SUPRAPULP compostable liquid-repellent paper board for sustainable beverage cups
W-Cycle's SUPRAPULP technology extends its field-tested compostable packaging platform to flexible paper boards for hot and cold beverage cups. The patented cellulose-based, lamination-free material is liquid-repellent across extreme temperatures and designed to run on existing cup-making machines, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic and coated paper cups.
Overview
W-Cycle has developed SUPRAPULP, a patented compostable material that replaces single-use plastics in food packaging. Building on the commercial success of rigid SUPRAPULP trays, W-Cycle is now extending the technology to flexible paper boards for hot and cold beverage cups. The goal is to deliver a sustainable, high-velocity liquid-proof board that food service operators can run on their existing cup-making equipment, eliminating the need for plastic linings or coatings.
The new board targets the global single-use cup market, where conventional solutions rely on plastic or bio-coatings that compromise compostability. By applying SUPRAPULP's omniphobic chemistry directly to paper board, W-Cycle aims to offer a fully compostable, cradle-to-cradle alternative that performs under demanding food service conditions.
Technical specifications
Core SUPRAPULP technology consists of three components:
- Cellulose as the main mass of the product
- A liquid repellent treatment
- A butyl-based polymer that enables performance in temperature- and moisture-demanding environments
Key performance characteristics:
- Liquid proof from -40°C to 250°C
- Lamination-free, pulp-based composition
- Suitable for hot or cold beverages
- Designed to be processed on existing cup manufacturing machines
Development pathway for the flexible board:
- Adding mechanical barriers, ingredients, and chemical functionality to the SUPRAPULP structure
- Applying optimized chemistry onto untreated board to achieve required quality
- Modifying blends of the technology with standard aids and new water-based oil repellents
Technology readiness level
SUPRAPULP has already passed orderability, food contact, compostability, and performance tests, and is commercially sold as rigid food packaging. Empirical tests applying the SUPRAPULP chemistry on plain carton board have shown promising results, providing a strong basis for the flexible cup board development. The next validation steps focus on optimizing the chemistry and application process to meet beverage cup performance specifications and enable high-velocity production on standard converting equipment.
About W-CYCLE
W-Cycle is an Israeli food-tech company that develops and manufactures sustainable, compostable food packaging solutions. The company's core innovation is SupraPulp, a patented, non-coated, cellulose-based material designed to serve as a high-performance alternative to traditional plastic packaging. Unlike conventional compostable options, SupraPulp is omniphobic, meaning it is naturally resistant to liquids, oils, and grease without the use of chemical coatings. The material is engineered to be durable across a wide temperature range, remaining stable in both freezing conditions as low as -40°C and high-heat environments up to 200°C, while also being microwave and oven-safe.
These packaging solutions are primarily targeted at B2B markets, including food manufacturers, institutional caterers, airlines, retail, and restaurant services that require reliable, leak-proof containment for hot, wet, or greasy foods. By providing a commercially competitive and environmentally friendly substitute, W-Cycle aims to address the global accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans. The company, which maintains operations in Kibbutz Gan Shmuel, Israel, supports clients through custom design, prototyping, and manufacturing services, helping businesses transition away from plastic-dependent packaging architectures to fully compostable, nature-based alternatives.
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