PP Plastic & PLA Bioplastic Cups FAQs
Choose PP (recyclable, heat‑tolerant); rPET (up to 50 % recycled content, kerb‑side recyclable); or PLA (plant‑based, industrially compostable). All options are BPA‑ and phthalate‑free. PLA Bioplastic comes from renewable resources like corn starch and tapioca. They are commercially compostable where accepted. Products made from PLA look and feel the same as conventional plastics, and they can be used in most packaging applications. PLA is not widely recyclable (code 7) but is commercially compostable where accepted.
· Small: 5-7oz
· Medium: 9-10-12oz
· Large: 16-20oz
· Imperial Pint Size: 20oz
These compostable plastic cups are unlikely to interfere with the flavor of drinks. Regular plastics may have more impact on your drink’s taste, for example, milk will acquire a different taste in a Polystyrene cup. The permeability of bioplastic packaging can actually be beneficial to some food products.
Our PP (Polypropylene) plastic cups are widely recyclable (Code 5). On the other hand, our PLA bioplastic cups are compostable and will break down after 12 weeks in a commercial composting facility.
PP copes with liquids up to 100 °C, making it fine for mulled cider; rPET and PLA are for cold fills below 45 °C to avoid panel distortion
Yes—PP, rPET and PLA stay crack‑free at –18 °C; leave 5 % head‑space for expansion.
Matching PET lids pass an inverted 1‑m drop test when paired with the correct rim size.
Both are available in PET: flat with X‑slot, flat with round hole, and high‑dome for whipped‑cream toppers.
No, our plastic cups and lids are sold separately as not all customers require lids. This allows you to choose the packaging combination that best suits your needs.
No—PLA needs 60 – 70 °C found in industrial composting tunnels to break down within 12 weeks.
No—our rPET already meets the 30 % recycled‑content threshold; PP cups use virgin resin but are exempt below 10 t / year per business.
Rinse PP and rPET cups, replace the lid and recycle kerb‑side; send PLA cups with food waste to an industrial composter.
No—the DRS launching 1 Oct 2027 covers PET bottles 150 ml – 3 L, not open‑mouth cups.
A 2024 Guardian ranking put clear PET and PP ahead of lined paper cups because they recycle at higher rates and avoid plastic‑paper laminates.
Yes, our plastic cups can be branded or customised (minimum print quantities apply).
Please get in touch if you are interested in a branded or custom product by phone at +44(0)20 3006 2432, Whatsapp, or email info@packagingenvironmental.co.uk.
Certainly! Sticker branding is a cost-effective solution for branding plastic cups, especially if you cannot meet the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for direct printing. The minimum order quantity for producing stickers is only 1000 pieces. Feel free to contact us for more information about pricing and lead times for sticker branding.
If you would like to test our plastic cups before placing an order, we are happy to provide samples. Please submit a sample request form or contact us by phone at +44(0)20 3006 2432, Whatsapp, or email info@packagingenvironmental.co.uk, and we will send you samples usually within a few days.