Atlanta Braves and WestRock Team Up to Increase Sustainability Efforts at SunTrust Park

By WestRock

The partnership will support the team’s environmental initiatives throughout the ballpark

ATLANTA (August 19, 2019) – The Atlanta Braves and WestRock Company, a global provider of sustainable paper and packaging solutions based in Atlanta, have teamed up to enhance sustainability practices throughout SunTrust Park. The collaboration aims to increase the percentage of recycled items by decreasing contamination in the recycling stream.

“We are excited to partner with WestRock to further our environmental initiatives at SunTrust Park,” said Derek Schiller, Atlanta Braves President and CEO. “The Atlanta Braves are committed to creating a sustainable ballpark, and our ability to divert waste to recycling at a high level would not be possible without the commitment of WestRock. This partnership directly reduces recycled materials from going into landfills.”

Presented in partnership with WestRock and Coca-Cola, new navy blue recycling bins will be located throughout the ballpark. Recyclable items, including plastics, paper, metal and glass placed in these bins will be collected and transported to WestRock’s local material recovery facility, where they will be sorted, processed and repurposed into new products, such as paper-based packaging, youth jerseys and more.

Placed conveniently around the stadium, the new recycling bins are designed to increase the total amount of material being recycled at the ballpark.“WestRock believes being part of a community means investing in programs and organizations that make tomorrow better for everyone,” said WestRock Chief Executive Officer Steve Voorhees, “Through our partnership with the Atlanta Braves, we’re proud to contribute to sustainability efforts at SunTrust Park by minimizing the volume of recyclable products that are landfilled and turning more recyclable materials into new, innovative products.”The Braves and WestRock will host a Green Game on Thursday, August 22 to celebrate their commitment to fostering sustainable initiatives at SunTrust Park, where Voorhees will throw the first pitch.

‍MEDIA CONTACT:

Beth Marshall, Atlanta Braves, 404-614-1336 or Beth.Marshall@braves.com

‍Courtney James, WestRock Company, 470-328-6493 or Courtney.James@westrock.com

‍About Atlanta Braves

‍Based in Atlanta since 1966, the Braves are the longest continuously operating franchise in Major League Baseball. Since 1991, Braves teams have earned two National League wild cards, 16 division championships, five National League pennants, and a World Series title. Atlanta Braves games are telecast on FOX Sports South and FOX Sports Southeast. Radio broadcasts can be heard in Atlanta on 680 The Fan (AM), WNNX, Rock 100.5 (FM) and regionally on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network. Follow the Braves at braves.com, facebook.com/braves, and twitter.com/braves.

‍About WestRock

‍WestRock (NYSE: WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com.