Padova, 10th February 2025 – APP Group’s Foopak Bio Natura, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, today announced its partnership with the Napoli City Half Marathon 2025, to be held in Naples on February 23 this year. This marks an exciting extension of Foopak’s collaboration with RunCzech Marathon events, for which Foopak provided over half a million eco-friendly cups in 2024, further solidifying its commitment to promoting sustainability in mass-participation sports.
As part of this event, Foopak will sponsor 40,000 eco-friendly cups, which will be prominently featured at hydration stations along the race route, in the VIP area, and during the post-race celebration. The cups, designed to meet rigorous sustainability standards, highlight Foopak’s dedication to reducing environmental impact and enhancing the experience for the expected 7000 runners participating in this highly anticipated event.
Compostable and Recyclable, these cups replace traditional plastic and plastic-lined paper cups. Made from Foopak Bio Natura paperboard, which is derived from PEFC and SFI-certified wood sources, the cups are PFAS-free and both home and industrial compostable, ensuring that the event contributes to a greener future.
Beyond its presence on race day, on 22 and 23 February Foopak will be present at the Sport Expo in Naples with a station where runners will have the opportunity to collect their pre-race gadgets and learn more about Foopak and its products. Furthermore, on February 22nd at 5.15pm, Danilo Benvenuti, Europe Regional Director of APP, will participate in a round table open to the public, offering insights into the brand’s solutions.
“This partnership is a testament to Foopak’s commitment to generating a positive environmental impact. By providing 40,000 recyclable and compostable cups made from Foopak Bio Natura paperboard at the Napoli City Half Marathon, we not only support runners in their natural hydration needs, but also set an example for sustainable practices in sporting events globally,” said Danilo Benvenuti, Europe Regional Director of APP.
Napoli Running spokesperson Carlo Capalbo, President, added: “The Napoli City Half Marathon has always been about pushing the limits, and this partnership with Foopak allows us to push the boundaries of sustainability. Together, we aim to inspire runners and spectators to think greener, while celebrating the sport we love.”
The Naples City Half Marathon has seen significant growth over the past four years. Ranked among the top three half marathons in Italy, the event is FIDAL, AIMS, IAAF and European Athletics certified, and holds both the Italian men’s and women’s half marathon records.
For more information on Foopak and its sustainable solutions, visit: https://www.foopak.com/
– END –
About APP Group
APP Group serves as the holding company for multiple pulp and paper manufacturing as well as forestry entities, catering to the increasing global need for high-quality tissue, packaging, and paper. Our products reach over 150 countries, spanning six continents.
Driven by a dedication to sustainability and ethical practices, we prioritise the well-being of our employees, society, and environment. Our approach involves harnessing technological advancements and fostering innovation, collaborating closely with communities, and upholding internationally recognized business and operational standards throughout our production and supply chains.
Aligned with the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, our Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030 steers our actions toward safeguarding forests, bolstering local communities, preserving biodiversity, and striving for carbon neutrality in all our endeavours.
About Foopak
Foopak is one of APP’s brands which focuses on producing paper packaging with the best quality especially for direct contact with food. Whether it is food or beverage, hot or cold, dry, or greasy, provides food packaging solutions to suit all your needs. Its fibre technology and manufacturing innovation allows it to produce exceptional products for every need, from bleached hardwood paper pulp to a full range of paper and packaging.
FOOPAK BIO NATURA, the flagship innovation of APP, is one type of biodegradable board. Foopak is a range of sustainable packaging products made from eco-friendly materials. The product range includes biodegradable paper cups, food trays, and containers, all designed to minimise the environmental impact of food packaging while maintaining food safety and quality.
About Napoli Run
Napoli Running was founded in 2016 thanks to an investment by RunCzech, a company that holds the largest number of World Athletics Gold Label races in the world, and organizes, among others, the Prague Marathon (25 editions and 15,000 participants per year) and other road races over various distances in Europe, with a total of 95,000 participants per year.
The Naples Half City Marathon is Label Road Races World Athletics. Napoli City Half Marathon achieved the Italian record in 2022 thanks to Yeman Crippa in 59:26. Italian record and first Italian under the hour. In 2024, with 1h08’27” Sofiia Yaremchuk equaled the Italian record for the women’s half marathon. Napoli City Half Marathon is the fastest half marathon in Italy. Kenyan Viola Cheptoo holds the race record with 1h06’47”.
Napoli Running supports, through its Charity project, the young patients hospitalized at the Santobono pediatric hospital in Naples through the activities and projects of the SOS Sostenitori Santobono ets.
All Runners are Beautiful is the slogan of Napoli Running to welcome everyone to the world of running.
For marketing and media enquiries, please contact:
Francesca Gavagnin
Marketing APP Italia
fgavagnin@appitalia.it
Wahyu Rahyuni B.
Global Product Marketing Manager APP Group
Wahyu_rahyuni@app.co.id
