1st August 2022, UK: Twickenham has announced the use of self-destructing plastic cups at the stadium thanks to a partnership with Lifecycle, a technology created by British innovators Polymateria, which offers a one-of-a-kind solution to prevent ocean plastic pollution through the creation of degrading cups.
While made for recycling, if the cup escapes into nature, it will self-destruct on land within two years leaving no microplastics or toxins behind. What is left is only an earth-friendly wax that becomes a part of the natural cycle of life. The new cups not only are designed to work in harmony with nature but can be used by delegates and spectators as the stadium.
Nils Braude, Managing Director of Twickenham Experience said, “We’re constantly looking at new innovations and ideas that help us in our responsibility to build a more sustainable future for the next generation. Working with Lyfecycle enables all our guests to feel good about their visit to Twickenham, knowing that with every cup, they’re taking an actionable step towards solving one of the biggest environmental problems of our time.”
“Polymateria’s mission is to stop plastic on land before it reaches the oceans. Through visionary partners like Twickenham, our Lyfecycle time-controlled self-destructing cups show how recycling and biodegradation can work together, something previously not thought possible. To prove this, we’ll recycle cups used at Twickenham throughout the year and turn them into legacy items like benches and unique jewellery. On the current path, 450 million more tonnes of plastic will reach our oceans by 2040 so we must act now.” says Niall Dunne, CEO of Polymateria.
