May 8, 2025 17:11

The global coffeehouse chain Starbucks is set to roll out paper cups across its European stores featuring a compostable mineral-based barrier instead of the traditional polyethylene layer.
The innovative coating, developed by Italian company Qwarzo, will also be applied to cellulose-fiber lids.

Without altering the familiar design of its iconic cups, Starbucks EMEA can now offer containers that are both home compostable and recyclable within standard paper packaging streams.

Production of the new cup line for the entire European market will be handled by Transcend Packaging at its facilities in Wales. Through a phased approach, the new hot cup and lid solution will gradually be rolled out in stores across select European markets this year, beginning in 10 initial countries including Italy, Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria this month, and already live in Spain and Hungary, before coming to the U.K. and Ireland later this year.

The silica-based coating — applied inside the cup and on the outer lid — was created using Qwarzo’s patented proprietary technology. It works by sealing the paper’s porosity and enhancing performance without changing the paper’s inherent properties.
The coating is invisible, odorless, taste-neutral and fully compliant with EU food-contact regulations.

Beyond food packaging, the coating is suitable for a range of applications including single-use items, textiles, rust-proofing for metals, and surface protection for stone, where it provides resistance to stains and scratches.

Qwarzo is not just a material supplier; the Brescia-based company offers turnkey solutions that allow packaging manufacturers to adapt their existing production lines to this next-generation coating technology.

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