The products will be used at all 888Live poker events going forward, starting with 888poker Live Barcelona, taking place from 12 to 23 May.
The original bags, which are used to carry and transport poker chips, were made from polyethylene, which has become known as a single-use plastic.
Ecosec’s biodegradable bags are not only tamper-evident but also made from Low-Density Polyethylene, which is said to be less harmful to the environment.
888 Head of B2C Shai Tabibian commented: “We are proud 888 will be the first major operator to partner with Ecosec as part of this extremely progressive initiative. We see innovation partnerships like this as a win-win for us and crucial in our efforts to positively minimise our impact on the environment.
“Plastic chip bags have been used for many years, and we hope this is the beginning of a new, more ecologically friendly world of poker and gaming as we look into the future.”
The initial purchase of Ecosec’s bags, the first time a biodegradable bag has been used at a major poker event, is expected to remove 130kg of single-use plastic from circulation. It will also support 888 in reaching its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Ecosec CEO Karim Louis said: “The Poker Against Plastic Pollution campaign came about after I started playing in poker festivals. It became clear to me chip bags are essential for securing poker chips and in a tournament organiser's processes, but my organisation could have a global impact in improving environmental awareness across the industry.”
“We're very much looking forward to delivering these new bags to 888 for the first time and to continuing to partner at future events.”
