Ecoshine cup and Eco Fit Lid – Paper-bases cup & lid with less than 5% plastic content for beverage and coffee cups

SEDA INTERNATIONAL PACKAGING GROUP designs and manufactures innovative packaging solutions in paper and laminated materials. A key player globally in packaging for ice cream, food service and the food industry, Seda has always collaborated with leading multinationals in these sectors to provide them with sustainable solutions.   Founded in Italy and with offices in Europe and North America, Seda currently consists of five companies – Seda Italy, Seda Germany, Seda UK, Seda Ibérica, Seda North America – and 13 production sites. Sustainability and innovation are the fundamental pillars that guide our business. In particular, innovation is the cornerstone of our success and has led to the introduction of iconic products on the market such as Calippo in 1984, paper-based yoghurt pots, biodegradable containers for ice cream and beverages, paper-based cup with less than 5% plastic content and Eco-Fit Lid, a revolutionary paper lid for cups created for the food service industry.

Ecoshine cup & Eco Fit Lid are an innovative paper-based development made entirely of paper with less than 5% plastic content, designed and used for hot and cold drinks applications. Developed by Seda International Packaging Group as a sustainable alternative to traditional cup & lids, Ecoshine cup & Eco Fit Lid are made from 100% PEFC-certified fibres and are fully recyclable into paper stream in all countries in EU. The full product, cup & Lid, has been designed to actively contribute to reducing plastic in the food service sector and to combat the depletion of fossil fuels globally. In particular the Eco Fit Lid represents a great opportunity for brands to differentiate themselves: unlike plastic lids, it can be printed and branded, giving the product a premium look and iconic value, while improving the brand's sustainable image.

Potential future developments

The European beverage and coffee market is experiencing substantial growth, with both segments, cold and coffee, exhibiting strong potential. The coffee market is particularly robust, with a projected market value of USD 60.44 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.96%.

Demand for sustainable packaging, including for coffee, is driving innovation and market growth.

EU regulations aim to reduce plastic waste, pushing manufacturers towards more sustainable solutions and the Ecoshine cup & EcoFit paper lid have almost practically replaced its plastic equivalent, with great advantages in terms of recyclability, plastic reduction and CO₂ emissions and water consumption.

Sustainability and innovation are the fundamental pillars that guide Seda business so that we continue to support the positive transition from plastic to paper packaging with innovative products also in the area of Food Industry Packaging.

Current contribution

Ecoshine cup & Eco Fit lid are Made in Europe and are currently on the market in Europe at some of the most important restaurants and other food service chains.

Developed according to eco-design principles, Ecoshine cup & Eco Fit Lid represent the perfect fusion of sustainable materials and cutting-edge production technologies. Made from the same material as the cup, the Eco Fit lid can be recycled together with the Ecoshine cup, making it easier for consumers to manage the packaging correctly and facilitating the recycling process. Thanks to its functional and practical design, Eco Fit Lid guarantees a perfect fit on the Ecoshine cup, signalled by an audible click when applied. This feature ensures a secure and durable closure, making it ideal for on-the-go consumption and home delivery.

Sustainability is one of the core elements of Ecoshine cup & Eco Fit Lid. This innovation represents a significant step forward in reducing plastic use and waste dispersed in the environment. The adoption of Ecoshine reduces the plastic content of about 50% per cup and the Eco Fit Lid can reduce up to 400 tonnes of plastic each 100 million coffee lids. In particular, thanks to its ability to be fully recyclable together with the cup, it contributes to achieving circular economy goals, helping brands reduce their environmental impact and improving their sustainability credentials. In addition, the use of paper from certified forests supports reforestation and reduces carbon emissions.

In terms of emissions and water consumption, the Eco Fit lid is currently the most sustainable solution on the market compared to any other paper or plastic alternative (Seda commissioned an independent comparative LCA on this topic).