Large-Scale Sports Events Face Increasingly Urgent Carbon Neutrality Responsibilities and Participants’ Environmental Demands
More Than 40,000 Large-Scale Road Running Events Are Held Globally Every Year, with a Total Carbon Emission Exceeding 2 Million Tons
The global marathon and road running industry has experienced unprecedented growth in recent decades, becoming a beloved sport that unites millions of participants worldwide. However, this rapid development comes with a significant environmental footprint, as large-scale sports events face increasingly urgent carbon neutrality responsibilities. A staggering statistic highlights the scale of the challenge: more than 40,000 large-scale road running events are held globally every year, with a total carbon emission exceeding 2 million tons. These emissions stem from multiple sources, including transportation of participants and materials, energy consumption for event operations, waste generation (such as disposable water bottles, plastic bags, and non-recyclable race bibs), and the production and disposal of event souvenirs. As the global focus on climate change intensifies, the marathon industry can no longer overlook its environmental impact. ECO RFID Wristbands have emerged as a transformative solution to address these challenges, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional event accessories while laying the foundation for reducing marathon carbon emissions across the entire event lifecycle.
Survey of Participants Shows That 85% of Runners Expect Event Organizers to Take More Substantive Environmental Protection Measures
Beyond the inherent environmental responsibilities, event organizers are also facing growing pressure from participants who prioritize sustainability. A comprehensive survey of marathon runners reveals that 85% of respondents expect event organizers to take more substantive environmental protection measures, rather than just symbolic gestures. Modern runners, especially the younger generation, are increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint and are more likely to choose events that align with their environmental values. They demand transparency about the event’s environmental impact and tangible actions to minimize it, such as reducing plastic waste, using eco-friendly materials, and offsetting carbon emissions. This shift in participant expectations is driving a fundamental change in how marathon events are planned and executed. ECO RFID Wristbands directly respond to these demands by integrating sustainable materials and smart technologies that enable both environmental protection and enhanced participant experience. By adopting ECO RFID Wristbands, organizers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, attracting more environmentally conscious runners and enhancing the overall reputation of the event.
From the Paris Agreement to China’s Dual Carbon Goals, International and Domestic Policies Are Forming Hard Constraints on the Green Transition of the Sports Industry
The push for sustainability in the marathon industry is further reinforced by a growing body of international and domestic policies that are forming hard constraints on the green transition of the sports industry. The Paris Agreement, a landmark international treaty on climate change, has set ambitious goals to limit global warming, urging all industries, including sports, to reduce their carbon emissions. Similarly, China’s Dual Carbon Goals (carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060) have placed clear requirements on domestic sports events to adopt low-carbon practices. Many countries and regions have also introduced specific regulations, such as mandatory carbon footprint reporting for large-scale events and restrictions on the use of single-use plastics. These policy pressures mean that marathon organizers can no longer afford to delay their green transition; they must proactively adopt sustainable solutions to comply with regulations and avoid potential penalties. ECO RFID Wristbands play a crucial role in this transition, providing a practical and scalable way to reduce carbon emissions, track environmental impact, and demonstrate compliance with policy requirements, thus helping the marathon industry move toward carbon neutrality in a policy-compliant manner.
Wristband Design Based on Marine Plastics and Clean Energy Achieves Dual Carbon Reduction in Materials and Energy
The Main Material of the Wristband Comes from Certified Recycled Marine Plastic Waste, Reducing Virgin Plastic Use by 18 Grams Per Unit
At the core of the sustainable solution offered by ECO RFID Wristbands is their innovative design, which leverages marine plastics and clean energy to achieve dual carbon reduction in materials and energy. The main material of the wristband is sourced from certified recycled marine plastic waste, a choice that not only addresses the problem of ocean pollution but also significantly reduces carbon emissions associated with plastic production. Each ECO RFID Wristband reduces the use of virgin plastic by 18 grams, a substantial amount when multiplied by the tens of thousands of participants in a typical marathon. The recycled marine plastic undergoes a rigorous purification and processing process to ensure it meets the required durability and safety standards, making it suitable for use in a high-intensity sports environment. By using recycled materials instead of virgin plastics, ECO RFID Wristbands avoid the significant carbon emissions generated during the extraction, refining, and manufacturing of new plastic. This material innovation is a key step in reducing the marathon carbon footprint, as plastic waste has long been one of the most visible and problematic environmental impacts of large-scale running events.
Integrated Thin-Film Solar Modules Can Provide All the Electrical Energy Required for the Wristband Chip During the Event
Complementing the eco-friendly material choice is the integration of thin-film solar modules into ECO RFID Wristbands, which addresses the energy-related carbon emissions of traditional RFID devices. Unlike conventional RFID wristbands that rely on disposable batteries (which contribute to waste and carbon emissions during production and disposal) or wired power sources, ECO RFID Wristbands use thin-film solar modules to harvest clean, renewable energy from sunlight. These modules are lightweight, flexible, and highly efficient, capable of generating sufficient electrical energy to power the wristband’s chip throughout the entire event duration—from packet pickup to the end of the race. The solar-powered design eliminates the need for disposable batteries, further reducing waste and carbon emissions. Additionally, the use of clean energy ensures that the operation of the RFID chip does not contribute to the event’s carbon footprint. This energy innovation not only enhances the sustainability of ECO RFID Wristbands but also improves their reliability, as they do not suffer from battery depletion issues that can affect the performance of traditional RFID devices.
The Night Reflective Strip Material Adopts Bio-Based Polymers, Ensuring Safety While Reducing Dependence on Petrochemicals
Another critical aspect of the ECO RFID Wristband design is the use of bio-based polymers for the night reflective strips, which ensures participant safety while further reducing dependence on petrochemicals. Reflective strips are essential for the safety of runners, especially in early-morning or evening races, as they enhance visibility to organizers, volunteers, and vehicles. Traditional reflective strips are typically made from petrochemical-based materials, which are non-biodegradable and contribute to carbon emissions during production. In contrast, the reflective strips on ECO RFID Wristbands are made from bio-based polymers derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. These bio-based materials offer the same high reflectivity and durability as their petrochemical counterparts but have a significantly lower carbon footprint. By using bio-based polymers, ECO RFID Wristbands reduce the marathon industry’s reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more circular economy. This design choice demonstrates that sustainability and safety can go hand in hand, addressing both environmental concerns and the core safety needs of marathon participants.
The Precise Carbon Metering System Throughout the Entire Participant Lifecycle Makes Hidden Emissions Explicit
When Participants Scan the Wristband to Collect Their Race Packs, the System Automatically Associates the Material and Transportation Carbon Emissions of the Supplies
ECO RFID Wristbands are not just sustainable accessories; they are also the core component of a precise carbon metering system that tracks emissions throughout the entire participant lifecycle, making hidden emissions explicit. One of the key functions of this system is activated when participants scan their ECO RFID Wristband to collect their race packs. At this point, the system automatically associates the material and transportation carbon emissions of the supplies included in the race pack—such as T-shirts, water bottles, energy gels, and brochures—with the participant’s individual carbon account. Each item’s carbon footprint is pre-calculated based on its production process, raw materials, and transportation distance from the manufacturer to the event venue. This allows participants to see the environmental impact of the race pack items, making otherwise hidden emissions tangible. For organizers, this data provides valuable insights into the carbon hotspots of their event, enabling them to make targeted improvements—such as switching to more sustainable materials for race pack items or optimizing transportation routes to reduce emissions. The integration of carbon metering into the race pack collection process ensures that sustainability tracking starts from the very beginning of the participant’s journey.
When Taking Shuttle Buses, the Wristband Records the Mileage and Calculates and Credits It to the Individual Carbon Account Based on Electric or Fuel-Powered Vehicle Types
Another important part of the carbon metering system is the tracking of emissions from participant transportation to and from the event venue, a significant but often overlooked source of marathon carbon emissions. When participants take shuttle buses provided by the event organizers, their ECO RFID Wristband automatically records the mileage traveled. The system then calculates the carbon emissions based on the type of shuttle bus—whether it is an electric vehicle (with zero tailpipe emissions) or a traditional fuel-powered vehicle (with a known carbon emission rate per kilometer). This emission data is then credited to the participant’s individual carbon account. This feature not only makes participants aware of the environmental impact of their transportation choices but also incentivizes the use of low-carbon transportation options. For example, participants who take electric shuttle buses will have lower emissions credited to their account, rewarding their choice of sustainable transportation. For organizers, this data helps them evaluate the effectiveness of their shuttle bus fleet’s sustainability efforts and make decisions about future fleet upgrades—such as increasing the number of electric shuttle buses to further reduce emissions.
After Crossing the Finish Line, the Timing Chip Is Recycled, and the Carbon Emissions from Manufacturing and Distribution Are Calculated Based on the Material and Process of the Finisher’s Medal
The carbon metering system continues to track emissions even after the race ends, ensuring a comprehensive view of the entire participant lifecycle. After crossing the finish line, participants return their ECO RFID Wristband’s timing chip (which is integrated into the wristband) for recycling. The recycling process itself is also tracked for its carbon footprint, including the energy used to process and reuse the chip materials. Additionally, the system calculates the carbon emissions associated with the manufacturing and distribution of the finisher’s medal, a iconic part of the marathon experience. The medal’s carbon footprint is determined based on its material—such as metal, plastic, or recycled materials—and its manufacturing process, as well as the transportation distance from the medal manufacturer to the event venue. This data is then added to the participant’s individual carbon account, providing a complete picture of their total carbon impact from the event. By extending carbon metering to post-race activities, ECO RFID Wristbands ensure that no part of the participant’s journey is overlooked, enabling both participants and organizers to take a holistic approach to reducing marathon carbon emissions.
The Comprehensive Practice of the London Marathon Provides a Quantifiable Carbon Reduction Benchmark for the Industry
The 2025 Event Deployed ECO RFID Wristbands and Carbon Metering Systems on a Full Scale for the First Time
The effectiveness of ECO RFID Wristbands in reducing marathon carbon emissions has been validated through comprehensive practice at the London Marathon, one of the world’s most prestigious and largest marathons. The 2025 edition of the event marked the first full-scale deployment of ECO RFID Wristbands and the associated carbon metering system, covering all 50,000+ participants. This large-scale deployment was a significant milestone for the marathon industry, demonstrating that sustainable technologies can be successfully integrated into large, high-profile events. The London Marathon organizers worked closely with technology providers to ensure seamless integration of ECO RFID Wristbands into existing event processes, from race pack collection to finish line recycling. The deployment included training for staff and volunteers to ensure smooth operation of the carbon metering system and effective communication with participants about the sustainability features of the wristbands. This full-scale practice provided valuable real-world data on the performance of ECO RFID Wristbands and their impact on carbon reduction, setting the stage for industry-wide adoption.
Compared to the 2023 Baseline, the Total Direct and Indirect Carbon Emissions of the Event Decreased by 32 Tons
The results of the 2025 London Marathon deployment were impressive, providing a quantifiable carbon reduction benchmark for the industry. Compared to the 2023 baseline (before the adoption of ECO RFID Wristbands), the total direct and indirect carbon emissions of the event decreased by 32 tons. This reduction was achieved across multiple areas: the use of recycled marine plastic in ECO RFID Wristbands reduced plastic-related emissions; the solar-powered design eliminated battery-related emissions; the carbon metering system enabled targeted reductions in race pack and transportation emissions; and the recycling of timing chips and sustainable finisher’s medals further contributed to emission savings. The 32-ton reduction is a significant achievement, especially considering the large scale of the London Marathon. It demonstrates that ECO RFID Wristbands are not just a symbolic sustainable solution but a practical one that delivers measurable environmental benefits. This quantifiable result provides a clear benchmark for other marathon organizers, showing them the potential carbon reduction they can achieve by adopting similar technologies.
The Post-Event “Full Lifecycle Environmental Impact Report” Was Certified by a Third-Party Environmental Organization
To ensure transparency and credibility, the London Marathon organizers published a post-event “Full Lifecycle Environmental Impact Report,” which detailed the carbon reduction achievements and the performance of ECO RFID Wristbands. This report was independently certified by a leading third-party environmental organization, verifying the accuracy of the carbon emission data and the effectiveness of the sustainability measures implemented. The certification adds significant credibility to the results, reassuring other event organizers, participants, and stakeholders that the carbon reduction claims are legitimate. The report also included detailed insights into the implementation process, challenges faced, and lessons learned, providing a valuable resource for the industry. By publishing a certified environmental impact report, the London Marathon has set a new standard for transparency in the marathon industry, encouraging other organizers to adopt similar practices. This transparency is crucial for building trust with participants and stakeholders and driving widespread adoption of sustainable technologies like ECO RFID Wristbands.
Blockchain Technology-Enabled Personal Carbon Accounts Build a Trustworthy Environmental Incentive System
All Carbon Footprint Data of Each Participant Is Encrypted and Uploaded to the Blockchain in Real Time to Ensure Tamper-Proof and Transparent Access
To further enhance the effectiveness of the carbon reduction efforts, ECO RFID Wristbands are integrated with blockchain technology to enable personal carbon accounts, building a trustworthy environmental incentive system. A key feature of this system is that all carbon footprint data of each participant—collected throughout the entire event lifecycle via the ECO RFID Wristband—is encrypted and uploaded to the blockchain in real time. Blockchain technology ensures that this data is tamper-proof, as each transaction (or data entry) is recorded in a decentralized ledger that cannot be altered without the consensus of the network. This tamper-proof nature ensures the integrity of the carbon footprint data, making it trustworthy for both participants and organizers. Additionally, the data is transparently accessible to participants, who can view their individual carbon accounts at any time through a dedicated mobile app. This transparency empowers participants to take ownership of their environmental impact and make informed decisions to reduce their carbon footprint in future events. The use of blockchain technology addresses a key challenge in environmental incentive systems: ensuring the credibility of the data on which incentives are based.
Personal Carbon Accounts Award Electronic Badges from “Environmental Participant” to “Carbon Neutrality Pioneer” Based on Carbon Reduction Performance
Based on the carbon reduction performance recorded in their personal carbon accounts, participants are awarded electronic badges that recognize their environmental efforts, ranging from “Environmental Participant” (for basic sustainable behaviors) to “Carbon Neutrality Pioneer” (for the highest level of carbon reduction). These badges are automatically issued based on predefined criteria, such as the amount of carbon emissions reduced compared to the average participant, the use of low-carbon transportation options, and the return of the ECO RFID Wristband for recycling. The electronic badges are stored in the participant’s blockchain-based carbon account, serving as a digital record of their environmental achievements. These badges not only provide participants with a sense of accomplishment but also serve as a form of social recognition, as participants can share their badges on social media platforms. This recognition incentivizes participants to adopt more sustainable behaviors, both during the marathon and in their daily lives. The badge system transforms carbon reduction from a passive requirement into an active, rewarding pursuit, enhancing participant engagement with sustainability efforts.
Cooperating with Environmental Brands, Participants Can Redeem Product Discounts or Carbon Sink Donation Quotas on Specific Platforms with Their Badges
To further strengthen the incentive system, the ECO RFID Wristband program has established partnerships with a range of environmental brands. Participants can redeem their electronic badges on specific platforms for tangible rewards, such as product discounts on eco-friendly goods (e.g., reusable water bottles, organic clothing, and sustainable running gear) or carbon sink donation quotas. Carbon sink donations allow participants to offset any remaining carbon emissions from the event by supporting projects that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives. These rewards provide participants with immediate, tangible benefits for their sustainable behaviors, making the incentive system more effective. For environmental brands, the partnership provides an opportunity to connect with a large, environmentally conscious audience, enhancing their brand reputation and driving sales of sustainable products. This win-win collaboration between event organizers, environmental brands, and participants strengthens the overall sustainability ecosystem of the marathon industry, encouraging long-term commitment to carbon neutrality.
Establishing a Post-Event Closed Loop from Products to Education to Amplify the Long-Term Environmental Impact of a Single Event
After the Event, Special Recycling Points Are Set Up to Encourage Participants to Return Their Wristbands to Participate in the Circular Recycling Program
To maximize the long-term environmental impact of ECO RFID Wristbands, a post-event closed loop is established that encompasses product recycling, material reuse, and environmental education. The first step in this closed loop is the setup of special recycling points after the event, strategically located at the finish line, transportation hubs, and event venues to encourage participants to return their ECO RFID Wristbands. These recycling points are clearly marked and staffed by volunteers who explain the circular recycling program to participants. The goal is to recover as many wristbands as possible, ensuring that their materials can be reused rather than ending up in landfills or oceans. Participants who return their wristbands are often rewarded with additional points in their personal carbon accounts or small eco-friendly gifts, further incentivizing participation. This recycling program extends the lifecycle of ECO RFID Wristbands beyond the event itself, reducing waste and maximizing the sustainability of the product.
The Recycled Wristband Materials Are Processed and Used to Manufacture Some Promotional Materials or Souvenirs for the Next Event
The recycled ECO RFID Wristband materials undergo a rigorous processing and purification process to extract the usable components, such as the recycled marine plastic and metal from the timing chip. These processed materials are then used to manufacture some of the promotional materials or souvenirs for the next edition of the marathon. For example, recycled wristband materials can be turned into keychains, magnets, or small trophies that are given to participants or sold as official merchandise. This closed-loop material reuse ensures that the carbon emissions saved by using recycled materials are multiplied over multiple events, as the same materials are kept in circulation rather than being discarded. It also serves as a powerful visual reminder to participants of the impact of their recycling efforts, reinforcing sustainable behaviors. By reusing materials, the marathon industry reduces its reliance on new raw materials, further lowering its carbon footprint and moving toward a more circular economy.
Cooperating with Environmental Organizations to Develop the Event’s Carbon Reduction Story into Primary and Secondary School Courses to Improve Public Climate Awareness
The final component of the post-event closed loop is environmental education, which aims to amplify the long-term environmental impact of a single marathon event by raising public climate awareness. Event organizers cooperate with environmental organizations to develop the event’s carbon reduction story—including the use of ECO RFID Wristbands, the carbon reduction achievements, and the experiences of participants—into engaging primary and secondary school courses. These courses are designed to teach students about climate change, carbon footprints, and the role that individuals and communities can play in reducing emissions. They may include interactive activities, such as calculating the carbon footprint of a hypothetical event, or guest lectures from marathon participants who share their experiences with the ECO RFID Wristband program. By integrating the marathon’s sustainability efforts into education, the impact of the event extends far beyond the day of the race, inspiring the next generation to adopt sustainable behaviors. This educational component ensures that the marathon industry’s commitment to carbon neutrality has a lasting, positive impact on society as a whole.
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