Whether you’re camping, hosting an outdoor event, or just having coffee with friends, disposable cups often come in handy. But what kind of material are your cups made of? Have you thought about the environment after you throw them away?
Most single-use cups may look harmless, but over time, millions find their way into landfills, oceans, and rivers, where they take hundreds of years to decompose. Compostable cups, on the other hand, can break down into natural materials within 3-6 months in commercial composting facilities.
So if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, these biodegradable cups are a suitable choice.
What is a Compostable Cup?
A compostable cup is a disposable cup made from plant-based materials that can biodegrade within a few months in a commercial composting facility. Unlike plastic cups, compostable cups break down into organic matter instead of microplastics that harm our environment. They are often made from materials like bamboo, bagasse, polylactic acid (PLA), or starch.
Certifications like BPI confirm that the cups meet the criteria to be labeled compostable. This means that when sent to an industrial composting site, the right conditions exist for rapid breakdown. These include heat, moisture, light exposure, and microbes to speed up biodegradation. Without managed environments like these, the cups would not break down as effectively per claims.
1. ECOLipak 240 Pack Compostable Paper Cups
In their compostable cups, ECOLipak looks to combine elegance with sustainability. The cups are created from a bioplastic material called PLA, which makes them eco-friendly and compostable.
Apart from being eco-friendly, these cups are also free of BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals found in plastic products. The extra PLA lining provides greater insulation, earning them a 5-star rating for durability on Amazon.
With ECOLipak cups, you don’t need to explain sustainability to your guests. The beautiful tree-printed design on the cups will showcase your proud eco-consciousness.
When disposed of at a commercial composting facility, these cups can decompose in just 3–6 months. The pack contains 240 pieces of 12-ounce cups, making it convenient for hosting a party or an outdoor event. The 12oz size is perfect for most drinks, from coffee to smoothies and frappes.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
2. Avant Grub Biodegradable Cups 12 oz, 100 Pack
Looking for a compostable disposable cup with a leak-proof lid? Then the Avant Grub paper cups are the right choice. These cups come with a rolled rim, which ensures they fit snugly with their lids, retaining heat and aroma and preventing any accidental spills.
Avant cups are plant-based and lined with PLA, which not only makes them 100% biodegradable but also very resilient for hot and cold drinks. It’s also labeled as microwave-friendly and can handle temperatures up to 200°C.
One good thing about these cups is that they’re BPI-certified. BPI certifications are only given to products that have gone through extensive tests and meet strict standards. Its BPI approval also means you can dispose of these cups in a commercial compost facility.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
3. CantaGreen 8 OZ Eco-friendly Disposable Cups
Sustainability doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. CantaGreen eco-friendly disposable cups are designed to be economical and yet biodegradable.
Though 8oz may seem quite small for many, these cups are the perfect size for outdoor events, birthday parties, picnics, and office breaks where you need something to sip on and enjoy.
The cups are made of a single-layer paperboard coated with polyethylene, which makes them strong and leak-resistant. They also feature rolled rims that provide a secure grip when holding, earning them a 5-star Amazon rating for the “Easy to Hold” feature.
Moreover, these cups are available in a classic white color to match the decor of any event.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
4. World Centric – 100% Compostable 12 Ounce Kraft Coffee Hot Cup
Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, World Centric brings you compostable hot cups that are made from 100% natural plant fibers. Every cup is sustainably sourced, and they carry BPI certification to guarantee the quality of biodegradability.
The pack contains 100 pieces of double-walled cups made with Ingeo, a NatureWorks brand of PLA. The double-wall construction offers superb insulation against heat and prevents any spilling. According to World Centric, these cups can withstand microwave temperatures up to 220°F and are freezer-safe.
To elegantly blend in with the coffee theme, these cups are coated in a classic Kraft brown color with an off-white interior. They are perfect for coffee bars, cafes, and coffee shops.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
5. Luckypack Ripple Wall Biodegradable Cups
How many times do you need to wait for your coffee to cool down before you can pick it up? That’s the problem Luckypack compostable disposable Cups are designed to tackle. They come with triple-wall insulation sleeves that can keep your coffee hot for hours while still being safe to hold.
Moreover, this higher insulation layer also makes them sturdier and tougher enough to prevent spills and leaks. Using the same corrugated sleeve, these cups also provide a better grip when holding.
What’s more, the company offers customized options like custom printing, embossed logos, and other decorative designs to make these cups even more attractive and unique. For more details on customizing, you can contact the customer support team directly.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
6. Art Kups Compostable Paper Cups
For creativity at its best, Art Kups decides to make the compostable paper cups in a different style. How? By drawing unique artwork on the cup itself, inspired by nature and everyday life.
Every box of Art Kups contains a set of paper cups, each with its lovely design, bringing a stress-relieving vibe to any moment. In terms of sustainability, they are made out of paper and lined with polyethylene to make them water-resistant.
With Art Kups you can choose from two different sizes and quantities to meet your preference: 4 oz. and 8 oz., from 50 to 1000 pieces.
Art Kups are excellent for children’s parties, birthdays, and other gatherings. And because children are the future of our planet, why not introduce them to an eco-friendly lifestyle from an early age? They can learn to be more environmentally conscious and appreciate the beauty of nature through these fancy cups.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
7. 100% Compostable Disposable Coffee Cups with Lids – Earth’s Natural Alternative
Brought to you by Earth’s Natural Alternative, here is our first and only eco-friendly cup that’s made with bamboo fiber.
Earth’s Natural Alternative is yet another eco-friendly company that offers a wide range of compostable products. These eco-friendly disposable cups are made from bamboo fiber, making them fully compostable. Plus, the cups are laminated with PLA (polylactic acid) for extra sturdiness and water resistance.
Coming in a set of 80, these 12 oz cups are also equipped with eco-friendly lids that help prevent any kind of spillage. With the lid on, you can sip your coffee on the go without having to worry about making any messes.
ENA’s coffee cups are also ASTM D6400 certified, meaning that these cups can break down completely within 1-6 months in a commercial composting facility. Although not recommended for microwaves, they are labeled to withstand temperatures up to 194°F, ensuring your hot beverage stays warm for longer.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
8. BioGreenChoice ECO-FRIENDLY COLD PAPER CUP (1000 COUNT)
This large yet classic cold cup is perfect for any large gathering. BioGreenChoice has come up with an eco-friendly cup that is perfect for any kind of beverage, be it a smoothie, iced coffee, or iced tea.
The cup is made from paper and lined with bio-plastic (PLA) to give it a water-resistant feature. With its two-sided lining, your beverage will stay cold for longer and won’t get soggy on the outer side.
You can choose from a variety of sizes and quantities, ranging from 12oz to 22oz, with 1000 pieces in each box. Plus, they are also certified by BPI, OK compost, and ASTM D6400, ensuring that your cups are 100% compostable.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Conclusion
When you are looking for a sustainable option for your next party or gathering, it can be hard to determine which disposables are the best. Hopefully, this list of 8 eco-friendly disposable cups has given you a better understanding of the different types of products available. With these options, you can be sure to make your parties or gatherings more sustainable and eco-friendly while still maintaining a stylish look.
Along with cups, we urge readers concerned about plastic waste to consider switching to other compostable tableware options, like the best microwave-safe biodegradable bowls, biodegradable plates, and cutlery brands that make dining and food serving kinder to the planet.
FAQs
Are there biodegradable cups?
Yes, there are biodegradable cups available. Many companies offer compostable and/or biodegradable disposable cups that are made from sustainable materials such as bamboo fiber or PLA.
Are paper cups compostable?
No, paper cups are not usually considered compostable because paper itself does not decompose easily. However, some paper cups are lined with a compostable lining, such as PLA or cornstarch, which can make them more eco-friendly.
Are compostable cups really compostable?
When made according to responsible standards like BPI certification, compostable cups are absolutely compostable. They are rigorously tested to biodegrade quickly and safely when sent to industrial composters.
Where do you dispose of compostable cups?
Compostable cups should be placed in a designated compost bin to be sent to an industrial composting facility. They cannot effectively break down in backyard compost piles. Check if your city, school, or venue has compost collection available, usually alongside regular recycling. Do not place compostable cups in landfill bins or recycling bins, as they need the conditions of commercial composters to decompose.
How long does it take for a biodegradable cup to break down?
The amount of time it takes for a biodegradable cup to break down depends on the material and its composition. Generally, biodegradable cups made from bamboo fiber or PLA can take anywhere from weeks to months, depending on the environment.
No Comments