the auditorium and stage lighting.
The Hampshire-based housebuilder, Bargate, who sponsor Mayflower Theatre’s pantomime, were delighted to sponsor the reusable cups.
“Supporting sustainable initiatives in our local community where we build is incredibly important to us,” said Mark White, Managing Director of Bargate. “By sponsoring Mayflower Theatre’s new reusable cup scheme, we’re proud to help reduce single-use plastic and back a venue that brings so much to our community.
“Having supported last year’s panto, this partnership builds on our continued support for the theatre and our commitment to Southampton’s cultural and environmental future.”
Disposable plastic cups generate a large amount of waste which can take up to 450 years to breakdown, as the plastic degrades, it becomes microplastics which are harmful to wildlife and will eventually enter the food chain. The reusable cups will be washed in house and reused again and again, when the cups eventually reach the end of their usable life, they can then be recycled, thanks to STACK-CUP™’s zero waste to landfill policy.
Ben Miles, Head of Sales and Marketing of STACK-CUP™ added “We are delighted to be joining forces with Mayflower Theatre in their efforts to be more sustainable, offering a practical and environmentally friendly solution to audiences who wish to take their drinks into the auditorium.
“Mayflower Theatre marks the first theatre on the South Coast that we have our cups in, and we hope many other local theatres and venues follow suit. We look forward to seeing Mayflower Theatre’s patrons embrace this initiative and enjoy their drinks with sustainability in mind.”
Mayflower’s additional efforts in the reduction of their carbon footprint include introducing Carbon Literacy Training for senior leaders in 2024. Furthermore, planning permission for a solar array has been granted and scheduled to be installed in the coming months. Mayflower works towards reducing its carbon impact under the guidance of the Theatre Green Book.
“We continue to take positive steps towards greater sustainability,” said Tasha Finch, Head of Customer Operations at Mayflower. “And we are excited to be working towards removing single-use plastic from Mayflower Theatre.
“Our customers expect us to play a positive role in the communities we serve and to take the lead in environmental initiatives. Our thanks also go to Bargate for their continued support.”
The reusable cups will be available in all of the bars at Mayflower Theatre from 30 April 2025.
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