Extreme E extends partnership with eco-friendly plastic producer Polymateria

International electric racing series, Extreme E, has made Polymateria the exclusive cup provider at all its events for the second year running.

All cups will be made from Polymateria’s “self-destructing”, plastic-like material, Lyfecycle. This includes the newest Lyfecycle product, the world’s first self-destructing coffee cup, which the company says is reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable.

According to Polymateria, this technology allows everyday plastic products to break down in just a year, without contaminating the earth with toxins or microplastics.

If not reused or recycled, Lyfecycle cups will naturally break down when exposed to sunshine, air, moisture, and heat. The material changes into an earth-friendly wax, which fungi and bacteria can feed on and microbes can break down into earth.

Commitment to these environmentally friendly materials is in-keeping with Extreme E’s ethos. The series operates from remote areas of the world to highlight the impact of climate change and promote electric vehicles. It managed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in 2021, by tracking and reducing its emissions, and offsetting.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E said: “Plastic is a huge problem. We have seen it on the beaches in Senegal, and we have seen it on the ice caps in Greenland. It’s clear more innovation is needed in this area.”

“I am a big supporter of Lyfecycle technology and truly believe it can revolutionise how we design and use plastic.”

Niall Dunne, CEO of Polymateria said: “Extreme E is so much more than a racing series. It is a platform that connects innovators from a diverse range of industries to address some of the most challenging issues on the planet. We are delighted to continue our collaboration and further build on the solutions to the plastic pollution crisis.”

The majority of the Lyfecycle products that are collected for recycling at Extreme-E events will be turned into upcycled pieces of jewellery that will be available to win through social media competitions.