Edible Capsules: Gym goers in London have enjoyed a refreshing glimpse into the potential future of sustainable, plastic-free gym hydration. Members at David Lloyd Hampton, South West London, were the first to try out a new vending machine dispensing edible capsules of Lucozade Sport, thanks to a government-backed innovation project between Lucozade Ribena Suntory (LRS) and sustainable packaging firm Notpla.
The 30ml Edible Capsules, called Oohos, are made entirely from seaweed extract. They create a way to deliver the great taste of Lucozade Sport in a plastic-free form that is edible, or biodegrades within four to six weeks.
Funding from the Government’s innovation agency, Innovate UK, was secured by Notpla in partnership with Lucozade Ribena Suntory. The grant is supporting LRS’s aim of creating a machine that can manufacture and dispense up to 3,000 Edible Capsules a day, bringing the benefits of instant hydration in a plastic-free format to gyms for the first time. This trial will allow LRS to better understand the potential for future use of these machines, using feedback from attendees for further research.
The partnership between LRS and Notpla aligns with the soft drinks company’s commitment to eliminate virgin, fossil-fuel based plastic from the business by 2030. This commitment on plastics forms part of the company’s Growing for Good vision, which has seen the company lead the way on recycled and recyclable plastics since Ribena became the first soft drinks brand to use 100% recycled plastic in 2007
“Our ambition is to develop the most sustainable packaging possible, going above and beyond to achieve our Growing for Good vision”, said Jo Padwick, Business Transformation Manager at Lucozade Ribena Suntory, “Our collaboration with Notpla to develop more uses for Edible Capsules is just one example of how we’re working to achieve our commitment to eliminate virgin, fossil-fuel based plastic in the next 10 years.”
Edible Capsules capsules were previously only given out by hand due to the specific environment they needed to be stored in. At today’s event they are being dispensed for the first time from a vending machine, showing the progression in technology and paving the way for Oohos to become a real contender in sustainable packaging.
Shreena Bhatt, a gym goer at David Lloyd Hampton was enthusiastic. “It’s brilliant to see a leading sports drinks brand take steps towards plastic reduction”,he said. “It was an odd sensation, but really refreshing and I would definitely use one again. They are ideal for quick hydration after an intense workout and they have the same great taste!”
The vending machine is just one of the many opportunities the British public have to try Lucozade in Edible Capsules this year. 90,000 will be handed out at the Virgin Money London Marathon alone, with more being provided to race participants at events across the UK.
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