Antiviral Reusable Plastic Cup Suitable for Events and Festivals (SafeEnviroCup)

The coronavirus pandemic has reversed the move towards reusable plasticware and other materials, with single use product utilisation increasing as a way of reducing the risk of infection spread. As businesses and events open back up this return to disposable plastic use will put a massive strain on both resources and the environment.

Recup (Project Lead) provide branded (event details), washable, reusable, recyclable cups to events and venues including Lord's Cricket Ground, Royal Ascot and Arsenal football club. Consumers pay a small deposit per cup, encouraging return, and at the end of the event Recup collects, cleans and reuses (or recycle into new cups if branded with a specific event) the cups at more events. Concerns over using reusable cups (due to Covid) is that they pose an infection risk to customers and those collecting them, and residual virus may remain following cleaning (particularly if cleaned at the venue/festival if reused at the same event).

CodiKoat (Project Partner) is developing a surface treatment using a novel (IP protected) combination of antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles and surface electrochemistry that provides a weak electric current. This disrupts the virus membrane and is effective within seconds and has long lasting anti-microbial properties (up to two years). CodiKoat has already tested the viability and stability of the materials coating on substrates. By applying this to self-adhesive tapes and films they are creating a product that can be used on any solid surface, instantly rendering it antimicrobial. This removes the need for constant surface disinfection, significantly reducing cleaning costs and the hazardous waste generated.

The aim of this project is apply the CodiKoat antiviral surface treatment to in mould labelling (IML) to create a safe, reusable and branded cup suitable for use at events. This will enable Recup to supply event venues with a unique product and significantly grow market share.