FLO, in collaboration with Versalis, presents R-Hybrid, the first cup with recycled PS, a reduced carbon footprint, fully recyclable and totally safe for consumers. “An important innovation in Food Packaging, towards a more virtuous recycling system with efficient reuse of resources” the two companies explain.
R-Hybrid is a thermoformed vending cup with an ABA multilayer structure, where r-PS is inserted in the inner layer and virgin polystyrene in the outer layer, which acts as a safe functional barrier; thanks to these features, R-Hybrid manages to combine a saving in the use of virgin raw material and a reduced environmental impact, with the high quality and safety standards that distinguish all our products.
The project was conducted in collaboration with SCS (Styrenics Circular Solution) and the Fraunhofer Institute, and led to the establishment of a supply chain consortium dedicated to defining a protocol for the use of recycled polystyrene in food packaging. It was thanks to this participation that the entire process was validated, from the production of the recyclate to the definition of the technical characteristics of the multilayer to the challenge test on the finished product.
R-Hybrid is a strategic product because it finally enables the safe reuse of rigid polystyrene in food products, thus ensuring efficient reuse of resources so that less virgin material can be used and a product with less environmental impact can be obtained. This recycling system is even more virtuous when one considers that R-Hybrid itself is also fully recyclable, thus allowing it to “close the loop” by enhancing the value of a valuable resource such as post-consumer food-grade plastic.
R-Hybrid was presented at PLAST, the International Exhibition for the Plastics and Rubber Industry held at Rho-Fiera Milano from September 5 to 8, 2023, and will enter the market starting at the end of the year going to replace Hybrid, the innovative tumbler with which FLO had already revolutionized the vending market by replacing part of the virgin PS with a mixture of mineral fillers.
Notizie recenti
7 October 2025
FLO Group is coming to Host Milano 2025 (Hall 18P – Stand D32 E31) with three Ho.Re.Ca. innovations: R-Hybrid SKY in recycled PS, Alpha in plastic-free Qwarzo® cardboard, and GEA capsules in PLA. Innovation and sustainability for professional hospitality.
2 October 2025
R-Hybrid SKY, FLO’s new vending cup made from post-consumer recycled polystyrene, combines advanced eco-design, lightness, and recyclability, while delivering performance equivalent to traditional single-use cups. With recycled content more than double the EU 2030 target and already compliant with PPWR regulations, R-Hybrid SKY integrates into the RiVending system, allowing each cup to be turned into new raw material. It will be available from the end of 2025.
30 September 2025
Vendtra 2025 confirmed the importance of sustainable innovation in the vending sector. The stand served as a meeting point for companies, clients, and partners, fostering discussions on innovation, design, and sustainability. The presentation of the Alpha line sparked a debate on future prospects, highlighting the importance of developing cutting-edge, environmentally responsible solutions.
