UK-based Biome Bioplastics has developed what it claims to be “world-first” disposable coffee cups made out of bioplastic materials.
In an 18 April statement, the Southampton-based company said the new product aims to help slash coffee cup waste, offering "fully compostable and recyclable" disposable cups and lids.
The products, it claimed, will still perform like petroleum-based plastic under heat and stress.
Biome Bioplastics has been working on a range of biopolymers for coffee cups, lids and coffee pods based on natural and renewable resources for the past five years.
“Coffee drinkers are acting in good faith when they see recycling logos on their takeaway coffees but most cups are lined with oil-based plastic and the lids made of polystyrene making recycling impossible, even when placed in the right bin,” explained Biome Bioplastics CEO Paul Mines.
The company said its bio-based takeaway cup – in appropriate composting conditions - will disappear to carbon dioxide and water within three months.