Lucozade makes vending machine for drinks capsules made of SEAWEED

Lucozade has launched a vending machine that dispenses edible liquid-filled capsules called 'Oohos' instead of plastic bottles — as a bid to cut down on waste. Each of the capsules from UK firm Lucozade Ribena Suntory hold one fluid ounce (30 millilitres) of sports drink in a shell made entirely from seaweed extract. The 'Ooho' name comes from the noise people make when experiencing one for the first time, a Lucozade spokesperson told the MailOnline.  Not only is the plastic-free packaging edible, but it also biodegrades on its own within four to six weeks. Scroll down for video Lucozade has launched a vending machine that dispenses edible liquid-filled capsules instead of plastic bottles — as a bid to cut down waste. Pictured, the vending machine and a capsule Each of the capsules from UK firm Lucozade Ribena Suntory hold one fluid ounce (30 millilitres) of sports drink in a shell made entirely from seaweed extract. Pictured, the vending machine that dispenses the edible capsules filled with Lucozade Sport Lucozade Sport capsules were previously only given out by hand at large sporting events — such as the London Marathon — due to their needing to be stored in a refrigerated environment. However, a trial version of vending machine capable of dispensing the capsules was put through its paces today at the David Lloyd gym in Hampton, South West London, thanks to a government-backed project to cut down on waste. Feedback from gym-goers trying the unusual product and the dispenser will be used to help Lucozade determine how such machines might be used in the future. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Can't cope without a morning coffee? Your genes could be to... Starbucks trials new 'ultra-green' compostable paper coffee... A food lab analyzed 110 commonly available honey products... Old bread is being given a new lease of life as scientists... Share this article Share 80 shares Funding from Government agency Innovate UK was secured by the sustainable packaging company Notpla, which is working in partnership with Lucozade. The £300,000 ($388,812) grant is being used to help develop a working machine that can manufacture and dispense 3,000 of the capsules a day. Lucozade said that it has been trying to lead the way on recycled and recyclable plastics ever since Ribena became the first soft drinks brand to use 100 per cent recycled plastic in 2007. The company added that it now hopes to bring 'instant hydration in a plastic-free format' to gyms for the first time. A trial version of vending machine capable of dispensing the capsules was put through its paces today at the David Lloyd gym in Hampton, South West London, thanks to a government-backed project to cut down on waste Lucozade said that it has been trying to lead the way on recycled and recyclable plastics ever since Ribena became the first soft drinks brand to use 100 per cent recycled plastic in 2007 The company added that it now hopes to bring 'instant hydration in a plastic-free format' to gyms for the first time 'Our ambition is to develop the most sustainable packaging possible, going above and beyond to achieve our "Growing for Good" vision, said Lucozade Ribena Suntory business transformation manager Jo Padwick. 'Our collaboration with Notpla to develop more uses for Oohos is just one example of how we're working to achieve our commitment to eliminate virgin, fossil-fuel based plastic in the next 10 years.' Around 90,000 of the capsules will be handed out at the upcoming Virgin Money London Marathon alone, with more to be given to race participants at similar events across the UK.  Lucozade are not the first to experiment with using seaweed-based liquid capsules — whisky manufacturer Glenlivet unveiled a similar product last October.