Knowledge

Is your cup biodegradable?

Author : Ebony Hawkins
Update time : 2021-09-26 17:09:07
4200
  The cup is our everyday companion. Is your cup biodegradable? For all our environmental problems, good progress has been made in one area: the word "compost" is becoming a buzzword, and more cities are starting to apply large-scale composting products. This shift is good for our landfills. Humans are wasteful when it comes to food and packaging, and it's one of the largest types of municipal solid waste that ends up in landfills and thrown away with waste contributes to methane emissions, which is a greenhouse gas.
  cup biodegradable
  Whether the biodegradable cup is compostable
  As composting becomes more popular, these companies are also trying to capitalize on the uptick: a surge in the number of paper products sold as compostable or claiming that people might be compostable, such as "plant-based" or "biodegradable." There are cups made from corn called biopaper cups, and plates made from sugar cane -- but what's commonly referred to as "bioplastic" isn't always really compostable.
  It turns out that biodegradable paper cups can only hold drinks because they're lined with plastic. Does that ultra-thin layer of plastic make them uncompostable? It usually depends on whom you ask. Some cities, such as London, collect plastic-coated packaging with compost. Hot tea or cold coffee didn't last long and we used to rely on plastic cups. But not anymore, because there are biodegradable paper cups that are both environmentally friendly and affordable. By consciously choosing green products, we make a positive contribution to a healthy, clean world.
  Today there are many companies making bio-paper cups using polylactic acid (PLA), which is produced by fermenting plant starch from 100% renewable sources. While it retains the strength of plastic, it's easy to compost and is aptly called bioplastic. PLA paper cups are the best choice for cups, which can hold the hottest drinks and can be frozen. The new cups meet Food Standards Agency guidelines and are clean, non-toxic and sterilised. Plus, since the cups are compostable, they just help remove trash.
  
  Paper cups made of PLA materials
  In addition, cheering people will compost more easily if they can store the PLA paper cups and milk cartons they are already ready to throw away. But there are concerns that plastic cups could end up polluting the environment. Now, we're talking about relatively small amounts of plastic -- as Massey says, plastic-coated cartons tend to be about 80 to 90 percent compostable. But places like Ecocycle have taken the time to analyze the future of our compost fillings, and they worry that if we don't get the policies right now, we'll end up with a pile of plastic in our soil later.
  PLA paper cups are oil resistant, safe and waterproof, and can also be used for thermal applications.
  1. Suitable for hot and cold drinks.
  2. Strong
  3. PLA lining is easy to compost
  PLA resin is certified by ASTM D 6400.
  5. PLA products consume less energy to manufacture than plastic products.
  6. PLA cups emit less carbon than traditional paper cups.
  Transparent PLA paper cups and wine glasses look like normal plastic cups, but they are made of bioplastic and are also 100% carbon offset from top to bottom, which is the perfect way to reduce your carbon footprint. PLA manufacturers use 60% less greenhouse gases than producing conventional plastics, and PLA is specifically biodegradable and compostable. PLA paper cups are perfect for all your cold drink needs and can be frozen (e.g. ice cream).
  
  The new biodegradable paper cup is a new alternative to cold drinks. Designed for chilled drinks, these coloured cups are made from quality FSC certified cardboard from managed plantations. Instead of a plastic coating made from oil, the inside and outside are coated with an innovative bioplastic made from plants. An external moisture barrier ensures that the paper remains firm and waterproof. Is your cup biodegradable? If anyone asks in the future, you can just tell them that my cup is not only biodegradable, but fully compostable.

 
Ebony Hawkins
Food Packaging R&d Manager
Engaged in research and development of paper products for many years, good at product analysis and positioning
Click to contact me
Related News
Read More >>
Paper Cup Sizes Guide: How to Choose the Right Size for Coffee, Tea and Takeaway Drinks Paper Cup Sizes Guide: How to Choose the Right Size for Coffee, Tea and Takeaway Drinks
Sep .22.2026
Complete paper cup sizes chart (4oz–32oz) with ml conversions, best uses for coffee, tea and cold drinks, lid compatibility tips, and practical advice for cafés and takeaway businesses. Includes Hydepackage options.
Paper Souffle Cups and Portion Cups: A Practical Buying Guide Paper Souffle Cups and Portion Cups: A Practical Buying Guide
Sep .16.2026
Paper souffle cups are small pleated disposable paper containers commonly used for sauces, dips, food samples and portion control. Available in sizes from about 0.5 oz to 4 oz, they can be made with different paper treatments or coatings depending on the
Restaurant Food Packaging Guide: Containers, Cups, Boxes, Bags and Cutlery Restaurant Food Packaging Guide: Containers, Cups, Boxes, Bags and Cutlery
Sep .09.2026
Practical guide to restaurant food packaging. Learn how to choose cups, bowls, boxes, bags, cutlery and more for takeaway and delivery. Tips on eco-friendly options, wholesale sourcing and Hydepackage solutions.
How to Choose the Right French Fry Cups for Your Restaurant How to Choose the Right French Fry Cups for Your Restaurant
Sep .03.2026
Learn how to pick the best French fry cups for your restaurant. Compare sizes (8–32 oz), kraft, PE-coated, PLA-lined and bagasse materials, grease resistance, and compostable options. Practical buying advice for disposable fry cups wholesale.
inquire
Ask us for
PRICE AND SOLUTIONS TODAY!
Your inquiry will be replied within 8 hours, and we respect your privacy.