decent packaging UK

"Everything we can make, we can unmake." 

It’s a bold statement, but we aren’t just saying it because it looks good on a t-shirt. We say it because we’ve done the homework and the testing to ensure our packaging meets our claims.  

When it comes to our Hot Cups, we use two main types of materials: PLA and Aqueous. We thought it was about time we gave a bit of a refresher on the two. If you’ve ever wondered what the actual difference is or why we bother with fancy certifications, this one's for you. 

PLA 

PLA stands for Polylactic Acid. In simpler terms, it’s a bioplastic made from renewable resources like sugarcane and cornstarch. 

• Why it’s decent: Traditional cups use oil-based plastic linings. PLA uses plants. This means it relies on renewable resources rather than fossil fuels. 

• How to unmake it: PLA is designed to be commercially composted. When sent to the right facility, it breaks down into nutrient-rich soil. 

• The proof: Our PLA cups are certified EN13432 (the gold standard for industrial composability). 

Aqueous 

Aqueous is the newer technology on the block. It uses a unique water-based barrier coating that is applied directly to paper. 

• Why it’s decent: Because it’s a coating rather than a liner, it requires significantly less material to get the job done. 

• How to unmake it: Aqueous is certified home compostable. You can literally chuck it in a backyard compost set up. 

• The proof: These cups carry the NF T51-800 certification. 

So, which one is better?

At the end of the day, it’s like choosing between a flat white or a long black - both are great, it just depends on what you’re into. Either way, you’re winning! 

Why we "show our receipts"

The packaging industry is full of claims that don't hold weight. Anyone can say a product is compostable, but we believe in proof. 

Certifications like EN13432 and NF T51-800 are our way of showing our receipts. We go the extra mile so that you (and your customers) can be 100% confident that when we say we can "unmake" something, we mean it. 

Head to our Materials page if you want to dive a little deeper. Or feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.