Sustainability

Rock am Ring is not just about unforgettable live moments, but also about responsibility towards the environment and society. That is why we are continuously working to make the festival sustainable. Since 2025, we have been going one step further and strengthening our commitment with our own sustainability team and strategic sustainability management approach in accordance with ISO 20121.

 Our focus: less waste, more green energy, climate-friendly mobility and a festival environment that embraces diversity and inclusion. Find out what we have already achieved and what our goals are for 2025. And because change is best achieved together: why not send us your ideas to sustainability@rock-am-ring.com! Together, we are making Rock am Ring fit for the future.

Targets for 2025

1. Sustainability management

Since 2025, Rock am Ring has been supported by a professional sustainability team and external consultants from mediapool. One crucial step is the introduction of a sustainable event management system according to ISO 20121. This provides companies and event organisers with clear guidelines on how to plan and implement their events in an environmentally friendly, socially responsible, legally compliant and economically sustainable manner. Certification according to this standard shows that sustainability is an integral part of their event processes.

What exactly is happening?

  • Stakeholder analysis and prioritisation of key areas of activity+
  • Certification process with independent advice for more transparency and quality assurance
  • Close co-operation with Rock im Park for the efficient implementation of sustainability measures

 2. Sustainable catering

A festival without food? Unimaginable! Our catering partner GTB Gastro Team Bremen has been committed to environmentally friendly solutions for years, and ensures that delicious and healthy food go hand in hand with sustainability.

What is planned for 2025?

  • Reusable cups and a plastic-free food court
  • CO2 labelling of all dishes
  • Expansion of the vegetarian and vegan options (already at 44% in 2023)
  • A complete ban on single-use plastic

3. Green energy supply

 Stages, light shows, loudspeakers – a festival like Rock am Ring consumes a lot of energy. We want to make this consumption as climate-friendly as possible. Our goal is to replace fossil fuels as far as possible and to focus on sustainable energy solutions. We are aware that, in order to protect the climate effectively, we have to end our dependence on fossil fuels.

Our measures:

  • Efficient use of construction vehicles to minimise environmental impact
  • Increased use of e-mobility
  • Use of HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) as an interim solution on the road to a 100% renewable energy supply
  • The Nürburgring sources its electricity from renewable sources.
  • Identification of CO2(e) emissions from fossil fuel supply 

4. Waste prevention & recycling

When you celebrate, you produce waste – there’s no getting around that. But we can ensure that as little of it as possible ends up in the environment. We are working to minimise the ecological footprint of Rock am Ring with targeted concepts for waste prevention, separation and recycling.

To achieve this, we are implementing the following:

  • Systematic collection and separation of waste to promote sustainable development
  • Introduction of “Side Controlling” for detailed waste analysis in collaboration with recyclable material management partners
  • Focus on continuous reduction of single-use plastic

5. Campsite & Green Camping

Camping is an essential part of the Rock am Ring festival experience – and an area with great potential for sustainable improvement. By expanding our “Green Camping” concept, which proved its worth in 2024, we are ensuring that celebrating together and protecting the environment go hand in hand.

This is what is happening:

  • Concept for on-site tent rental to avoid lugging equipment and rubbish
  • Cooperation with initiatives to reduce the amount of rubbish in camping areas
  • Deployment of a trash task force in selected areas
  • Optimisation of waste disposal through improved collection points and adapted recycling stations
  • Promoting the use of environmentally friendly hygiene products to ensure that wastewater is free of pollutants 

6. Commitment & Diversity

Sustainability is more than just a green concept – it is the interaction of ecological awareness, social responsibility and respectful coexistence. This is precisely where we come in at Rock am Ring: our goal is to create a space in which environmental awareness, diversity and mutual respect are not just called for, but actually practised.

Measures for 2025:

  • We actively oppose racism, sexism and all forms of discrimination, and we promote fair and safe coexistence.
  • In 2025, we will introduce a Code of Conduct that offers clear guidelines for respectful behaviour and active diversity.
  • We are continuously broadening our perspectives by working with experts in the fields of diversity, inclusion and awareness.
  • We are creating a platform for NGOs that are committed to social and ecological issues – for more exchange, inspiration and joint action.
  • Rock am Ring should be a place where everyone is welcome and can feel comfortable – a safe space with open communication, tolerance and humanity.

You can find all information about inclusion here. 

Our sustainability goals, set in accordance with the DIN ISO 20121 process, will be evaluated and independently verified after the festival. They serve as the basis for our goals in the coming year.

Rock am Ring is going green – with you! Because change is best achieved together. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Then write to us: sustainability@rock-am-ring.com.

Rock am Ring is about shared experiences, music and freedom; an appreciative and considerate atmosphere is also crucial to this.

What we stand for:

I. Taking responsibility

 Respectful and mindful interaction with one another is the basis for a safe and positive festival experience.

  • Respect: Please treat everyone with respect.
  • Consideration: Please look out for each other and take responsibility for each other’s well-being. This includes respecting and observing one’s own limits, but also those of others.

II. Mindful action

Mindfulness creates an environment in which everyone feels comfortable and safe.

  • Mindfulness & support: Look out for each other. If you experience or observe instances of inappropriate behaviour, address it or contact the established points of contact (e.g. WhatsApp hotline).
  • Communication:. If something is unclear, it is better to ask once more than to simply assume. “No means No”. Physical and verbal proximity is always based on mutual consent and should never be taken for granted.

III. No place for discrimination

There is no place for derogatory or exclusionary behaviour at our festival. This includes statements or actions that are directed against a person’s appearance, gender, origin, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age or social and economic status. Especially we reject all forms of racism and antisemitism.

Anyone who does not adhere to these principles can be excluded from the event.

Let’s work together to make Rock am Ring a place where everyone can party without a care in the world!

Year after year, we strive to evolve – always with the goal of finding new ways toward a more sustainable festival.
Our festival gastronomy has refrained from using single-use plastic tableware for years. Only recyclable cardboard, wooden cutlery, parchment paper, napkins, and bread rolls are permitted for serving food. We’ve also avoided (single-use) plastic in the beverage sector – reusable deposit cups have been in use for many years.

Reusable Tableware

This year, we want to not only celebrate and have fun with you but also continue reducing waste. Alongside the established reusable cups, we are increasingly using reusable tableware for food!

WHY: We want to set an example for sustainability, reduce waste together with you, and further establish and improve this system. We look forward to your support!

WHERE: At the food stalls on the food mile between Utopia Stage and Mandora Stage – enjoy your meals and return the tableware directly at the designated return stations!

DEPOSIT: 3 euros per bowl or plate

CO2 Footprint

The CO2 footprint indicates how many greenhouse gas emissions are produced directly and indirectly along the entire value chain – from production, transport, and pre-processing to the preparation of each dish. In addition to carbon dioxide (CO2), other greenhouse gases such as methane or nitrous oxide are also included in the CO2 footprint by converting them into CO2 equivalents (CO2-e).

Transparency is important to us. For this reason, we highlight the most climate-friendly dish at each of our food stalls. We’re not here to lecture you about supporting the environment – rather, we want to keep you well informed. For many, the CO2 footprint is becoming increasingly relevant alongside price, taste, and personal preferences. We hope you enjoy your meals and look forward to reducing CO2 emissions together with you.

C02 Sticker

traceless®

Sustainability is not a trend, it’s our responsibility – even at a festival like Rock im Park. That’s why this year, we’re using cutlery made from traceless® material at selected stalls. It’s made from plant-based agricultural residues, 100% plastic-free, SUPD-compliant, certified, and home-compostable. Compared to conventional plastics, it saves up to 95% CO2 during production and disposal – with no microplastics or harmful residues. And it’s just as practical and pleasant to use.