The innovative technology from eGreen International and Polymateria will make its debut at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, taking place on 11–12 February at NEC Birmingham, showcasing the future of sustainable single-use solutions
A new bio-based technology, designed to reduce the environmental impact of single-use packaging, is set to debut in the UK. The product, called VeriGreen® Plus, described as the world’s first biotransformable bio-based cup, is the result of a collaboration between eGreen International, a provider of sustainable catering and packaging solutions, and Polymateria, a London-based polymer science company. The cup is designed to be fully recyclable within existing collection streams, but if it escapes, it safely biotransforms in the natural environment, leaving no microplastics or toxic residue.
The cups are made from fossil-fuel-free materials derived from recycled cooking oil and certified through ISCC using a mass balance approach. During normal use, the material performs like conventional plastic, with a shelf life of up to three years. If exposed to heat, sunlight, air, and moisture after use, the proprietary self-destruct technology is activated, converting the polymer into a wax-like biodegradable substance that can be safely broken down by microorganisms.
Designed for applications in stadiums, festivals, coffee chains, and large-scale catering, VeriGreen® Plus has already been successfully deployed in demanding operational environments such as Twickenham Stadium during the Women’s Rugby World Cup and at Liverpool Football Club, which has recently received its first delivery.
The product is carbon neutral and features a QR code linking consumers to educational content, supporting behavioral change alongside material innovation, as described in the official press release.
