AI Net Zero / NTNU Students Develop Plastic-Reducing 'Biscuit Cup', Awarded Practice Prize at Anniversary

(Central News Agency, reporter Chen Zhizhong, Taipei, 5th) National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) held its 104th anniversary ceremony today, honoring four distinguished alumni and awarding the 'Social Practice Prize' to three student teams. Among the recipients was a team from the Department of Social Education that developed an 'edible biscuit cup,' showcasing the concepts of environmental protection, sustainability, and plastic reduction.

The award-winning 'Salute Ganbei Team,' consisting of social education students Huang Pin-en, Chen Hong-yu, and Li Hsin-hui, created the edible biscuit cup to replace plastic-lined paper cups. A video promoting their sustainable cycle concept garnered over 2 million views on social media.

Huang Pin-en had previously developed an eco-friendly cigarette case in high school to address the problem of littered cigarette butts. Later realizing that paper cups are difficult to recycle due to their waterproof plastic lining, she discussed the idea with Chen Hong-yu, who has baking expertise, leading to the creation of the 'biscuit cup.' Li Hsin-hui was responsible for logistics and execution.

The trio experimented with various recipes and found that nut-based ingredients were both sturdy and tasty. By coating the inside of the finished cup with a thin layer of edible beeswax, they ensured it would not soften even after holding a beverage for 5 to 6 hours.

After completing the prototype, the team conducted a trial sale at a campus market. The stock prepared for three days sold out in just three hours. An additional 80 cups were quickly made and also sold out instantly. This demonstrated that the product, which aligns with sustainable principles while being tasty and fun, effectively meets the expectations of modern consumers.

The team is currently discussing their business model, hoping to collaborate with companies and cafes in the next step to accelerate mass production and turn it into a widely applicable eco-friendly product.

The four distinguished alumni honored were: Liang Jing-lan, advisor to the NTNU Malaysia Alumni Association and the first female reporter for 'Sin Chew Daily,' who served three terms as alumni association chairperson and has long promoted social welfare; Li Da-wei, former president of Chien Hsin University of Science and Technology, who has long fostered international academic exchanges and industry-academia collaboration and actively gives back to his alma mater after retirement, matching corporate resources to support the NTNU basketball team; Zhong Guang-feng, chairman of Hong Ju Construction Co., Ltd., who has long been involved in education, culture, and public welfare, working to connect industry, alumni, and social resources; and Li Yi-ning, chairman of He Tong Construction Co., Ltd., who has transformed traditional construction site culture with innovative management concepts, promoting safety system reforms and dignified labor. (Editor: Li Mingzong) 1150605