Recyclable 'Terapot' curry container lands Sheffield students Deliveroo packaging prize
A spill-resistant tub designed to keep takeaway curry separate from rice has earned two Sheffield Hallam University students top honours in Deliveroo’s 2026 Sustainable Packaging Competition.
George Fowles and Jessica Walklett secured a £1,500 prize for their creation, dubbed the Terapot. Developed over just under five months, the semi-circular tub is manufactured from fully recyclable pulp and sits neatly inside a larger bowl containing rice. An ergonomically shaped outer lip pushes securely against the container's lid, locking in heat and preventing sauce from leaking during transit.
The brief tasked students on the university's Higher Degree Apprenticeship Packaging programme with solving delivery issues for Pho, a nationwide Vietnamese chain with more than 50 restaurants. Judges highlighted the design's environmental profile and the fact that it integrates seamlessly into Pho's existing packaging range, offering a cost-effective route to commercial manufacture.
Now in its third year, the contest is run by Deliveroo in collaboration with Enviropak and Sheffield Hallam University, following a previous challenge that created a sustainable coffee cup for bakery chain GAIL’s.
George said: “The competition offered a really unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the hospitality industry. I am grateful to Deliveroo, Pho and Sheffield Hallam for spearheading this initiative and for their encouragement and feedback throughout the process. It is a fantastic feeling to have won!”
Jessica said: “Taking on a real commercial challenge for such a well known and respected restaurant group like Pho has been a highlight of my studies, as it gave us the chance to put our learning into practice. I am extremely proud of our winning design and would like to thank everyone involved for the opportunity.”