Step one

Measure out all the ingredients using a scale and a measuring jug for the water.  Starting with the 40ml of water and the 2.5grams of glycerol, add these into the cooking pan. I used a steel coffee pot (Ibrik). You can then mix in the rest of the ingredients into the liquid. These are 1.5 grams of  Agar Agar powder (this is a seaweed extract ) and the 7 grams of used Turkish coffee grounds to the liquid and turn the cooker on to a medium heat. Notes: the Turkish coffee should be dried before usage.

Step two

With a whisk, keep mixing the materials until it boils and thickens.  I have found the whisk helps with the consistency. The time it takes depends on the kind of cooker you have and the cooking pan you are using. Try to make notes as you go about the time and what is happening in the cooking pan.

Step three

When you have a thick mixture, immediately pour the mix into the mold. You can use acrylic molds, rubber… for the cup shape I used two cups where one is slightly larger. I poured the mixture in the larger cup and then pushed the smaller one in.

Step four

After 15 minutes, remove the bioplastic from the mold gently. The plastics will shrink and if it was forced in a mold as it dries it would break so make sure to remove from the mould.

Step five

Place the piece to air dry, this can take up to 48 hours to fully dry. You can also try to try it in different temperatures e.g.: in an oven, dehydrator or maybe outside. It will be different for everyone.

Step six

The final material characteristics will vary depending on where you are, but mine felt rubbery, not too hard nor too soft, and a little flexible.