Compostable Cold Cups & Lids
Shop New Lower Prices on Cold Cups! Our certified compostable cold cups and lids are made with either PLA, a clear bioplastic made from US grown plants or NoTree bamboo paper. An environmentally friendly option to oil-based plastics, PLA cups are the premium choice for businesses and consumers. Available in a variety of sizes and lid options in either World Centric or Greenware. Also check out our home compostable PHA straws.
Free Samples, Wholesale Pricing & FREE Shipping +$50!
NOTE: Lids/cups are only compatible within the same brand.
PLA products should be stored out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources and in a temperature-controlled environment. PLA has a temperature threshold of 110-120 degrees. The main culprits for PLA items melting and warping are cases or sleeves being exposed to direct sunlight (e.g. not being stored immediately following delivery, etc.). Or, cases or sleeves not being stored in a temperature-controlled environment like a hot kitchen, hot food truck, etc.
Take steps as soon as your products are delivered to make sure your PLA cups and lids are stored properly. For more info on PLA, check out our Guide to PLA.
Compostable Cold Cups FAQs
What are compostable plastic cups made from?
Compostable plastic cups are designed to break down through the action of living organisms, typically microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. These cups are made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane, and certified to compost in industrial compost facilities.
How do biodegradable plastic cups differ from compostable cups?
The terms biodegradable and compostable are often used interchangeably, but they have important differences:
- Biodegradable: Means the material can be broken down by microbes, but the timeframe, conditions, and environmental safety of the result are unspecified. It may fragment into microplastics or residues over an extended period.
- Compostable: Means the product meets specific standards (e.g., ASTM D6400, EN 13432), fully disintegrates, and leaves no toxic residue, typically only under industrial composting conditions.
ALWAYS look for certified compostable cups like the ones we sell!
Do PLA plastic cups break down in home compost or landfills?
No. Compostable bioplastics require specific environmental conditions, like industrial compost facilities with heat and microbial activity, to decompose effectively.
Are compostable plastic cups environmentally beneficial compared to traditional plastic?
Yes. If properly composted, they produce less long-lasting plastic pollution. They are also made from renewable plant-based materials like corn, unlike traditional plastics which are petroleum-based. Our PLA cold cups are made from Ingeo PLA.
What should I look for when shopping for eco-friendly bioplastic cups?
Look for:
- Clear labeling that specifies compostability (if required by your composter) and PLA as the material.
- Compostable certifications or standards compliance, especially if products claim compostability, as this indicates stricter performance standards.
- A fantastic supplier (that’s us!) that offers Free Samples, Bulk Discounts, and FAST & FREE Shipping on orders $50+.
