Four young students from San Juan were recognized for an innovative invention to reduce single-use plastics: edible and biodegradable water capsules.
This idea is especially relevant because it represents a concrete alternative to plastic bottles.
This is the Hidracaps project, which won the national contest Industria Inspira from the Argentine Industrial Union.
The idea was developed from scratch by the students Camila Mercado, Simón Luna, Carlos Vargas, and Diego Guardia from EPET N°3 in the province.
Following this, the Minister of Education of San Juan, Silvia Fuentes, and the Secretary of Education, Mariela Lueje, also recognized the students and teachers responsible for this sustainable technological initiative.
A biodegradable solution against plastic
The edible water capsules are made from sodium alginate, a natural compound.
Each unit has a capacity of 35 to 45 milliliters and is specially designed for sporting events, concerts, and mass activities.
During the meeting with educational authorities, the young people explained the technical advances achieved and the future projections of Hidracaps.
The project emerged within the framework of the subject Professional Practices, under the responsibility of teacher Claudia Tarabay.
The initiative combines knowledge of chemistry, technology, and environmental sustainability.
New prototypes of water capsules and the expansion of the project
After the initial design, the students worked on new prototypes that include capsules with energy drinks.
Additionally, they developed improvements related to the transportation and preservation of the edible capsules.
Currently, they are designing a bioplastic pouch that would allow transporting several units together.
Given its potential, the Hidracaps brand has already been officially registered and another province has expressed interest in replicating the initiative.
Therefore, the educational institution will provide a laboratory space to continue development during 2026.
This will allow the project to continue, even if the students graduate and begin their university studies.
Institutional recognition and the vision for the future
“What we seek in technical education is precisely this: that the kids can apply what they learn in school in real life, that they transform knowledge into concrete solutions,” stated Minister Silvia Fuentes.
Secretary Mariela Lueje expressed that “Hidracaps demonstrates the enormous potential that our technical schools have when there are committed teachers, motivated students, and a Ministry that supports them.”
“It is a project that unites science, technology, the environment, and the world of work,” added the official. The meeting was also attended by the Director of Technical Education and Professional Training, Rodolfo Navas.
Also present were the director of EPET N°3, Eduardo Yáñez, and the coordinator of the Program Professional Practices, Elvira González. The authorities presented recognition diplomas to the young innovators.
The environmental impact and projection of Hidracaps water capsules
Hidracaps is oriented towards the creation of sustainable alternatives for the consumption of water and other beverages.
The focus is on the reduction of disposable plastic use in mass events.
The recognition in Industria Inspira positioned the project as a highlighted experience of San Juan’s technical education.
The initiative now has a national projection and has sparked interest in other regions of the country.
The edible capsules represent an innovative solution to the problem of single-use plastic pollution.
The technological development combines technical feasibility with environmental responsibility and linkage with the productive sector.
