Innovation in sustainable packaging continues to gain momentum across Europe. UK-based startup Notpla, specialising in biodegradable materials derived from seaweed, has secured €4 million in funding from the Horizon Europe programme to develop a new generation of completely plastic-free coffee cups.
The project, involving 14 European partners, aims to create a range of single-use cups that are 100% natural and home-compostable, eliminating the plastic linings that currently hinder recycling.
A key challenge in food packaging
Although coffee cups are often perceived as paper-based packaging, most contain a thin layer of plastic to prevent leakage. This component makes recycling more difficult and contributes to a global waste issue: it is estimated that up to 500 billion single-use cups are discarded each year, with very low recycling rates.
Notpla’s approach seeks to address this challenge at its source by developing alternative materials that maintain functional performance without relying on plastic.
From innovation to industrial scale
The EU-funded project will focus on:
- Development and validation of natural materials
- Scaling up production for industrial use
- Life cycle and end-of-life assessment
- Testing under real market conditions
The ultimate goal is to advance scalable solutions that can be integrated into the foodservice sector without compromising user experience.
Natural materials for a more circular system
Notpla, known for its seaweed-based solutions, offers an alternative that not only reduces plastic use but also enables packaging to naturally degrade after use.
These types of innovations reinforce a key trend in the sector: the development of advanced materials that combine functionality, food safety and circularity.