Compostable Coffee Cups
Planet Friendly Packaging supplies BioPak’s disposable coffee cups, also known as compostable coffee cups, for sustainable coffee service across Australia. Our single-walled coffee cups are the more environmentally friendly alternative to double-walled cups. While double-walled cups use extra paper, offering additional insulation against hot drinks, this increases the cup's environmental impact.
The single-wall hot disposable coffee cup represents a 55% reduction in paperboard used, 44% less paper weight, 29% smaller cartons and an overall 20% reduction in carbon footprint when compared to the double-wall cups. They are also more cost-effective because less material is being used to create them. In addition, the lighter weight and smaller carton size of a single-wall coffee cup reduce transport-related emissions, contributing to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Learn more about the difference between single-wall and double-wall coffee cups.
Compostable certification and disposal
BioPak is the leading manufacturer of biodegradable coffee cups in Australia whose mission is to create sustainable packaging that puts the planet first. They offer compostable paper coffee cups made from plants, designed for the circular economy where resources are reused and not wasted.
Marketers often use the term 'biodegradable' in a misleading way when selling biodegradable coffee cups. In addition to being unsubstantiated, these claims do not carry independent recognition. Studies indicate, however, that these plastics do not actually dissolve but instead fragment into small pieces.
BioPak’s disposable coffee cups come with an Australian industrial composting certification (AS4736) and will decompose in 120 days in an industrial compost facility. The new single wall Aqueous cups, are made with a unique water-based coating and are Certified Home Compostable to Australian Standards (AS5810). By being industrially or home compostable, our eco-friendly coffee cups help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, return nutrients to the soil and reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. Paper cups can be disposed of in an increasing number of FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) bins.
If you're not sure if your local council accepts them, you should contact them. All BioPak products, including these disposable cups, are carbon neutral and 5% of profits from sales are donated to positive change.
PHA plant-based technology
Innovation in disposable coffee cups has reached a new milestone with the introduction of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate). Unlike standard bioplastic linings, our premium white PHA cups are made from a material derived from fermented plant oils. This cutting-edge technology is unique because it is certified marine biodegradable and home compostable, offering a robust alternative to Aqueous or PLA coatings. By choosing PHA, businesses can provide a high-performance cup that aligns with the highest environmental standards for end-of-life disposal and ocean safety.
Product sizes and universal lids
Our eco-friendly cups are available in multiple sizes with two universal lids, simplifying stock management:
4oz take the smaller 63mm lid
6oz - 8oz - 10oz - 12oz (80mm) take the medium 80mm lid
8oz (90mm) - 12oz (90mm) - 16oz - 20oz take the larger 90mm lid
With fewer lid variations, businesses can reduce storage needs while maintaining drink size flexibility.
Colour options and limited-edition designs
Choose from multiple colour options to match your branding or event theme:
Aqueous Coated - Plain White - Kraft Brown w/ Green Stripe - Biopak Branded - White w/ Green Line - Kraft w/ Green Line - Indigenous Series - Art Series (colourful prints that change every few months, come in mixed cartons).
Art Series and minimalist designs
Modern cafés understand that branding extends beyond the storefront. Choosing the right disposable coffee cups is a simple way to showcase your business personality while staying eco-conscious. For those seeking a creative edge, our vibrant Art Series cups offer a rotating gallery of unique illustrations that turn every takeaway order into an Instagrammable moment.
Alternatively, businesses aiming for a clean look may prefer our classic white cups, which provide a minimalist canvas for your custom stamp. These curated collections ensure your sustainable choice looks as good as it performs.
Indigenous Series and social impact
Sustainable beverage service in Australia involves more than waste reduction. It includes giving back to the community and supporting talented local artists. Our Indigenous series coffee cups feature authentic artwork that tells powerful stories of the land and its people.
By choosing these disposable coffee cups, your business supports social initiatives and highlights a genuine commitment to Australian heritage. This curated collection allows local cafes to contribute to positive change while maintaining high standards of sustainability and functional performance across their entire daily takeaway drink service.
Operational benefits of using disposable coffee cups for baristas
Beyond environmental advantages, our single-wall disposable coffee cups like the Kraft green line, offer significant practical benefits for high-volume hospitality environments. These cups are designed to integrate seamlessly into a fast-paced workflow while ensuring a premium experience for every customer. Key operational highlights include:
- Superior heat conduction — The single-wall construction allows baristas and customers to feel the milk temperature through the paperboard, ensuring the perfect serving heat every time.
- Storage efficiency — With a 29% smaller carton, these cups are ideal for busy cafes or kiosks with limited storage space.
- Tactile experience — The cup's lightweight design provides a comfortable, natural feel for the end consumer.
These operational efficiencies make single-walled options the preferred choice for professional baristas across Australia who value consistency, speed and ease of use.
Shop our disposable coffee cups and enjoy branding and wholesale benefits
Do yourself and your customers a favour and switch to single-wall compostable disposable coffee cups today. Our range also comes with the added bonus of a free custom branding stamp for low-cost, on-cup promotion.
When you order from Planet Friendly Packaging, you’ll enjoy volume discounts, fast same-day dispatch and the satisfaction of knowing that every purchase helps plant a tree and build a more sustainable future.
FAQs
Are Coffee Cups Biodegradable?
Paper-based cups with a bioplastic (PLA) lining are biodegradable, compostable and recyclable. Plastic (PET)-lined paper cups are neither biodegradable nor compostable but can be recycled once the plastic lining is removed.
What Are Biodegradable Coffee Cups Made Of?
Biodegradable and compostable coffee cups are made from paper and PLA, a bioplastic made from fermented plant starch, usually from sugar cane, cassava, corn or sugar beet. As PLA is made from plant sources, it is fully compostable and biodegradable to Australian Industrial Composting Standards - AS4736. Some newer cup lines use Aqueous lining instead, made with a unique water-based coating and are Certified Home Compostable to Australian Standards - AS5810. The coating is printed like water-based ink, allowing it to be absorbed into the paper fibres rather than sitting on top as an additional layer. This reduces the amount of material needed, while providing the same leak and grease-proof benefits as other coatings.
What are disposable coffee cups called?
They’re often called takeaway cups, paper cups or compostable coffee cups when certified for composting. Businesses may also refer to them as hot drink cups or single-use coffee cups, commonly used in cafés, restaurants, events and food trucks for serving hot beverages safely and conveniently.
What makes a good disposable coffee cup?
A strong, heat-resistant cup with a certified compostable lining that fits universal lids ensures safety and practicality for busy cafés and restaurants. High-quality cups also maintain drink temperature without leaking and are designed to minimise environmental impact during production, transport and disposal.
What are the cons of disposable coffee cups?
Traditional plastic-lined cups are difficult to recycle and are commonly sent to landfills. Certified compostable options reduce this impact by breaking down into compost in industrial facilities. However, access to commercial composting can vary by region, requiring businesses to confirm local disposal options.
How long do disposable coffee cups last?
Compostable cups are durable in storage and use, but fully decompose within 120 days when processed in an industrial compost facility. They remain intact during normal use and have a shelf life similar to standard paper cups, provided they’re stored in dry, cool conditions.