Compostable Cups Are Here!

Compostable cups are here to stay, and more brands are incorporating them into their packaging strategies. As sustainability initiatives continue to grow, governments and event venues are also introducing regulations and requirements designed to reduce waste, particularly after large events. Stadiums and event venues across North America are taking steps to reduce plastic consumption.

How Do ECO Plastic Cups Work?

ECO plastic cups and Lids are made with PLA, a plant-based material derived from renewable resources. They offer a more environmentally conscious alternative to traditional plastic while maintaining the clarity, quality, and durability customers expect.

Designed specifically for cold food and beverage applications, ECO plastic products are *BPI-certified compostable and can be processed through commercial composting facilities. Please note that commercial composting may not be available in all areas, and these products are not suitable for home composting.

Compostable PLA plastic cups are ideal for cold and room-temperature beverages.

Please check local laws and regulations to ensure compliance before purchasing or distributing.

*Commercially compostable only. Acceptance varies by location. Please check with your local municipality or visit findacomposter.com to confirm availability.

How Do ECO Paper Cups Work?

ECO Paper Cups are part of a complete line of single-use, commercially compostable* foodservice packaging made from renewable resources. Our cups are designed to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Available in a variety of popular sizes, ECO Paper Cups are suitable for a range of beverages, from espresso and specialty drinks to coffee and tea.

Features:

• Printed ecotainer® logo communicates the use of compostable packaging

• Interior coated with a plant-based PLA biopolymer

• Made in the North America

• Meets ASTM compostability standards

• BPI-certified compostable

• Fiber sourced according to Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) Certified Sourcing standards

• *Can be commercially composted – please check with your local municipality for acceptance or visit findacomposter.com. 

Who Needs Compostable Cups?

Compostable cups are a great option for businesses looking for sustainable, professional-grade custom packaging.

They can also be a practical choice for businesses and event venues looking to meet sustainability requirements while keeping their branding front and center.

From cafés and restaurants to festivals, stadiums, and large-scale events, custom compostable cups allow businesses to maintain a strong brand presence while choosing packaging designed with sustainability in mind.

Who Can Use Compostable Cups?

Compostable cups are ideal for companies that:

• Want to incorporate more sustainable packaging into their operations

• Need packaging that aligns with specific venue or event requirements

• Want to maintain strong brand visibility with custom-printed cups

• Are looking for an alternative to conventional plastic cups

• Are located in regions below 105°F (40.5°C). Exposure to higher temperatures may cause the material to gradually begin breaking down. 

   

Important: PLA Care & Storage

To support their environmental benefits, our PLA compostable cups are designed to break down under heated commercial composting conditions in approximately 40–60 days.

Important storage information: Compostable PLA cups must be stored below 105°F (40.5°C). Exposure to higher temperatures may cause the material to gradually begin breaking down.

Proper storage conditions are maintained before shipment. Once the products leave our facility, responsibility for proper storage conditions transfers to the customer.

Please note: ECO PLA plastic cups are not recommended for environments where temperatures may regularly exceed the recommended storage or handling conditions, as exposure to excessive heat can affect the material.

Where Can I Buy Eco-Friendly Cups for My Business?

At The Cup Store, we supply and custom-print eco-friendly cups in both paper and PLA plastic.

Explore our ECO Paper Cups and ECO Plastic Cups to find a compostable option that fits your beverage, branding, and packaging needs.

Our compostable cups feature smooth surfaces that are ideal for printing logos, artwork, and detailed designs—giving brands a sustainable packaging option without compromising visibility.

What businesses have used compostable cups?

     

Does the FIFA Fan Fest from the 2026 World Cup ring a bell? 

CASAMIGOS, the premium tequila brand, brought their drinks to FIFA Fan Fest events across the USA and Canada — and made sure they were served in compostable cups.

From the stadium atmosphere to the fan celebrations, their branded cups were part of the experience while supporting a more sustainable serving solution.

And yes, The Cup Store was proud to be part of it. 

States where compostable (or recyclable) food‑service packaging is effectively required in certain settings

These states have laws that either ban non‑compostable plastics, restrict PFAS, or require certified compostable packaging for specific food‑service uses.

California

• SB 54 (2022) requires producers to shift toward recyclable or compostable packaging.

• Many cities (e.g., San Francisco, Berkeley) already require compostable or recyclable food‑service ware for restaurants and events.

PFAS bans also eliminate many non‑compostable paper cups.

Colorado

• Under HB 22‑1355, packaging must meet recyclability or compostability standards.

Municipalities like Boulder require compostable food‑service packaging in commercial compost programs.

Oregon

• Statewide EPR law (SB 582) pushes packaging toward compostable/recyclable formats.

Cities like Portland require compostable food‑service items in certain waste‑stream programs.

Maine

• EPR law (LD 1541) requires producers to fund composting infrastructure, indirectly pushing compostable packaging adoption.

Washington

• PFAS bans in food‑service packaging mean many traditional paper cups are no longer allowed unless they are BPI‑certified compostable.

🟨 States where compostable cups are NOT mandatory, but compostable packaging is strongly encouraged

These states have PFAS bans, recycling/composting incentives, or municipal rules that make compostable cups the easiest compliant option.

• Minnesota – PFAS restrictions push food‑service packaging toward compostable alternatives.

• Maryland – EPR laws and PFAS bans affect food‑service packaging choices.

• Cities in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey – Local ordinances often require compostable or recyclable food‑service ware at events or restaurants.

🟥 States with NO compostable cup requirements

Most states—including Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Arkansas, Mississippi—do not require compostable cups and often have minimal packaging regulations.

At The Cup Store, we offer recyclable and eco-friendly compostable hot and cold cups for businesses across USA.

Request a FREE sample of the products you need and find the right packaging solution for your business.