🌱 100% Compostable & Biodegradable

PLA (Polylactic Acid) Cups & Drinkware

Premium cornstarch-based PLA cups, lids, and cold cups that deliver crystal clarity, excellent hot & cold performance, and a completely compostable end-of-life.

95 Days

Full Compost Time

60°C

Heat Resistance

FDA

Food-Safe Certified

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What Is PLA (Polylactic Acid)?

PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable, carbon-neutral resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava root.

Unlike conventional plastics made from petroleum, PLA is produced through the fermentation and polymerization of plant sugars. It offers a remarkably similar look and feel to traditional plastic — with the clarity, rigidity, and versatility your brand expects — but with a dramatically reduced environmental footprint.

🌽 Plant-Based

Made from renewable cornstarch, not petroleum.

♻️ Compostable

Breaks down in industrial composting facilities within 90 days.

🔬 Non-Toxic

FDA-approved, BPA-free, and safe for food contact.

✨ Crystal Clear

Excellent clarity that showcases your products beautifully.

Our PLA Cup & Drinkware Collection

From hot coffee cups to cold drinkware and lids — every item in our PLA range is designed for performance and sustainability.

Hot Cup

PLA Hot Coffee Cups

Double-wall PLA-lined cups with excellent heat retention and leak-resistant performance.

8 oz 12 oz 16 oz 20 oz
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Cold Cup

PLA Clear Cold Cups

Crystal-clear cold cups ideal for iced beverages, smoothies, and bubble tea.

12 oz 16 oz 20 oz 32 oz
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With Dome Lid

PLA Cold Cups w/ Dome Lid

Premium cold cups paired with matching PLA dome lids — spill-proof and compostable.

16 oz 20 oz 24 oz 32 oz
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Accessory

PLA Lids & Sleeves

Flat lids, dome lids, and paper sleeves — all PLA-compatible and fully compostable.

8oz lid 12oz lid 16oz lid 20oz lid

Benefits of Choosing PLA Drinkware

PLA isn't just a sustainable swap — it delivers real business advantages that resonate with modern consumers.

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Carbon-Neutral Footprint

PLA production emits up to 65% less CO₂ compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics, helping your business meet sustainability targets.

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Premium Clarity & Feel

PLA cups offer glass-like clarity and a rigid, premium feel that elevates your brand presentation on every table and counter.

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Heat & Cold Performance

Engineered to handle temperatures up to 60°C (140°F) for hot beverages, while maintaining structural integrity for cold drinks.

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Regulatory Compliance

FDA food-contact approved and certified compostable (ASTM D6400 / EN 13432), keeping your business ahead of plastic bans.

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Custom Branding Ready

Full-color printing, embossing, and custom logos on PLA products. Make your eco-commitment visible and memorable.

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Competitive Wholesale Pricing

We offer volume-based pricing that makes the sustainable choice also the cost-effective choice for your business.

PLA Product Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for our standard PLA cup range. Custom sizes and specifications available upon request.

Specification Details
Material PLA (Polylactic Acid) — 100% bio-based polymer from cornstarch
Compostability Standard ASTM D6400 EN 13432
Composting Conditions Industrial composting (55–60°C, high humidity) — 60 to 90 days
Heat Resistance Up to 60°C (140°F) — suitable for hot beverages
Available Sizes 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz, 24 oz, 32 oz
Wall Type Single-wall (cold cups) / Double-wall insulated (hot cups)
Clarity Crystal clear — transparency comparable to PET
Food Safety FDA Compliant BPA-Free, Phthalate-Free
Minimum Order 10,000 units (standard) — custom MOQ available
Custom Printing 1–8 color process, full wrap, embossing, custom shapes
Lead Time Standard stock: 3–5 days | Custom: 15–25 business days
Packaging Shrink-wrapped bundles, carton-packed for shipping

The Sustainability Advantage

Every PLA cup you order is a step toward a cleaner planet. Here's the impact your choice makes.

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100%

Bio-based content from renewable crops

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65%

Less CO₂ emissions vs. traditional plastic

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90 Days

Full decomposition in industrial composting

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Zero

Petroleum, BPA, or toxic chemicals

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our PLA products, composting, and ordering.

Our PLA products are certified for industrial composting (ASTM D6400 / EN 13432). While they will break down in home composting systems, it may take significantly longer (6–12 months) due to lower temperatures. For fastest decomposition, we recommend partnering with a local industrial composting facility.
Yes! Our PLA-lined hot cups are designed to handle temperatures up to 60°C (140°F), making them ideal for coffee, tea, and other hot beverages. Our double-wall insulated versions provide additional heat protection for the user's hands.
PLA offers a similar visual clarity and rigidity to PET and conventional plastics, but with the key advantage of being fully compostable and bio-based. The main trade-off is a lower heat tolerance compared to PET — PLA is best suited for cold and warm applications, not boiling hot liquids.
Our standard custom PLA cup MOQ is 10,000 units per size and design. For businesses with lower volume needs, we also offer white-label PLA products that you can customize with labels or shrink bands. Contact our team for a tailored quote.
Absolutely. All Cup Source PLA products are FDA-compliant for food contact, BPA-free, and phthalate-free. We provide full material safety data sheets (MSDS) and compliance certificates with every order upon request.
Yes! Many of our clients order a mix of PLA cold cups, PLA-lined hot cups, and standard paper cups in a single shipment. Our team can help you design a product mix that meets your operational needs and sustainability goals. Get in touch for a custom bundle quote.

Ready to Switch to PLA?

Get a custom quote for your PLA cup order today. Free samples available for qualified businesses.

Get Your PLA Quote →