Liverpool Football Club (LFC) has taken another step in its sustainability journey by collaborating with 1PointFive, a subsidiary of Occidental (Oxy) focused on Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. This partnership will see LFC address the carbon footprint of its merchandise by purchasing DAC-based carbon removal credits, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.
The initiative aligns with LFC’s sustainability strategy, “The Red Way,” launched in 2021. This comprehensive strategy outlines ambitious goals, including a 50% reduction in operational carbon emissions by 2030, achieving net-zero status by 2040, and ensuring carbon neutrality for its merchandise from 2030 onwards.
Under the partnership, LFC will conduct a full assessment of the carbon footprint of its products—from manufacturing through distribution to club sites—and purchase an equivalent quantity of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits from 1PointFive. These credits will be sourced from 1PointFive’s DAC projects, which capture CO2 directly from the atmosphere and either store it permanently or utilize it in industrial applications.
Direct Air Capture is recognized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) as a vital component in the transition to a net-zero energy system. This technology extracts CO2 from the air and stores it underground or repurposes it for industrial use. Studies by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicate that achieving global climate goals will require scaling up carbon removal to billions of tons annually in the coming decades, with DAC positioned to play a crucial role.
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1PointFive is at the forefront of this technology, currently developing large-scale carbon removal and sequestration projects across the U.S. Among these is STRATOS, located in Ector County, Texas, which is expected to become the world’s largest DAC facility. Upon completion, STRATOS will have the capacity to capture 500,000 tonnes of CO2 annually and is projected to be commercially operational by mid-2025.
By integrating DAC-based carbon removal credits into its merchandise strategy, Liverpool FC aims to set a precedent for how sports organizations can contribute to climate action. The club’s decision to invest in DAC technology not only helps mitigate its emissions but also promotes innovative carbon reduction methods within the broader sports industry.
The Red Way: A Commitment to SustainabilityLiverpool FC’s sustainability strategy, “The Red Way,” is built around reducing environmental impact while engaging its fans, staff, and partners in collective climate action. The club has made notable progress in recent years, including implementing energy efficiency measures at its facilities, adopting more sustainable packaging for merchandise, and increasing its use of renewable energy sources.
The new collaboration with 1PointFive represents an important extension of these efforts. By addressing the carbon footprint of its merchandise, LFC is acknowledging the environmental impact of its supply chain and taking proactive measures to offset it. This move aligns with the growing trend of businesses and organizations seeking verifiable carbon removal solutions rather than relying solely on traditional carbon offsets.
The football industry, like many others, faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, particularly in areas such as travel emissions, energy use, and merchandise production. Liverpool FC’s decision to integrate DAC credits into its sustainability initiatives reflects a broader shift toward transparency and accountability in corporate climate commitments.
LFC’s approach to sustainability goes beyond internal initiatives. The club is also leveraging its global reach to raise awareness about climate change and encourage fans to take part in sustainability efforts. Through strategic partnerships like this one, LFC is setting an example for other football clubs and sports organizations, demonstrating how large-scale events and merchandise production can be aligned with environmental responsibility.
The collaboration with 1PointFive also signals the increasing role of sports brands in accelerating the adoption of emerging climate technologies. While DAC technology is still in its early stages, investments from organizations like LFC can help drive further research, development, and commercialization, making these solutions more widely available and cost-effective in the long run.
As Liverpool FC works toward its 2030 carbon neutrality target for merchandise, this initiative with 1PointFive is likely just the beginning. Moving forward, the club may explore additional ways to reduce emissions at the source, such as adopting more sustainable materials, optimizing logistics to minimize transport emissions, and collaborating with suppliers that adhere to strict environmental standards.
For now, by purchasing DAC-based carbon removal credits, LFC is ensuring that its merchandise strategy contributes to a more sustainable future. As other football clubs and global brands look for effective ways to reduce their carbon footprint, Liverpool FC’s model could serve as a blueprint for integrating innovative climate solutions into commercial operations.
