From Sugarcane to Cup: The Journey of Our Plant-Based Material

Net Zero Cup is not just a regular cup—it is a product born from a commitment to innovation and sustainability. The journey of Net Zero Cup starts with sugarcane, a renewable crop that serves as the foundation for its plant-based bioplastic. This blog post explores the step-by-step process of turning sugarcane into a sustainable cup that’s ready for your coffee or tea.

Step 1: Harvesting the Sugarcane:

Sugarcane is grown in tropical regions and is a highly efficient crop when it comes to carbon absorption. As it grows, sugarcane captures CO2 from the atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for a sustainable raw material.

Step 2: Extraction and Fermentation:

The sugarcane is crushed to extract its juice, which is primarily used for sugar production. The remaining by-products not used for food production, including the bagasse (the fibrous residue), are repurposed to produce bioplastics. Through a fermentation process, these by-products are converted into ethanol, a key ingredient in bioplastic manufacturing.

Step 3: Converting Ethanol to Bioplastic:

The ethanol is then polymerized into bioplastic, creating a material that is durable and flexible, and most importantly, biodegradable under industrial conditions. This bioplastic serves as the primary material for Net Zero Cup, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. As Net Zero Cup is using a plant-based material, the material compound naturally captures 2.5 times carbon dioxide weight per material weight, taken up by the plants from the atmosphere. This means that each cup naturally holds c.350 grams of carbon dioxide as sugar within itself! A natural carbon sink! The cradle to gate global warming potential of the material is also carbon negative due to its high carbon capture content and the material being produced with green energy in Germany! 

Step 4: Molding the Cup:

The bioplastic is molded into the final cup shape at a production facility in Istanbul. This local production not only supports the economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation, as the cups are made closer to their final market.

From sugarcane fields to your hands, the journey of Net Zero Cup is a testament to the power of innovation and sustainability. By using plant-based materials, Net Zero Cup is paving the way for a new era of environmentally friendly products.