Cold Cups
Reusables
Invest in reusable cups.
Provide reusable cups on-site, alongside beverage dispensers and/or bulk beverage options.
Approved reusable materials for cups may include: glass, ceramic, stainless steel, aluminum.
Provide branded cups for each employee.
Disposables
When reusables are not applicable, choose disposable options that are compatible with available waste management infrastructure to ensure material is treated properly at end-of-life.
Approved disposable materials
Materials may include paper with uncoated (or water-based coating), aluminum, bamboo, palm leaf or other home compostable materials.
Best practice paper options have a non-plastic often water-based lining, making the product plastic-free and are compostable and/or recyclable. Confirm liner details and compostability and recyclability claims with the manufacturer.
Aluminum is a solution when recycling infrastructure is in place. Aluminum is nearly infinitely and 100% recyclable and recycling infrastructure for aluminum is widely available globally because there is a high value for the material. These cups are also reusable and can be treated as such.
Some companies are even exploring water soluble options! These are best for tasting glasses, water stations in venue receptions, travel service and other short-term uses.
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Compostable Plastic Cups
Compostable plastic cups, including “bioplastics” made from plant-based materials, are one of the most prevalent alternatives to traditional plastic cups on the market. These are primarily composed of materials like PLA (made from cornstarch) that are certified industrially or commercially compostable, meaning that they need to be treated in a specialized facility to properly break down.
There can be no contamination across streams.
Certified compostable items must be separated from other waste streams and collected by approved haulers taking this waste to an appropriate facility for treatment. These compostable products are not recyclable and contaminate recycling streams. On the other hand, compost waste streams cannot be contaminated by any non-compostable materials. Ensure your office building has a contract with a waste hauler who offers commercial composting service and confirm with them what materials they can handle.
Learn more in Oceanic Global’s Greenwashing Guide.