5 Best Plant-Based Cups
Plastic is a significant pollutant on land and in the sea, and the call for more sustainable solutions is growing. If you have a restaurant or order serviceware like cups for events, finding sustainable alternatives to plastic has multiple benefits. Customers who increasingly demand more eco-friendly options will be encouraged to do business with you, and you’ll help in the global effort to produce less waste and be kinder to the planet.
How Do I Choose the Right Eco-Friendly Cups for My Establishment?
When it comes to finding the right plant-based cup manufacturer for your business, there are several things you can consider. Though aesthetics can be a factor, more important to remember is that various eco-friendly cups are made differently. Keep the following in mind as you navigate your choices:
- Ease of recyclability: Compostable or recyclable cups are more accessible, as you can re-earth them in your backyard or add them to your recycle bin. Polylactic acid (PLA) cups cannot be added to your compost or recycled, and you’ll have to take them to a commercial composting facility.
- The cup’s function: Always check that the cups you choose can handle cold and hot beverages. Cups for hot beverages are thicker and stiffer and can usually also hold cold drinks.
- Manufacturer reliability: Ensure the cup manufacturer is reliable and transparent and can assist you in abiding by all applicable regulations.
The Top 5 Plant-Based Disposable Cups
As a leading manufacturer of plant-based disposables, we continuously conduct extensive industry research. Here are some of the best plant-based cups on the market.
1. Compostable Paper Cups From Greenprint
As one of the top eco-friendly disposable cups, Greenprint’s compostable paper cups are suitable for hot and cold beverages. They’re made of paper and have an aqueous coating, making them safe and easy to dispose of in your yard compost or through curbside recycling.
Pros:
- Suitable for hot and cold beverages
- Various sizes available
- Compostable aqueous lining for home and industrial compost
- Marine biodegradable
- Neutral appearance to suit your brand
- Offer custom printing and designing
Cons:
- Available in white color only
2. Compostable Cups From Earth’s Natural Alternative
These bamboo cups are 100% biodegradable and compostable. Earth’s Natural Alternative cups are lined with cornstarch-based materials and offer durability due to the bamboo fiber.
Pros:
- BPA free
- Plant-based and bamboo PLA lining
- Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certified
Cons:
- Not ideal for drinks with ice
- Comes with plastic packaging
- More costly than other plant-based cups
Find them on Earth’s Natural Alternative
3. Green Stripe Cold Cups From Eco-Products
Eco-Products Green Stripe Cold Cups are manufactured from plant-based PLA. These cups are sturdier than traditional plastic cups and are 100% renewable and compostable.
Pros:
- Ideal for holding cold drinks
- Attractive and come in various sizes
Cons:
- Not suitable for hot beverages
- Not easily customizable
4. No Tree Paper Hot Cups From World Centric
With a corn-based PLA lining and shredded sugar cane fiber material, World Centric’s paper-free cups are innovative. Nontoxic, fully compostable, and recyclable, these cups are sturdy and safe to dispose of.
Pros:
- Made from bagasse, a biomaterial
- Use less energy during production
Cons:
- Tend to get too warm to the touch
- Paper cup only for hot beverages
5. Cold Cups From Repurpose Compostables
Clear and durable, Repurpose Compostables’ cold cups are made of PLA, which makes them compostable and recyclable. We also love the fact that the printing on the cups is vegetable-based rather than oil-based ink.
Pros:
- Made from plants
- BPA-free and no PFAS
- Come in various sizes
Cons:
- Not for hot beverages
Find them on Repurpose Compostables
Learn More About Sustainability for Your Business
Contact us for more information and explore functional and quality plant-based cups from Greenprint.
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