Traditional plastic cups are very convenient but not environmentally friendly. They add to the plastic waste in landfills since many cannot be recycled. Industrial designers Chelsea Briganti and Leigh Ann Tucker thought there must be a more sustainable way to enjoy cold drinks while on the move. They created edible cups in different flavors as a green alternative to single-use plastic cups.
Traditional plastic cups are incredibly convenient but lack eco-friendliness, leading to increased plastic waste in landfills due to their non-recyclable nature. Approximately 2.5 billion disposable cups are discarded annually. Industrial designers Chelsea Briganti and Leigh Ann Tucker, who crossed paths at Parsons New School for Design in New York, were convinced that a more sustainable method for enjoying cold beverages on the move was necessary. As a solution, they created edible cups in various flavors as an environmentally friendly substitute for single-use plastic cups.
Their innovation was sparked by their fondness for Jell-O, a gelatin-based dessert. In 2010, the designers participated in a Jell-O competition and drew inspiration from the decorative tradition of Jell-O as a molded dessert. Despite their background as industrial designers, the duo aimed to create something more practical and focused on producing vibrant, see-through cups that could be consumed or composted after use. They ultimately opted for agar, a seaweed-based gelatin substitute, due to its structural properties, taste, and vegan-friendly nature. Agar is both tasteless and odorless, and can be flavored in various ways.
Initially, the designers created a citrus-flavored cup to complement a variety of summer beverages. However, their best-selling cup in New York and Los Angeles is now flavored with matcha green tea. Additional flavors offered include tart cherry and Madagascar vanilla. Briganti and Tucker prioritize using natural sweeteners, organic ingredients, and naturally derived colors from fruits and vegetables in their creations. Feedback suggests that the cups taste reminiscent of fruit rolls, albeit with a less intense sweetness.
Their dedication and innovation have garnered significant acclaim. In March, they achieved success by winning the 2015 NEXT Accelerator Natural Products Pitch Slam at Natural Products Expo West, earning products and services valued at 27,500 USD.
