Barcelona targets waste recovery with PreZero partnership
Barcelona have appointed PreZero Iberia as their official Espai Barça waste management partner, targeting certification that would divert more than 90% of waste from landfill at their stadium and training complex.
Barcelona have signed a strategic partnership with PreZero Iberia to overhaul waste management at Spotify Camp Nou and the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, combining an operational services agreement with sponsorship of the Espai Barça development.The environmental services company will become the official Espai Barça waste management partner, managing waste at both locations and introducing circular economy measures as the club pursue AENOR-certified ‘Zero Waste’ status.Jordi Portabella, director of Barcelona’s sustainability area, said: “Sustainability is one of the three cornerstones of FC Barcelona's strategic plan and a commitment that we incorporate across all our activities and projects.”The certification requires more than 90% of waste generated at the two facilities to be recovered rather than sent to landfill, giving the partnership a measurable operational objective.PreZero will begin by analysing waste flows across the stadium and training ground, identifying how materials can be separated more effectively and introducing a new system for selective collection.New containers and bins will be installed at both sites, supported by awareness campaigns aimed at employees, club members and supporters to improve the way waste is sorted.The involvement of those groups forms part of the delivery programme, with collection infrastructure and changes in disposal habits intended to work together rather than relying solely on treatment after waste leaves the facilities.Pablo Caballero, PreZero’s industrial business director, commented: “Spotify Camp Nou, as well as being Europe's largest stadium, will also become an international benchmark for the circular economy.”Caballero identified efficient waste management and supporter participation as central to the project, with the same approach extending to the training complex alongside the stadium operation.Portabella linked the agreement to the wider environmental planning for the redeveloped Spotify Camp Nou, where resource efficiency, renewable energy, water reuse and circular economy measures have been considered during development.The club are aiming to achieve certification at the facilities next season, making the assessment and redesign of collection processes the immediate priorities for the partnership.PreZero provides urban services to more than 1,000 municipalities and circular economy solutions to 8,000 private-sector clients across Spain and Portugal, alongside its waste treatment and recycling operations.The company also produces recycled raw materials and renewable energy from waste, bringing those capabilities into an agreement focused on recovering resources from Barcelona’s daily operations and sporting events.The next stage will be the waste-flow assessment, followed by changes to collection infrastructure and engagement campaigns as the two facilities work towards certification.