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A new bio-based cup technology designed to address the environmental impact of single-use packaging is set to enter the UK market.

VeriGreen Plus, described as the world’s first bio-based, biotransformable cup, will make its UK debut at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, taking place 11–12 February at the NEC Birmingham.

Developed through a collaboration between eGreen International, a family-owned sustainable catering and packaging supplier, and Polymateria, a London-based polymer science company, VeriGreen Plus is engineered to be fully recyclable within existing waste streams. If the cup escapes collection, however, it is designed to biotransform safely in the natural environment, leaving no microplastics or toxic residue.

The cups are made from fossil-fuel-free material derived from recycled cooking oil, using ISCC-certified inputs via 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 environmental conditions such as heat, sunlight, air, and moisture after use, the material’s proprietary self-destruct technology is activated, converting the plastic into a biodegradable, wax-like substance that can be safely consumed by microorganisms.

Independent testing under the BSI PAS 9017 standard verifies that the material fully biodegrades without generating microplastics, addressing growing concerns around fugitive plastic waste. According to industry estimates, disposable cups represent a significant contributor to plastic leakage, particularly in high-footfall environments where collection rates can be inconsistent.

VeriGreen Plus has already been deployed at scale in demanding operational settings, including Twickenham Stadium, which began using the cups during the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and Liverpool Football Club, which has recently received its first delivery. These venues represent environments where reusables can be logistically challenging due to high volumes, short service windows, and loss rates.

Designed for applications such as stadiums, festivals, coffee chains, and large-scale catering, VeriGreen Plus aims to offer operators a practical alternative where reuse is not feasible, while supporting recycling and providing an environmental safety net if waste escapes collection.

The product is carbon neutral and features a QR code linking to consumer education content, supporting behaviour change alongside material innovation.

With its UK debut at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, VeriGreen Plus positions itself as a scalable solution for foodservice and beverage operators seeking to balance functionality, regulatory compliance, and sustainability goals in single-use packaging.