ZEROPL vs UNDO: choosing the right material for your application

At Ekomon, we manufacture reusable cups using two proprietary materials: ZEROPL and UNDO. Both feature bio-based content and are engineered for high-cycle reuse, yet they address different operational needs. Choosing the right one depends on your specific use case, drink temperature, return logistics, and what happens to the cup at the end of its life.

ZEROPL: bio-based and recyclable

ZEROPL is a bio-based, recyclable material engineered to replace fossil-fuel plastics in demanding applications. It reduces reliance on fossil resources, accommodates natural fibre finishes, and is fully suited to high-temperature requirements.

It is the ideal choice when cups circulate within a controlled return, wash, and reuse loop, and can be channelled into established recycling streams at the end of their service life. Festivals using BackCup, venues with commercial dishwashers, and recurring corporate events are typical use cases.

UNDO: bio-based and biodegradable

UNDO is a bio-based, biodegradable material free from persistent microplastics and endocrine disruptors. Its end of life allows for composting or biodegradation, ensuring that an unreturned cup does not become persistent waste lasting for decades.

It is especially suited to natural environments, beaches, open-air events in sensitive locations, or projects where the risk of loss is higher and minimising the impact of unrecovered cups is critical.

How to decide: four key questions

What drinks will you serve and at what temperature? For hot drinks or high-temperature commercial washing, ZEROPL is typically the most suitable option.

What does your return system look like? With a reliable return loop and professional washing, cups complete numerous cycles and end-of-life recycling makes complete sense. If return rates are uncertain, UNDO minimises the environmental impact of lost cups.

Where is the event held? In natural or protected settings, preventing persistent microplastics is often a top priority.

What do you want to communicate? Both materials support a credible sustainability message, provided it is backed by verifiable reuse data.

What both materials share

In many projects, the answer is not mutually exclusive. A single organiser can combine both materials: ZEROPL for main bars with controlled returns and professional washing, and UNDO for campsites, green spaces, or promotional campaigns where cups are less likely to be returned. This hybrid approach matches each format to its actual operational setting, optimises budget allocation, and maintains a consistent message for audiences, sponsors, and local authorities. Our technical team can help you evaluate volumes, temperatures, customisation, and return logistics before you decide.

Both materials can be customised using screen printing or IML, are built for real-world reuse operations, and deliver functional and aesthetic performance tailored to each application. The question is not which is better, but which best fits your operational requirements. If you have any questions, we are here to help.