A Lucozade Ribena Suntory-backed edible, plastic-free packaging innovation is taking a step closer to being rolled out on the high-street with newly secured funding from the UYK Government.
Lucozade Ribena Suntory
Ooho at London Marathon 2019
Ooho at London Marathon 2019
The capsules, called Oohos, are made entirely from seaweed extract, a material called Notpla and offer a way to deliver drinks under 100ml in a plastic-free form. They are not only edible but also biodegrade in four to six weeks – just as quickly as a piece of fruit.
The funding, secured by Ooho manufacturer Notpla, in partnership with Lucozade Ribena Suntory and Vita Mojo, has been awarded by Innovate UK.
Professor Duncan Wingham, Executive Chair of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) for UK Research and Innovation, said: “The funding of this project along with other programmes, will help establish the UK as a leading innovator in smart and sustainable plastic packaging solutions.”
Michelle Norman, Director of External Affairs and Sustainability at Lucozade Ribena Suntory, added: “Oohos offer Lucozade Ribena Suntory a completely new and innovative way to deliver on-the-go servings of Lucozade Sport to consumers. With Government backing, we are excited to see how Oohos can be rolled out and made more widely available.”
The funding will focus on perfecting the technology behind Oohos, with the aim of creating a machine that could be installed in gyms or restaurants and manufacture up to 3,000 Oohos a day.
Lucozade Ribena Suntory has successfully trialled Oohos filled with Lucozade Sport drinks and gels at four sporting events since September 2018, including the 2019 London Marathon, with over 42,000 Oohos handed out to participants.