In Brooklyn, CRÈME Architecture and Design has demonstrated a concept that uses gourds to create biodegradable coffee cups.
Dubbed The Gourd Project, CRÈME used 3D-printed molds to grow gourds into desired shapes. Once dried, the gourds naturally became watertight. The entire cycle takes about six weeks and each gourd cup can be used three to six times before being tossed with the rest of food waste in composting systems.
Having proven the concept at small scale, CRÈME is now working on moving gourd-growing indoors to better control production.