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Exploring Composting, PLA, and our NATURAL Line

A great party shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. That’s why we have our NATURAL line—a compostable drinkware option that’s good for your guests and great for the...

A great party shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. That’s why we have our NATURAL line—a compostable drinkware option that’s good for your guests and great for the earth. Made from plant-based PLA, these cups break down in commercial composting facilities within 3-6 months, leaving behind nutrient-rich soil instead of lingering in landfills or oceans for centuries.

What’s PLA?

PLA, or polylactic acid, is a plant-based biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, PLA is produced by fermenting plant sugars, which are processed into a polymer. This sustainable origin gives PLA a significantly lower carbon footprint, making it an eco-friendly alternative for packaging and drinkware. Not only is PLA compostable and non-toxic, but it also naturally breaks down into organic components, contributing to a circular economy. By choosing our NATURAL line, made from PLA, you’re actively reducing plastic waste and harmful carbon emissions. These cups decompose into nutrient-rich soil instead of lingering in landfills for centuries, helping create a cleaner planet and a brighter future. It’s a choice that benefits both you and the environment for generations to come.

So, what’s composting all about?

Composting is nature’s way of recycling—transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich material that boosts soil health and reduces landfill waste. But not all composting works the same way. Our NATURAL cups are designed for both industrial and home composting, ensuring that they can be easily returned to the earth wherever you are.

Industrial composting takes place in specially regulated facilities where conditions like heat, moisture, and airflow are optimized to break down materials like PLA (polylactic acid), the plant-based polymer in our cups. In these facilities, temperatures can soar to 150°F, creating the perfect environment for PLA to decompose rapidly and efficiently. This controlled environment allows our cups to fully break down within 3-6 months, leaving behind nothing but nutrient-rich soil ready to support new growth.

Home composting, on the other hand, is a bit slower but just as effective. In your backyard compost pile, our NATURAL cups can decompose within 12 months under the right conditions. While home composting doesn't reach the high temperatures of industrial facilities, the natural breakdown of PLA still happens as long as the compost pile is properly managed with the right balance of moisture, heat, and airflow.

Time to sip sustainably. 

Our NATURAL line is part of our commitment as a B Corp to becoming a fully circular company by 2025. With each sip, you’re helping us create a cleaner, healthier planet. The next time you're hosting a gathering, it's a no brainer. Choose our compostable, plant-based NATURAL Line, and let’s cheers to sustainability together!

Ready to shop NATURAL drinkware? Click here.  🌍💚