SENTACUP: Ulilization of cellulose from tea dregs waste as a waterproof biodegradable cup to support circular economy and environmental sustainability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61511/evojes.v3i1.2026.3280Keywords:
biodegradable, cellulose, circular economy, tea groundsAbstract
Background: The extensive use of single-use plastic cups has caused serious environmental problems, including plastic accumulation and microplastic pollution. At the same time, tea-processing industries generate large quantities of spent tea waste that remain underutilized despite their high cellulose content. This study aims to propose an innovative and sustainable solution by utilizing cellulose extracted from spent tea waste to produce a biodegradable and water-resistant cup that supports circular economy principles. Methods: This study employed an experimental and material development approach. Spent tea waste was collected, sorted, dried, and milled to obtain uniform particles. The cellulose-rich material was blended with cassava starch as a natural binder and molded using a press-molding technique. A natural wax coating was applied to improve water resistance. The developed product was evaluated through mechanical strength tests, water absorption tests, water resistance tests, and biodegradability assessment, supported by descriptive and comparative analysis. Findings: The results indicate that SentaCup has sufficient mechanical strength for beverage containers, demonstrates good resistance to water, and is capable of biodegrading within approximately 90–120 days. The utilization of cellulose as a natural polymer contributes to structural strength, flexibility, and thermal stability. This innovation shows strong potential as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional single-use plastic cups while adding value to organic waste. Conclusion: The development of SentaCup demonstrates that spent tea waste can be effectively transformed into a functional, biodegradable, and water-resistant cup. This innovation contributes to reducing plastic waste, supporting circular resource management, and promoting environmental sustainability. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty aspect refers to the new or innovative elements in a research study that distinguish it from previous work. It includes unique contributions, new methods, or findings that have not been explored before in the field.
References
Abdul Rahman, N. H., Chieng, B. W., Ibrahim, N. A., & Abdul Rahman, N. (2017). Extraction and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals from tea leaf waste fibers. Polymers, 9(11), 588. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9110588
Acquavia, M. A., Benitez, J. J., Guzman-Puyol, S., Porras-Vazquez, J. M., Hierrezuelo, J., Grife-Ruiz, M., ... & Heredia-Guerrero, J. A. (2024). Enhanced extraction of bioactive compounds from tea waste for sustainable polylactide-based bioplastic applications in active food packaging. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 46, 101410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fpsl.2024.101410
Ahmed, M. M., Nabi, M. H. B., Mia, M. S., Ahmad, I., & Zzaman, W. (2025). Valorization of plant-based agro-waste into sustainable food packaging materials: Current approaches and functional applications. Applied Food Research, 101368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afres.2025.101368
Arshad, M. T., Hassan, S., Shehzadi, R., Sani, M. A., Ikram, A., Maqsood, S., ... & Gnedeka, K. T. (2025). Emerging Trends in Sustainable Packaging of Food Products: An Updated Review. Journal of Natural Fibers, 22(1), 2505608. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2025.2505608
Chen, H., Xu, L., Yu, K., Wei, F., & Zhang, M. (2023). Release of microplastics from disposable cups in daily use. Science of the Total Environment, 854, 158606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158606
Chungsiriporn, J., Khunthongkaew, P., Wongnoipla, Y., Sopajarn, A., Karrila, S., & Iewkittayakorn, J. (2022). Fibrous packaging paper made of oil palm fiber with beeswax-chitosan solution to improve water resistance. Industrial Crops and Products, 177, 114541. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.114541
Debnath, B., Duarah, P., & Purkait, M. K. (2024). Sustainable Utilization of Tea Factory Waste-Derived Microcrystalline Cellulose as Filler Material for Food Packaging Films. ACS Sustainable Resource Management, 1(12), 2518-2529. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssusresmgt.4c00165
Deshmukh, A. K., & Talwar, G. (2024). Analysis of Physicochemical Properties of Corn Starch Based Composite Biodegradable Cups Influenced by Ultrasonication Pretreatment of Casting Solutions. Archives of Current Research International, 24(6), 570-585. https://doi.org/10.9734/acri/2024/v24i6813
Dutta, G. K., & Karak, N. (2019). Waste brewed tea leaf derived cellulose nanofiber reinforced fully bio-based waterborne polyester nanocomposite as an environmentally benign material. RSC advances, 9(36), 20829-20840. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9RA02973G
Jahangiri, F., Mohanty, A., Pal, A. K., Clemmer, R., Gregori, S., & Misra, M. (2024). Wax Coatings for Paper Packaging Applications: Study of the Coating Effect on Surface, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties. ACS Environmental Au. 5, 2, 165–182. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenvironau.4c00055
Jiang, X., Li, Q., Li, X., Meng, Y., Ling, Z., Ji, Z., & Chen, F. (2022). Preparation and characterization of degradable cellulose− based paper with superhydrophobic, antibacterial, and barrier properties for food packaging. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(19), 11158. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911158
Kashiri, M. (2025). Effect of Citral Incorporation on the Antimicrobial, Barrier, Mechanical, and UV-Protective Properties of Pectin-Beeswax Films for Food Packaging Applications. Applied Food Research, 101051. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afres.2025.101051
Kathuria, A., & Zhang, S. (2022). Sustainable and repulpable barrier coatings for fiber-based materials for food packaging: A review. Frontiers in Materials, 9, 929501. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2022.929501
Kustiyah, E., Novitasari, D., Wardani, L. A., dkk. (2023). Pemanfaatan Limbah Ampas Tebu untuk Pembuatan Plastik Biodegradable dengan Metode Melt Intercalation: Utilization of Sugarcane Bagasses for Making Biodegradable Plastics with the Melt Intercalation Method. Jurnal Teknologi Lingkungan, 24(2), 300 306. https://doi.org/10.55981/jtl.2023.993
Li, J., Liu, M., Luo, W., Xing, G., Yang, W., Sun, H., ... & Li, A. (2023). 3D tea-residue microcrystalline cellulose aerogel with aligned channels for solar-driven interfacial evaporation co-generation. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15(44), 51979-51988. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c12170
Oliveira, P. R., Kalinke, C., Crapnell, R. D., Bonacin, J. A., Banks, C., & Janegitz, B. C. 2025. Beeswax-based waterproof paper as a sustainable substrate for electrochemical sensing platforms. Electrochimica Acta, 147848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2025.147848
Panza, O., Conte, A., & Del Nobile, M. A. (2021). Pomegranate by-products as natural preservative to prolong the shelf life of breaded cod stick. Molecules, 26(8), 2385. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26082385
Perera, K. Y., Jaiswal, A. K., & Jaiswal, S. (2023). Biopolymer-based sustainable food packaging materials: challenges, solutions, and applications. Foods, 12(12), 2422. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12122422
Primawanti, H., Pasha, Y. N., Zahrani, G. N., & Dany, R. R. R. (2025, June). Gastrodiplomacy of Bandung City in Advancing MSMEs by Utilizing Digital Transformation. In Proceeding of International Conference on Business, Economics, Social Sciences, and Humanities (Vol. 8, pp. 500-512). https://doi.org/10.34010/icobest.v8i.722
Quiñonez, C. C., Quispe, A. J. Q., Tacca, A. M. L., & Espinoza, W. T. M. (2025). Development and characterization of edible cups made from wheat, sorghum, and coffee pulp flour. Coffee Science-ISSN 1984-3909, 20, e202378-e202378. https://doi.org/10.25186/.v20i.2378
Ranjan, V. P., Joseph, A., & Goel, S. (2021). Microplastics and other harmful substances released from disposable paper cups into hot water. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 404, 124118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124118
Siregar, A. D., Ramadhan, R., Natasya, R., & Sari, L. M. (2024). The Dangers of Chemical Contents in Plastic Used as Food and Beverage Containers. The Lunarian, 2(1), 20-31. https://thelunarian.com/journal/article/view/13
Syed Nasiruddin, S. T. A. ., Abdul Hadi, M. F. ., Kamaruddin, S. A., & Rajmi, R. (2025). Biodegradable Plastics from Cellulose Extracted from Caulerpa Lentilifera and Sugarcane Baggasse for a Sustainable Environment. Scientific Research Journal, 22(2), 173–192. https://doi.org/10.24191/srj.v22i2.31598
Tutuş, A., Kazaskeroğlu, Y., & çiçekler, M. 2015. Evaluation of tea wastes in usage pulp and paper production. BioResources, 10(3): 5395 5406. https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.10.3.5407-5416
Wandhekar, S. S., Kshirsagar, R. B., Sadawarte, S. K., Gosavi, R. A., Gabor, V., Shaikh, A. M., & Bela, K. (2025). Development of Biodegradable Cups from Corn and Fruit Processing Waste and Its Characterization: A Sustainable Approach. Macromol, 5(4), 53. https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol5040053
Wanner, P. (2021). Plastic in agricultural soils–A global risk for groundwater systems and drinking water supplies?–A review. Chemosphere, 264, 128453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128453
Wang, L., Li, Y., Ye, L., Zhi, C., Zhang, T., & Miao, M. (2024). Unveiling structure and performance of tea-derived cellulose nanocrystals. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 270, 132117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132117
Wang, L., Li, Y., Ye, L., Zhi, C., Zhang, T., & Miao, M. (2024). Pu-erh tea-derived cellulose exhibits superior water/oil holding capacity compared to black and green tea celluloses: A comprehensive analysis. Food Bioscience, 59, 104073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2024.104073
Windrayahya, S., Pranoto, Y., & Wittaya, T. (2023, December). Development and Properties Improvement of Tea Dregs-Based Biodegradable Packaging Formulated with Starch and Poly (Lactic Acid). In Materials Science Forum (Vol. 1111, pp. 69-76). Trans Tech Publications Ltd. https://doi.org/10.4028/p-MPtN9p
Xu, Z., Zhou, Q., Wang, L., Xia, G., Ji, X., Zhang, J., ... & Peng, J. (2021). Transparent cellulose-based films prepared from used disposable paper cups via an ionic liquid. Polymers, 13(23), 4209. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234209
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Giselle Terrencia, Abednego Reiki Dewantara, Haykal Zahran Prabawa
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
