Biodegradable Clear Cup Solutions Highlighted at the Global Sustainable Plastics Conference 2025 in Korea

Introduction

On September 17–18, 2025, the Global Sustainable Plastics Conference took place in Incheon, South Korea, gathering experts, researchers, policymakers, and manufacturers from across the globe. Organized by Incheon Metropolitan City, the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), and supported by Incheon University, the Korea Plastics Industry Association, the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, and the Korea Chemical Industry Association, the event highlighted the future of biodegradable plastics and sustainable packaging.

At the heart of the discussions and exhibitions was a product increasingly recognized as a game-changer in foodservice and retail packaging: the Biodegradable Clear Cup. These cups, often made from PLA (polylactic acid), represent a perfect balance between transparency, durability, and compostability, giving both businesses and consumers a practical, eco-friendly alternative to traditional PET or PS cups.

Global Highlights from the Conference

U.S. Composting Leadership

Janet J. Thoman from the U.S. Composting Council emphasized the critical role of composting in managing organic waste. She stressed that compostable plastics, including the Biodegradable Clear Cup, provide scalable solutions for reducing single-use plastic pollution. By integrating compostable packaging with organic waste systems, municipalities can significantly cut landfill dependency.

China’s Multi-Pronged Strategy

Professor Weng Yunxuan of the China Plastics Association Degradable Plastics Committee introduced China’s approach to plastic pollution governance: reduction, recycling, recovery, and biodegradation. His report confirmed that biodegradable products such as the Biodegradable Clear Cup are essential in targeted application scenarios like takeaway packaging, cold drink cups, and retail-ready containers. He also highlighted the upcoming 11th International Symposium on Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastics in Beijing this November.

Europe’s Policy Push

From the European Bioplastics Association, Franz Kraus detailed the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) and its planned 2028 revision. The new version is expected to strengthen support for bio-based and compostable plastics. For the European foodservice market, this means broader opportunities for products such as PLA Cup With PLA Lid and Biodegradable Clear Cup solutions.

Exhibition Insights: Market Readiness

The event’s exhibition floor showcased innovations from Korean and international companies. Among the most eye-catching displays were:

• Biodegradable Clear Cups and lids for cold beverages

• Compostable shopping bags and delivery packaging

• PLA-based bubble wraps and cushioning for e-commerce

• Compostable adhesive tapes for logistics applications

Notably, Chinese PLA and biodegradable product suppliers also presented their solutions through local partners, signaling that Biodegradable Clear Cup and related products are gaining traction in overseas markets such as Korea.

A standout exhibit displayed the slogan “PLA without limits,” reflecting the material’s growing role as a versatile backbone for sustainable packaging solutions.

Why the Biodegradable Clear Cup Stands Out

Functional Benefits

The Biodegradable Clear Cup offers a unique combination of qualities:

• Transparency: Maintains the premium, crystal-clear presentation of beverages.

• Compostability: Certified under global standards (ASTM D6400, EN 13432).

• Versatility: Suitable for cold drinks such as juices, smoothies, and iced coffee.

• Safety: Made from renewable, non-toxic raw materials.

Unlike traditional plastics, these cups naturally decompose in composting environments, ensuring a sustainable lifecycle.

Market Demand

The global market for Biodegradable Clear Cups is forecasted to grow rapidly, driven by:

• Regulatory bans on single-use plastics.

• Rising consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging.

• Growth in food delivery and takeaway industries.

• Corporate sustainability commitments in retail and hospitality.

Industry analysts project a 15%+ CAGR for PLA-based packaging through 2030, cementing the Biodegradable Clear Cup’s role as a flagship product in sustainable packaging.

Xiamen Dashan® and Our Biodegradable Solutions

At Xiamen Dashan®, we are at the forefront of sustainable food packaging manufacturing. Our product portfolio includes the Biodegradable Clear Cup, designed to meet global demand for eco-friendly drinkware.

Our PLA Cup With PLA Lid Line

• Custom Compostable Transparent Cups tailored for different beverage volumes.

• Leak-proof PLA Cup With PLA Lid options for cafes, juice bars, and fast-food chains.

• Made from Biodegradable Plastic PLA, ensuring safety, compliance, and sustainability.

• Premium aesthetics: Biodegradable Plastic PLA Cups With PLA Lid maintain beverage clarity and freshness.

By combining durability, compostability, and customization, we help foodservice brands transition smoothly from traditional plastic to eco-friendly alternatives.

Beyond Cups: Expanding Applications of Biodegradable Plastics

The conference also highlighted broader applications for biodegradable plastics, reinforcing that the Biodegradable Clear Cup is part of a much larger ecosystem. These applications include:

• Retail carry bags (PLA/PBAT-based)

• Medical disposables (PLA trays, diagnostic tools)

• Agricultural mulch films (biodegradable crop support)

• Logistics packaging (compostable tapes and cushioning materials)

These diverse uses demonstrate the growing trust in compostable plastics as a scalable solution across multiple industries.

Challenges Ahead

While the Biodegradable Clear Cup shows immense promise, the industry must address key challenges:

1. Composting Infrastructure – Without adequate facilities, compostable plastics may not reach their full potential.

2. Cost Gaps – Biodegradable plastics currently cost more than traditional PET or PP.

3. Consumer Education – Clear labeling is needed to prevent confusion between recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable plastics.

Still, these challenges are temporary. As infrastructure expands and demand grows, economies of scale will reduce costs, making Biodegradable Clear Cups increasingly competitive.

Looking Forward

The Global Sustainable Plastics Conference 2025 made it clear: biodegradable plastics, especially the Biodegradable Clear Cup, are no longer niche—they are mainstream solutions for the future.

As Franz Kraus from the EU Bioplastics Association stated: “We must work together. We must work together.” His words resonate with the mission of every manufacturer, policymaker, and consumer aiming to build a more sustainable future.

At Xiamen Dashan®, we share this commitment. By delivering high-quality Biodegradable Clear Cup solutions, along with our PLA Cup With PLA Lid and Custom Compostable Transparent Cups, we support businesses worldwide in their journey toward sustainable, customer-friendly packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a Biodegradable Clear Cup?
A Biodegradable Clear Cup is a transparent drink cup made from compostable materials such as PLA, designed to decompose naturally under composting conditions.

Q2: Are Biodegradable Clear Cups suitable for hot beverages?
Standard PLA clear cups are best for cold beverages. For hot drinks, CPLA (crystallized PLA) is recommended.

Q3: Do Biodegradable Clear Cups cost more than PET cups?
Yes, but prices are becoming more competitive as global demand and production increase.

Q4: Can Biodegradable Clear Cups be recycled?
They should be composted rather than recycled with PET or PP. Some specialized PLA recycling programs are emerging.

Q5: Why choose Xiamen Dashan®?
Because we offer Custom Compostable Transparent Cups, PLA Cup With PLA Lid, and Biodegradable Plastic PLA Cups With PLA Lid, all certified, customizable, and export-ready for international foodservice markets.

References

1. European Bioplastics. (2024). Bioplastics market data 2024: Global production capacities and trends. Retrieved from https://www.european-bioplastics.org

2. Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2023). The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics. Retrieved from https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org

3. U.S. Composting Council. (2024). Compostable packaging and its role in sustainable waste management. Retrieved from https://www.compostingcouncil.org

4. OECD. (2022). Global Plastics Outlook: Policy Scenarios to 2060. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org

5. ASTM International. (2023). ASTM D6400 – Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities. Retrieved from https://www.astm.org

6. PlasticsEurope. (2024). Plastics – the Facts: An analysis of European plastics production, demand, and waste data. Retrieved from https://plasticseurope.org

7. Nature Sustainability. (2023). Advances in biodegradable plastics and their role in reducing environmental pollution. Springer Nature.

8. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2022). Single-use plastics: A roadmap for sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org

9. Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). (2024). Compostable product certification and market trends. Retrieved from https://bpiworld.org

10. Journal of Polymers and the Environment. (2023). Performance of PLA-based biodegradable clear cups in foodservice applications. Springer.