NO-PLASTIC-CUPS

NO-PLASTIC-CUPS: Development of an innovative bio-based coating made from agricultural waste and algae, with high barrier properties and heat-sealability, for the production of single-use cups that replace and eliminate plastic cups

The NO-PLASTIC-CUPS project is an industry-led European initiative aimed at developing an innovative hydrophobic coating made entirely from bio-based raw materials such as agricultural waste, algae, and plants. This coating will be applied to cardboard for the production of disposable packaging, particularly cups for hot and cold beverages, as well as other food containers.

The project will develop materials with a verified biodegradation profile that are recyclable and home-compostable, with no negative environmental impact. In addition, production processes will be optimized to minimize the carbon footprint through life cycle assessment (LCA).

Furthermore, consumer behavior studies and real-world validation tests will be conducted to ensure product acceptance and proper end-of-life management. The project will advance the technology to TRL 5 and lay the groundwork for its future commercialization.

Overall, NO-PLASTI-CUPS will contribute to the transition toward a circular economy based on biological materials, offering sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic containers and significantly reducing their environmental impact.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.