Flash Entertainment, the Middle East’s leading live entertainment company, has partnered with DGrade – a sustainable manufacturing solutions business – to recycle plastic waste at Yas Island’s Etihad Park as part of a wider eco-friendly drive at the Middle East’s largest outdoor entertainment venue.
The partnership, which is at the heart of Flash Entertainment’s mission to be a sustainable live entertainment organisation while continuing to deliver unmissable experiences, focuses on utilising DGrade’s expertise and advanced technology to recycle plastic waste into sustainable Greenspun™ yarn. The yarn will then be used to make uniforms for event staff and ushers at Etihad Park, highlighting how cross-industry collaboration can drive the country’s circular economy.
The Etihad Park recycling partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030, with waste management being one of the five priority areas. Visitors to Etihad Park will be able to recycle their plastic cups and bottles in the Simply Bottles recycling bins placed throughout the venue. The plastic collected will be recycled by DGrade into clothing using their Greenspun™ yarn which consumes 50 per cent less water, 20 per cent less energy, and emits 55 per cent fewer carbon emissions.
Simply Bottles Recycle Bins
DGrade's Greenspun™ Process
“As an industry leader, we have an ongoing duty to, not only create unmissable experiences in the present but, also think long-term and ensure the industry is sustainable so future generations can also enjoy the unbeatable buzz of live entertainment,” said John Lickrish, CEO, Flash Entertainment. “Collaboration is the key to success. Our latest initiative with DGrade aligns well with our wider drive for a sustainable future. We hope this partnership will demonstrate to our audiences that they can still experience unmissable moments whilst playing their part in a better future.”
We are a key contributor towards Abu Dhabi and UAE sustainability goals having previously implemented innovative carbon offset and recycling initiatives across many of our events and venues, and we want to show the world how the entertainment industry can continue to make positive change.
The plastic waste recycling partnership is the latest initiative from Flash Entertainment to improve the environmental footprint of Etihad Park. Ahead of a packed live events season on Yas Island, the organisation has implemented a range of infrastructure enhancements making the venue more energy efficient.
Major work is being undertaken to change the water pipes to PRP piping with added valves, which limit the need for repair. Elsewhere, water- and power-saving equipment will be installed in the bathrooms, with plans also in place for the installation of a wastewater recycling system in the first quarter of 2023.