Culligan International, United Center, Chicago Bulls And Chicago Blackhawks Demonstrate Sustainable Impact

Nearly 600,000 Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles Avoided in First Year of Partnership with Innovative Hydration Solutions at Games, Concerts, Events

Culligan International, the United Center, the Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago Blackhawks today announced the results of the first year of their sustainability-focused partnership. The collaboration measurably reduced plastic waste and encouraged more sustainable habits at one of the nation's busiest sports and entertainment venues, which hosts more than two million guests annually.

In September 2024, Culligan International, the global leader in water transformation, was named the Official Water Partner of the United Center, the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks, creating a powerful alliance between hometown institutions to reduce single-use plastic water bottle waste and bring to life exceptional water experiences that improve fan experiences.

In its first year, the strategic partnership has transformed how water is consumed across Bulls and Blackhawks games, concerts and other major events at the United Center—establishing best practices and new benchmarks for single-use plastic waste reduction at the venue, inclusive of:

• 600,000 single-use plastic bottles avoided, driven by aluminum bottle sales and refills
• 527,240 aluminum cans collected via the new recycling program which effectively
  • Diverted 15,064 pounds of material from landfills
  • Preserved 2,034 cubic feet of landfill space
  • Avoided 36 million grams of CO_₂ emissions
  • Saved 6,706 gallons of oil

"We believe what's good for the planet is good for business," said Al Hamood, chief financial and administrative officer, Culligan International. "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."

Culligan has been headquartered in Chicago since its inception nearly 90 years ago. Joining forces with iconic Chicago franchises in their home arena unlocked opportunities to reimagine water. Throughout the 2024-25 season, fans found enhanced drinking water touchpoints within the United Center and its practice facilities. This includes infinitely recyclable aluminum Culligan water bottles sold at every concession point, branded refilling stations and upgraded drinking fountains on every level and premium, multifunctional taps in the 100-level suites to not only increase access to cleaner, safer water but also infuse responsible behaviors within the fan journey.

Educational signage, new recycling infrastructure and clear calls to action helped embed more sustainable behaviors into the United Center experiences, which all gave way to a circular and more eco-conscious recycling model that eliminates hundreds of thousands of plastic water bottles annually while protecting our planet and the United Center patrons.

"The United Center is committed to providing exceptional, innovative guest experiences," said Joe Myhra, chief operating officer, United Center. "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."

This partnership was notably recognized by Sponsorship Marketing Association Excellence Awards as 2025's Best in Show for Activation at Events and Venues. This award celebrates and further reinforces the partnerships' lasting impact in transforming guest experiences thanks to fan-first engagement, creative integration, and exceptional execution.