We are pleased to announce that we will begin introducing "Peelable Cups" (*) at some stadium concession stands starting from the Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial Plan League Regional Round EAST Section 14 match against FC Machida Zelvia, to be held on Sunday, May 3rd (holiday). These food paper containers aim to achieve horizontal recycling by peeling off the inner film after use.
This initiative is one of the concrete steps to promote the recycling of waste generated from Mercari Stadium and to realize "circular resource economy" and "sustainable procurement," which are key themes of Kashima Antlers' sustainability policy formulated in November 2025. Together with our fans and supporters, we aim to make the awareness of "waste if discarded, resource if separated" a new standard at the stadium.
Background of Introduction and Mechanism of Horizontal Recycling for "Peelable Cups"
At Mercari Stadium, in addition to the washing and collection of paper cups for beverages that we have been promoting, we have also started new resource recycling initiatives this season, such as refreshing waste sorting and collecting leftover food, thereby accelerating the reduction of environmental impact. Amidst these activities, the next challenge was the containers used for stadium gourmet food. Since these often retain oil stains and moisture after meals, many could not be recycled and were treated as "burnable waste."
To address this issue, Kashima Antlers collaborated with Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd., a club partner, to adopt the "Peelable Cup." This allows the inner film, along with any stains, to be peeled off after use, and the remaining paper container to be collected and recycled as a "recycled resource."
The "Peelable Cup" being introduced has a structure where a stain-preventing film is laminated on the inside of the paper, preventing food from directly touching the paper. This prevents the penetration of oil and other substances, keeping the paper clean. Therefore, after eating, simply peeling off the film enables horizontal recycling, returning the remaining paper to be used as raw material for containers again.
Going forward, we aim to gradually expand the number of stores introducing "Peelable Cups" and to popularize them across all food and beverage establishments within the stadium. We intend to realize the recycling of gourmet food containers and take another step forward in resource circulation at the stadium.
* "Peelable Cup" is our club's unique designation for Toyo Seikan Group's food paper container "FF (Film Forming) Cup."
Overview
■Start Date of Introduction
May 3rd, 2026 (Sunday, holiday) Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial Plan League Regional Round EAST Section 14 match against FC Machida Zelvia
■Target Stores
Some stadium gourmet food concession stands inside and outside Mercari Stadium
■Target Menu Items
Containers for food menu items provided at target stores
Waste Sorting Updated to 10 Categories
With the introduction of "Peelable Cups," waste sorting at all collection points, including the concourse inside the stadium, will be updated from the previous 9 categories to 10 categories, with the addition of "Peelable Cups." We kindly ask for your continued cooperation to ensure smooth operations.
