8/9/10/20/16/12 oz PLA Cups

Compostable Plastic Cups PLA

Our compostable PLA plastic cups are made from plant-based raw materials that offer a lower environmental footprint compared to petroleum-based plastics. As global awareness of climate change intensifies, both businesses and consumers are seeking sustainable packaging alternatives that reduce landfill waste and pollution. PLA cups meet this demand by breaking down fully in industrial composting environments, returning to natural elements without leaving microplastic residues or toxic byproducts.

Using PLA cups allows consumers to enjoy cold beverages guilt-free while supporting a shift toward a more circular and sustainable packaging economy. The rise in demand for eco-friendly packaging within the beverage sector reflects not only regulatory pressure but also consumer preference for products aligned with their environmental values.

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What is PLA Cup?

PLA stands for polylactic acid, a bioplastic synthesized from renewable plant sources such as corn starch and sugarcane. Unlike conventional plastics made from fossil fuels, PLA offers a biodegradable and compostable alternative with the physical properties necessary to perform as durable beverage containers.

PLA’s chemical structure allows it to biodegrade under industrial composting conditions — typically within 90 to 180 days — converting into carbon dioxide, water, and organic matter through microbial activity. This process prevents accumulation of long-lasting plastic waste in ecosystems and landfill sites.

Our PLA cups retain the transparency, rigidity, and lightweight characteristics of traditional plastic cups, making them ideal for serving a variety of cold beverages. Moreover, the raw materials for PLA are annually renewable crops, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint compared to petrochemical plastics.

 

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PLA Compostable Cups: Various Sizes

To cater to diverse beverage service needs, Xiamen Dashan offers PLA cups in an extensive size range, ensuring perfect portions and customer satisfaction:

• 8oz / 240ml

• 9oz / 270ml

• 10oz / 300ml

• 12oz / 360ml (available in 90mm, 98mm, and U-Style mouth diameters)

• 14oz / 420ml (90mm)

• 16oz / 500ml (98mm and U-Style)

• 20oz / 600ml (90mm and 98mm)

• 24oz / 680ml (90mm, 98mm, U-Style)

• 32oz / 1050ml (117mm)

This size flexibility supports various applications from small smoothies to large iced teas, enabling businesses to meet customer demands precisely while maintaining sustainable packaging standards.

 

 

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PLA Compostable Cups: Lid Types

Our PLA cup lids complement the cups with design options that enhance functionality and presentation:

• PLA Flat Lid: Sleek, secure fit perfect for iced coffee and juices.

• PLA Dome Lid: Provides extra space for whipped cream or toppings, ideal for bubble tea and specialty drinks.

• PLA Sip-Through Lid: Convenient for on-the-go consumption with straw or direct sipping.

All lids are made from PLA, maintaining full compostability alongside the cups and ensuring a consistent sustainable packaging system.

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Product Specifications

✔ PLA Cup Specification Table

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Material: PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is the primary material in our PLA clear cups. Derived from renewable plant sources such as corn and sugarcane, PLA is a bioplastic offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil-fuel based plastics.

PLA biodegrades in industrial composting environments through microbial action, breaking down into carbon dioxide, water, and organic matter without producing harmful residues. Unlike conventional plastics that persist for hundreds of years, PLA helps address the growing plastic pollution crisis by supporting a circular lifecycle.

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Features of Compostable PLA Cups

• Eco-Friendly Disposal: Fully industrially compostable, our PLA cups break down within months, reducing landfill waste and toxic pollution.

• Strong and Light: Despite being compostable, PLA cups maintain strength and durability comparable to conventional plastic cups, minimizing spills and breakage.

• Liquid-Safe and Non-Toxic: Clear like traditional plastic, PLA cups are BPA-free and FDA-approved for safe food contact.

• Multiple Capacities: From 8oz to 32oz, our PLA cups meet diverse serving needs for various cold beverages.

• Customizable Branding: Support your brand’s sustainability message with custom logo printing in 1-4 colors to enhance customer engagement while protecting the environment.

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Available Sizes and Customization

Our PLA cups are available in a wide range of sizes tailored to your business needs. You can choose from our stock sizes or request OEM/ODM services for customized dimensions and printing:

• MOQ for custom printing: 50,000 pcs per size

• Printing Area: Body of the cup for logos, text, or artwork

• Supported file formats: PDF, AI, CDR

• Full design assistance provided by our expert team

  

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Cold Beverages Only

Please note PLA cups are designed specifically for cold liquids. They are not heat-resistant and may soften or deform under high temperatures (above 50-70°C). Special insulated packaging is recommended during shipping and storage to prevent heat exposure.

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Detailed Production Process

1. Raw Material Sourcing: We source high-quality, food-grade PLA resin from renewable plants such as corn and sugarcane, ensuring sustainability and safety.

2. Material Preparation: The PLA resin is carefully dried and blended with additives approved for compostability and food safety to achieve desired clarity and strength.

3. Thermoforming: Advanced molding machines heat and shape the PLA into cup forms with precision and high efficiency.

4. Cooling & Trimming: Cups are cooled rapidly to maintain structural integrity and trimmed automatically for smooth edges.

5. Quality Inspection: Rigorous testing for thickness, strength, leak resistance, and clarity is conducted to meet strict quality standards.

6. Printing & Customization: Logos and artwork are printed using eco-friendly inks under controlled conditions for vibrant, durable branding.

7. Packaging: Cups and lids are packed with thermal insulation bags inside cartons to protect against heat during transport.

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Customer Case Studies

• Green Café Chain: Switched all cold drink cups to Dashan PLA compostable cups, reducing plastic waste by over 70% annually. Their brand message of sustainability boosted customer loyalty and social media engagement.

• International Festival Organizer: Used Dashan PLA cups for 10,000+ event attendees, successfully managing waste with local industrial composting facilities and gaining recognition for environmental stewardship.

• Office Coffee Program: Large corporate client implemented PLA cups in their break rooms to promote green workplace practices and reduce plastic use, contributing to their CSR goals.

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Industry Market Trends Analysis

The global compostable packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR exceeding 15% through 2030, driven by:

• Increasing government bans on single-use plastics

• Consumer preference for sustainable packaging options

• Advances in composting infrastructure and technologies

• Corporate sustainability commitments and circular economy initiatives

PLA cups are at the forefront of this growth, widely adopted in foodservice, retail, and events sectors globally. Businesses adopting PLA benefit from regulatory compliance, brand differentiation, and reduced environmental impact.

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Scientific Research Background on PLA Material

Recent studies show that PLA’s lifecycle carbon footprint is up to 70% lower than traditional plastics, considering raw material cultivation, production, and end-of-life disposal. PLA’s biodegradability under industrial composting conditions has been extensively verified, with no microplastic formation or toxic residues detected post-composting.

Research also confirms that PLA’s mechanical properties can be tailored for packaging uses without compromising environmental benefits, making it ideal for disposable cups requiring clarity, rigidity, and moisture resistance.

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Environmental Regulations & Policy Insights

Many countries and regions have enacted regulations encouraging or mandating compostable packaging use:

• EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive promotes compostable alternatives in foodservice

• US states like California require plastic reduction and encourage compostables

• Australia’s National Packaging Targets include compostable plastic goals

• Growing municipal composting infrastructure enables wider adoption of PLA products

Our PLA cups fully comply with international certifications including EN13432, ASTM D6400, OK Compost Industrial, and FDA food contact approvals, ensuring adherence to global environmental and safety standards.

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Logistics and Packaging Details

Due to PLA’s temperature sensitivity, special packaging is vital during storage and transport:

• Inner Insulation Bags: Each carton contains insulated liners to shield cups from heat.

• Thermal Blankets: Entire shipments are wrapped with thermal covers to prevent heat buildup in containers.

• Cold Chain Recommendations: Where possible, maintain shipments below 30°C to preserve product integrity.

• Carton Labeling: Clear handling and storage instructions accompany shipments to avoid heat exposure.

Our logistics team coordinates closely with customers to tailor delivery methods, ensuring cups arrive in perfect condition ready for immediate use.

      

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FAQ (People Also Ask)

1. What are compostable plastic cups made from?
They are primarily made from polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-based bioplastic derived from renewable crops like corn and sugarcane.

2. Are PLA cups truly biodegradable and compostable?
Yes, PLA cups are certified compostable and biodegrade fully in industrial composting environments without leaving harmful residues.

3. Can I use compostable PLA cups for hot drinks?
No, PLA cups are designed for cold beverages only. Heat can cause them to soften or deform.

4. Are compostable plastic cups safe for food and drinks?
Absolutely. They are food-grade, BPA-free, and meet international safety certifications.

5. Where can I buy compostable plastic cups in bulk from a manufacturer?
You can purchase from reputable manufacturers like Xiamen Dashan, who provide quality PLA cups with customization and competitive pricing.

6. How long do PLA cups take to compost?
Under industrial composting conditions, PLA cups typically break down within 90 to 180 days.

7. Can PLA cups be recycled?
PLA requires specialized industrial composting and is generally not compatible with conventional plastic recycling streams.

8. What types of lids are available for PLA cups?
Flat lids, dome lids, and sip-through lids, all made from compostable PLA material.

9. What certifications do your PLA cups have?
Our products are certified under EN13432, ASTM D6400, OK Compost Industrial, FDA food contact, and comply with QS, NSF, and EC-EU standards.

10. Can I have my logo printed on PLA cups?
Yes, we offer custom logo printing with 1-4 color options starting at MOQ 50,000 pcs.

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Packaging Insight: Why Choose Xiamen Dashan® Compostable PLA Plastic Cups?

How do PLA cups benefit the environment?
Made from renewable crops, our PLA cups reduce dependency on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and return to the earth through composting, helping to mitigate plastic pollution.

Why are Dashan PLA cups suitable for foodservice?
They combine clarity, durability, and safety with food-grade certification, ensuring beverages maintain their quality without harmful chemical leaching.

What makes PLA cups a smart choice for sustainable businesses?
They meet regulatory demands, appeal to eco-conscious consumers, and enable companies to demonstrate commitment to sustainability.

What usage options are available?
Our PLA cups come in many sizes with matching compostable lids and straws, perfect for cafes, juice bars, restaurants, corporate events, and festivals.

What considerations should buyers keep in mind?
Assess your composting infrastructure availability, volume requirements, and regulatory compliance to integrate PLA cups smoothly into your sustainability strategy.

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Keywords: compostable PLA cups, biodegradable plastic cups, plant-based cups, eco-friendly cold drink cups, Dashan PLA cups, sustainable plastic alternatives, compostable beverage cups