London 2026 will set the benchmark for sustainability against which every future ITTF World Table Tennis Championships will be measured.

As we celebrate the centenary of the International Table Tennis Federation, we are not just reflecting on 100 years of sporting excellence – we are safeguarding the century to come.

“The next hundred must be built on a foundation that protects the planet we all share,” said ITTF President Petra Sörling. “London 2026 is not just a celebration of our past, it is our commitment to the future.”

London 2026 was the first World Championships to include sustainability criteria and ambitions built into the bidding process.

When the city was awarded hosting rights in August 2023, it led to the creation of a Working Group to uphold the Championships’ Sustainable Event Pledge.

Central to this mission is the ITTF Planet Game Plan 2030. Launched to accelerate sustainability across the global table tennis community, this roadmap shifts our sport from ambition to accountable action. By embedding environmental, governance and economic sustainability into the very fabric of its operations, the ITTF is committed to a “Future-Ready” game.

Hosting this event in London, a city with a storied history of sporting and sustainability innovation, sets a benchmark for future ITTF-sanctioned events, with the Championships aspiring to meet the standards of the ITTF Sustainable Event Label being introduced for the ITTF Centenary.

This is not just about a single week of competition; it’s about setting a precedent which future hosts and organisers can learn from and build upon. The systems we pilot here in 2026 – from carbon budgeting to circular procurement – will define the standard for the next 100 years of the World Championships. We are proving that elite-level sport and environmental stewardship are not just compatible, but inseparable.

London: A global stage for green events

London has long been a pioneer in hosting major events with a conscience. From the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games to the city’s current status as a leader in urban sustainability and low-carbon transit, London provides the perfect backdrop for our ambitions.

By leveraging London’s world-class infrastructure and its commitment to the “Green Global City” initiative, the 2026 Championships benefit from a host city that shares our DNA.

Our three pillars of action

To achieve our “most sustainable ever” status, we have focused our strategy on three high-impact areas where we can make a measurable difference:

• Waste & The Circular Economy
  Example: We have reimagined our procurement to ensure that materials used – from branding to catering – are reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
• Water Stewardship
  Example: We are significantly reducing the reliance on single use bottled water and minimising wastage throughout the venue.
• Travel & Sustainable Transport
  Example: We have prioritised “Active Travel” and London’s iconic public transport network as the primary means for fans to reach the event. For our athletes and officials, we are utilising low-emission transport fleets to bridge the gap between the venue and accommodation.

We will be producing a sustainability report after the event to share the event’s carbon footprint, sustainability activations and key learnings for future ITTF Table Tennis World Championships. 

Join us on the journey

Sustainability is a team sport. As you enjoy the world-class action on the table, we invite you to participate in our green initiatives. Whether it’s using the recycling hubs or travelling via public transport, your choices help us set the precedent for the next century of table tennis.