Cupffee unveils world’s first edible coffee cups from natural grains

BULGARIA – Cupffee has launched what it calls the world’s first edible coffee cup, crafted to replace single-use plastics and curb environmental pollution. 

The product uses seven locally sourced ingredients, such as oat bran, wheat flour, and coconut oil, creating a crunchy vessel that holds hot beverages without leaking for up to 12 hours.

Designed to endure temperatures up to 85°C, the cup maintains its structure for at least 40 minutes in contact with coffee, matching the durability of traditional plastic options.

According to company data, the global daily use of 495,000 plastic cups results in less than 1% being recycled, with the vast majority polluting soil and oceans. 

Cupffee’s alternative contains no artificial colorants, sweeteners, preservatives, allergens, or GMOs, making it suitable for vegans. 

Its subtly sweet, cookie-like flavor integrates neutrally with drinks, and if not consumed, the cup fully biodegrades in weeks. 

The production method generates zero waste, with excess materials repurposed into stirrers, eliminating industrial pollution.

Available in 110ml and 220ml sizes complete with holders, the cups are sold in 55 countries. A box of ten 110ml units saves 0.6kg of CO2 emissions. 

Across its 353 clients, including Lavazza, Costco Mexico, Metro, and Etihad Airways, the total reduction reaches 277,000kg of CO2. 

Businesses in coffee shops, luxury retail, hotels, restaurants, events, catering, and corporate settings can customize the paper label with their branding.

“Cupffee’s innovation directly tackles the plastic cup crisis by turning waste into an opportunity for consumption,” said Matej Šmid, Cupffee’s founder. 

He noted that early adopters have reported seamless integration into daily operations, with no compromise on convenience.

The edible packaging sector continues to expand amid efforts to address plastic waste. 

Earlier this year, a market analysis highlighted ongoing trials and rising adoption rates, though mass production remains limited. 

In a related development, Ahlstrom recently introduced its TÜV-certified home-compostable coffee pod line, which decomposes in domestic conditions without releasing contaminants. 

This portfolio supports easier waste management for households and cafes.

Further advancements include Huhtamaki’s October 2024 release of a recyclable paper-based coffee cup liner, eliminating the need for plastic coatings and enabling full recyclability in standard facilities. 

The company reported that this change could divert thousands of tons of plastic from landfills annually in Europe and the Middle East. 

“We’re enabling a circular economy for hot beverages,” stated a Huhtamaki spokesperson, emphasizing compatibility with existing machinery.

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