Culligan International, Chicago organizations share results of sustainability partnership

Culligan International, a Rosemont, Illinois-based water treatment company, has revealed results from the first year of its sustainability and plastic waste reduction partnership with the United Center, the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks.

In September 2024, Culligan was named the official water partner of the organizations with a shared goal of reducing single-use plastic water bottle waste at games, concerts and other major events.

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Throughout the 2024-2025 season, recyclable aluminum Culligan water bottles were sold at every concession stand and the United Center introduced branded refilling stations, upgraded drinking fountains, educational signage, new recycling infrastructure and clear calls to action.

Key findings reported include:

• avoiding 600,000 single-use plastic bottles using aluminum bottle sales and refills;
• collecting 527,240 aluminum cans via a new recycling program;
• diverting 16,064 pounds of materials from landfills;
• preserving 2,034 cubic feet of landfill space;
• avoiding 36 million grams of CO₂ emissions; and
• saving 6,706 gallons of oil.

Culligan also served as the official water and supporting partner of Bulls Fest 2025, a two-day event that led to 1,056 liters of water dispensed at refill stations. Nearly 7,000 aluminum bottles were consumed on-site, leading to the avoidance of more than 15,000 single-use plastic water bottles.

Additionally, Culligan introduced a reusable water cup program at the event to further reduce single-use plastic waste with refills and return options.

"We believe what's good for the planet is good for business," Culligan Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Al Hamood says. "To achieve such significant results in our first year demonstrates the power of our purpose, proving sustainable water solutions enhance fan experiences and reduce plastic waste in our hometown.

“We are proud to work with like-minded industry leaders to create long-term behavioral changes by redefining hydration with innovations that increase accessibility and drive measurable sustainable impact."

The partnership was recognized in September at the Sponsorship Marketing Association Excellence Awards as the 2025 Best in Show for Activation at Events and Venues.

"The United Center is committed to providing exceptional, innovative guest experiences," United Center Chief Operating Officer Joe Myhra says. "Teaming up with Culligan has allowed us to make tangible progress in reducing single-use plastic water bottles and empower our fans to make more conscious environmental choices with a hometown partner.”