Brisbane Broncos and Rio Tinto Launch Sustainable Aluminium Partnership for Queensland Derby

The Brisbane Broncos and Rio Tinto have announced a partnership timed to coincide with the club’s high-stakes XXXX Queensland Derby clash against the North Queensland Cowboys.

The collaboration focuses on reducing plastic waste through the progressive rollout of reusable drink bottles manufactured from Rio Tinto’s Queensland-sourced aluminium.

The initiative highlights the commercial and industrial link between elite sport and regional Queensland, specifically referencing Rio Tinto’s extensive aluminium operations anchored in Gladstone.

To mark the launch, Central Queensland NRLW star Tamika Upton and NRL playmaker Billy Walters joined executives to debut the new sustainable hardware.

Noting that the timing of the announcement during Derby week was a strategic choice to celebrate state identity, Broncos CEO, Dave Donaghy , said: “The XXXX Derby is always about Queensland pride, and this partnership is another great example of that in action.”

“This is about making a real change in how we operate, reducing plastic use and replacing it with something practical, durable and proudly connected to Queensland,” Donaghy said.

Emphasising the circular economy benefits of the material, Rio Tinto general manager of Bauxite and Alumina, Tim McDougall, added: “Aluminium is infinitely recyclable and can play an important role in reducing waste.”

“Sport gives us a powerful platform to inspire change,” McDougall stated. 

The partnership is designed as a “practical action” framework rather than a traditional passive sponsorship. Key integration points for the 2026 NRL and NRLW seasons include:

• Replacing Plastics: The aluminium bottles will replace single and multi-use plastics across all Broncos football and business operations, including training, travel, and community programs.
• Media Presence: The bottles will be prominently featured in high-visibility settings such as coaches’ boxes and post-match media conferences, ensuring maximum brand exposure for Rio Tinto’s materials innovation.
• Digital Series: A dedicated content series will take fans behind the scenes of the design and testing process, emphasizing the connection between the club and regional Queensland industry.

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