Bold Reuse Drives Waste Reduction at Oregon Convention Center with New Reusable Cups and Trays

Associated Press

06-03-2025

PORTLAND, OR, March 5, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- Bold Reuse, in partnership with the Oregon Convention Center (OCC), Levy, and PepsiCo, is expanding its industry-leading reusable packaging program at OCC in 2025. This expansion is expected to double the volume of reusables at OCC, reinforcing the commitment to making reusable solutions accessible at high-traffic event spaces.
Building on its success as the first convention center to launch an initiative with a reuse service provider in 2023, OCC is taking the next step toward waste diversion by introducing reusable soda cups supported by PepsiCo and rolling out reusable food baskets at primary restaurants and cafes. This will be PepsiCo's fourth reuse project with Bold Reuse, demonstrating a growing commitment to advancing reuse initiatives at large venues.
In 2023, Bold Reuse and OCC launched a reuse pilot, offering reusable trays to guests at select restaurants and cafes. The program has been a growing success, with a 93% average return rate since the system launch and over 39,385 single-use trays diverted from landfills. The expanded program aims to continuously reduce waste generated at OCC, which welcomes millions of visitors annually. Beginning in early March, guests purchasing meals at several restaurant and cafe locations will receive their food in reusable trays, and all poured PepsiCo Beverages will be served in reusable cups. This initiative is another way PepsiCo is making an impact through its pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) program, which strives to inspire positive change for the planet and people.
'At the Oregon Convention Center, sustainability is at the core of everything we do, said OCC Executive Director Cindy Wallace. 'By expanding our partnership with Bold Reuse and PepsiCo, we're setting a new standard for waste reduction in the events industry and demonstrating how large-scale venues can successfully implement reuse.'
As a national leader in reusable packaging solutions, Bold Reuse will manage the supply, sanitization, and logistics of the reusable cups and trays, ensuring a smooth transition and high-quality experience for guests and event organizers. The company's expertise has been instrumental in making reuse scalable and accessible for large venues.
'We are thrilled to continue our work with the Oregon Convention Center and continue to prove that reuse does work at scale,' said Jocelyn Quarrell, co-founder of Bold Reuse. 'By collaborating with forward-thinking organizations like the Oregon Convention Center, Levy, and PepsiCo, we're setting a new precedent for how large venues think about waste.'
The LEED® Platinum-certified Oregon Convention Center is a proud leader in sustainable events, allowing guests to be part of sustainability just by being there. The collective commitment to a greener and more sustainable future is strong, with the expansion of reusables debuting at The Pac West Cheer and Dance Nationals from February 28 to March 2.
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, Levy, and more, Bold Reuse delivers seamless, scalable reuse solutions for large venues, campuses, and corporations. With operations in Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Kansas City, Chicago, and Charlotte, and 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 https://www.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.
About Oregon Convention Center
The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is a premier gathering place in the Pacific Northwest, showcasing the Portland experience and contributing to the regional economy. OCC has been a sustainability pioneer, earning LEED Platinum® certification and recognition from the Events Industry Council for our commitment to green practices. We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all decision-making, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. From hosting innovative events and fostering human connection to advancing equitable outcomes and sustainability initiatives, OCC is where ideas flourish, culture is shared, and communities thrive. To learn more, visit .