Prototype: The Cup Washer

Just Transition Fund — Co-financed by the European Union

Spolvi (StaRob, Groningen) is developing a prototype of The Cup Washer with support from the Just Transition Fund: a compact, fully automated device that cleans and dries reusable plastic cups on-site — without manual handling. This provides businesses with a practical alternative to disposable cups (banned under the SUP Directive) without sacrificing convenience.

Project period
1 November 2025 – 30 April 2027
Project location
Province of Groningen, the Netherlands

Objective

To validate a working prototype in a realistic user environment and demonstrate that the system cleans and dries >95% of cups, runs without failure for at least two consecutive days under continuous use, and is rated as suitable for daily use by >80% of end users.

Expected results

  • Functional prototype with integrated transport, cleaning and drying system
  • Field validation at multiple organisations (office, healthcare, education)
  • Preparation for CE marking and HACCP compliance
  • Local employment in the province of Groningen (target: 3 FTE after project period)

Contribution to RIS3 Northern Netherlands

Transition from a linear to a circular economy and the cross-cutting theme ‘Entrepreneurial Region — Strong entrepreneurship’.

Granted subsidy amount

€ 33,766.80

Co-financed by the European UnionJust Transition FundSamenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland (SNN)