News & inspiration
At Bargate Homes, we are proud to champion sustainable living – not only through the homes we build, but also by supporting community initiatives that make a positive impact. As part of our ongoing partnership with Mayflower Theatre, we are delighted to have sponsored the theatre’s new reusable cup scheme, helping to eradicate over 120,000 single-use plastic cups every year.
The introduction of STACK-CUP™ reusable cups at Mayflower Theatre marks a significant step forward in reducing environmental impact at one of Southampton’s most beloved venues. Disposable plastic cups can take up to 450 years to degrade, creating harmful microplastics that threaten wildlife and our ecosystems. By switching to reusable cups, which can be washed, reused and eventually fully recycled, Mayflower Theatre is leading the way in sustainable change.
Mark White, our Managing Director, said: “Supporting sustainable initiatives in the local community where we build is incredibly important to us. By sponsoring Mayflower Theatre’s new reusable cup scheme, we’re proud to help reduce single-use plastic and back a venue that brings so much to our community. Having supported last year’s panto, this partnership builds on our continued support for the theatre and our commitment to Southampton’s cultural and environmental future.”
Ben Miles, Head of Sales and Marketing of STACK-CUP™ said, “We are delighted to be joining forces with Mayflower Theatre in their efforts to be more sustainable, offering a practical and environmentally friendly solution to audiences who wish to take their drinks into the auditorium. Mayflower Theatre marks the first theatre on the South Coast that we have our cups in, and we hope many other local theatres and venues follow suit. We already work with many venues around the country and have recently become the provider for all Belfast venues, which will save the city an estimated 2.5 million single-use cups going into landfill every year. We look forward to seeing Mayflower Theatre’s patrons embrace this initiative and enjoy their drinks with sustainability in mind.”
Tasha Finch, Head of Customer Operations at Mayflower said, “We continue to take positive steps towards greater sustainability, and we are excited to be working towards removing single-use plastic
from Mayflower Theatre. Our customers expect us to play a positive role in the communities we serve and to take the lead in environmental initiatives. Our thanks also go to Bargate for their continued support.”
Mayflower Theatre’s broader carbon reduction programme has seen recycling rates rise from 10.4% in 2020 to 60% in 2024/25, alongside an investment of over £500,000 in energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the auditorium and stage areas. Planning permission has also been granted for a new solar array installation in the coming months.
The reusable cups will be available at all Mayflower Theatre bars starting 30 April 2025 and will form part of the venue’s work under the Theatre Green Book guidelines to further reduce its carbon footprint.
We are proud to be part of this important initiative and to continue our support of projects that protect and enhance the communities where we live and work.
