Coffee Service

Lavazza adopts Qwarzo's plastic-free cups for vending in Spain

Photo: Qwarzo

June 17, 2025

Vending operators are gaining a sustainable cup option as Italian materials company Qwarzo expands its plastic-free coating technology across Europe. Lavazza Spain is now using Qwarzo-coated paper cups for its public coffee vending machines, offering a recyclable and compostable solution, according to a press release.

The patented, mineral-based coating provides a barrier against liquid and heat, eliminating the need for the plastic linings found in traditional single-use cups. This allows the cups to be recycled alongside standard paper waste, a significant advantage for automated and public-facing vending operations. The technology is also being used by Flo Group, a major cup producer, for coffee vending in the German market.

The move into vending is part of a broader European adoption of the technology, most notably by Starbucks for its new takeaway cups. Qwarzo reports its coating is certified as home compostable and exempt from the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive.

"We believe that innovation must be both invisible and impactful," Luca Panzeri, Qwarzo founder & CTO, said in the release. "The Starbucks partnership shows that scalable, responsible solutions are not just possible — they're happening now."

With major brands in both over-the-counter and vending channels adopting the technology, the Qwarzo-coated cup demonstrates a versatile and scalable alternative for operators seeking to reduce plastic waste.