Closing the Loop, Year After Year: Foopak’s 3-Year Journey with Income Eco Run

At the Income Eco Run 2025, held on 8 June at Marina Gardens Drive, Marina Barrage in Singapore, Foopak provided over 80,000 compostable and recyclable cups. This initiative supported the event’s zero-waste goal and reflected a strong commitment to sustainability across all aspects of the run.

Income Eco Run’s Commitment to Zero Waste

Income Eco Run is an annual event in Singapore organized by Income Insurance Limited, first launched in 2017. The run is designed to promote eco-friendly habits by incorporating sustainable practices throughout every aspect of the event. These include the use of compostable cups, reusable hydration containers, compact race bibs, digital certificates, and T-shirts made from recycled materials.

What Makes Foopak Bio Natura Fit Income Eco Run’s Mission

Foopak began its partnership with the Income Eco Run in 2023 by supplying 22,000 sustainable cups to nearly 3,000 runners. In 2024, Foopak continued their support by providing over 53,000 compostable cups to approximately 5,000 participants, reinforcing the event’s commitment to reducing single-use plastic waste.

The Foopak Bio Natura cup, used throughout the event, is made from certified virgin wood fibers and coated with an aqueous dispersion barrier that eliminates the need for traditional plastic linings. It is both recyclable and compostable, reflecting the values of participants, with nearly 90 percent expressing a preference for environmentally friendly products and sustainable packaging.

Waste Management Process at Income Eco Run

At the Income Eco Run, waste sorting stations were placed throughout the run route and event village to guide participants in properly disposing of materials. Separate bins were provided for cans, paper cups, plastic, banana peels, and general waste, helping to reduce contamination and support effective waste recovery.

To further enhance the event’s sustainability efforts, the organizers partnered with ENTO Industries to manage composting. Both banana peels and used paper cups were collected and processed into compost after the event, ensuring that organic waste was diverted from landfills and returned to the environment in a useful form.

Measuring the Green Impact

Major marathons and road races often generate substantial plastic waste. For instance, the London Marathon produces around 47,000 plastic bottles discarded along the course and contributes several tonnes of waste overall. In the US, races like the California International Marathon may hand out over 150,000 disposable cups to just 9,000 runners.

In contrast, Income Eco Run 2025 focused on reducing waste through sustainable choices. With nearly 5,500 participants, the event raised S$70,000 for WWF-Singapore’s programme to reduce single-use packaging. Initiatives such as compostable cups, reusable hydration containers, and composting 700 kg of banana peels helped cut waste, while opting out of medals and race tees saved 169 kg of material and 135 kg of clothing waste.

Join the Movement for a Greener Future with Foopak

Foopak continues to support initiatives that align with practical and measurable sustainability goals. Through its ongoing partnership with events like the Income Eco Run, Foopak contributes to reducing single-use plastics and promoting responsible waste management in the community. Learn more about Foopak’s paperboard solutions here.