Qwarzo Expands Across Europe with Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Solutions Adopted by Coffee Giants

Qwarzo's Expansion Across Europe

In a significant move towards sustainable food packaging, Qwarzo, an Italian company celebrated for its cutting-edge materials, is expanding its presence across Europe with revolutionary offerings. Founded by Luca Panzeri, the company has developed a unique mineral-based coating that serves as a powerful alternative to traditional plastic wrappers often used in single-use products. Major brands such as Starbucks and Lavazza are now adopting this innovative technology, marking a pivotal shift in the packaging industry.

Since its inception, Qwarzo has dedicated over 20 years to research and development, culminating in a silica-based mineral coating that effectively replaces plastic in various applications. This proprietary coating boasts impressive barriers against water, grease, oxygen, and heat, ensuring not only the structural integrity of the packaging but also the preservation of the taste of the beverages it contains.

Luca Panzeri emphasizes Qwarzo's mission, stating, "Innovation must be invisible yet impactful." This sentiment is illustrated by the recent collaboration with Starbucks, which has introduced a new range of hot beverage cups and lids in May 2025, designed using Qwarzo’s technology. This new solution replaces both the inner plastic lining and disposable plastic lids, featuring materials sourced from traceable northern European cellulose fibers. These cups are compostable at home, recyclable with paper, and seamlessly fit into existing waste management infrastructures, significantly simplifying the recycling process.

Currently, the new Starbucks cups are available in several countries, including Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary, with plans for expansion into the UK and Ireland by the end of 2025. This expansion is met with positive feedback from industry professionals, such as Vincent Mooji from Circpack by Veolia, who highlights how this innovation aids in reducing plastic waste while enhancing material recovery rates.

Not only is Qwarzo making waves in the coffee sector, but it has also been embraced by Lavazza Spain, which incorporates Qwarzo-coated cups in its vending machines, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of Qwarzo's technology in high-volume automated distribution systems. Flo Group has also taken strides in distributing these cups across the German coffee market.

The adoption of Qwarzo's coating technology has been met with enthusiasm from other food service companies as well. Grom, a premium Italian ice cream brand under Unilever, was among the first to use Qwarzo's coated paper spoons. Moreover, the renowned Italian chocolate and gelato manufacturer, Venchi, has also recognized the benefits of Qwarzo’s technology by acquiring Qwarzo-coated utensils.

All products featuring the Qwarzo® coating are certified compostable at home by DIN CERTCO, recyclable with paper, and compliant with the European Single-Use Plastics Directive. Importantly, Qwarzo’s coatings are free from PFAS and intentionally added microplastics, providing a sustainable option without compromising flavor, safety, or recyclability.

Qwarzo’s innovative approach has garnered numerous accolades, including the "Leaders in Sustainability 2025" award by Il Corriere della Sera and Statista, as well as other prestigious recognitions for their contributions to sustainable packaging solutions.

Overall, Qwarzo exemplifies how innovation in materials science can solve pressing environmental issues while addressing the demands of major international brands. The company’s commitment to high-performance, sustainable materials positions it at the forefront of the global packaging industry and sets a precedent for future advancements in food packaging technology. For more information, visit Qwarzo’s official website.