Eco-solutions: Vinnytsia farmer transforms apple waste into eco-friendly cups

Photo: video screenshot

Alvina Kaminska

Oleh Levchenko, the founder of the "Vytvirnia" farm in the Vinnytsia region, has developed a method to process apples without waste by crafting edible cups from the fruit.

ShoTam reports this.

What is the problem?

In 2017, Levchenko established the "Vytvirnia" farm in the village of Severynivka in the Khmelnytskyi region. Like many farmers in the area, he focused on apple cultivation.

Subsequently, a cooperative with its production facilities was established, operating on the principle of "zero waste."

What is the solution?

As a result, the farmer devised a method to process apples without generating waste by creating edible cups from the fruit. These cups serve as an eco-friendly alternative to paper and plastic tableware.

How does it work?

"Our dream is to become Apple "kurkuls" [a derogatory name for a wealthy peasant- ed.]," Levchenko emphasized.

^{Photo: video screenshot}

With the support of the grant program "Course for Independence," the team acquired specialized equipment for sifting seeds:

• The seeds are used in bio-additives,
• The remaining apple parts are utilized to produce new products.

^{Photo: video screenshot}

The farmer has patented a practical model—an apple-based cup. After use, it offers versatile options:

– It can be eaten,

– It can be used in the preparation of kysil or uzvar.

^{Photo: video screenshot}

Foreign companies have become interested in the development. The team is currently working on improving the production technology.

For reference: 

Notably, the farm in the Vinnytsia region cultivates unique apples branded as "Ukraine's Armed Forces" and "F-16" apples. The secret behind these apples lies in a creative technique: stencils of various shapes are applied to the fruit at a specific ripening stage. This process results in apples bearing distinct patterns or inscriptions.

The Ukrainian brand Rekava has also announced plans to produce disposable biodegradable cups and pots crafted from recycled coffee grounds. These cups incorporate secondary raw materials from corn, eggshells, and other natural components. Depending on weather conditions, they decompose within one and a half to three months. They can also be repurposed as pet food, fertilizer, or heating pellets.

In addition, edible coffee cups are produced by the Australian crowdfunding startup Good-Edi. Its goal is to combat disposable products that have a polyethylene shell.

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