From Plant Sugars
Crystal Clear
No Petroleum
Great for Cold
Industrially Compostable
Manufacturer Direct
The Story
Plastic-like performance, plant-based origin
PLA (polylactic acid) starts as plant sugar, typically from corn starch. The sugar is fermented into lactic acid, then linked into a clear polymer that behaves like conventional plastic for cold drinks.
The difference is its origin and end of life: it's made from renewable plants rather than crude oil, and under industrial composting it breaks down rather than persisting for centuries.
How It's Made
From plant sugar to clear cup
A bio-based process from crop to compostable cup.
1
Plant sugar
Sourced from crops such as corn starch.
2
Fermented
Sugars fermented into lactic acid.
3
Polymerised
Linked into clear PLA resin.
4
Extruded
Extruded into sheet or film (or straw stock).
5
Thermoformed
Formed into cups, lids and straws.
6
Trimmed & inspected
Trimmed and checked for clarity and food safety.
7
Packed
Packed to export-grade standards.
WATCH THE JOURNEY
From cornfield to your cup
LAB-VERIFIED & FOOD-SAFE
Tested, not just claimed
Food-safety claims are to be backed by authorized laboratory test reports.
Bacteria-tested
Tested for Salmonella and other bacteria, confirmed food-safe.
No harmful compounds
No migratable arsenic or carcinogenic compounds.
Residue-free
Free from pesticide residue.
Within heavy-metal limits
Tested against heavy-metal limits, none present.
Results to be verified by authorized lab test reports. Available to wholesale & export buyers on request. contact our B2B team.
Certifications & standards
FDA 21 CFR
US food-contact safety.
BPI Compostable
ASTM D6400 — third- party verified commerc -ial compostability.
EU Regulation 1935/ 2004
European food-contact safety.
USDA BioPreferred
Biobased product content verified.
FSC
Responsibly sourced wood and paper.
END OF LIFE
How it breaks down
PLA is compostable, but in industrial conditions, not at home.
Industrial only
Home Compost
PLA needs a commercial composting facility, it is not home compostable.
~90–180 days
Industrial Compost
Breaks down in industrial composting conditions.
Composting times are indicative and vary with conditions.
Why It Works
The clear, plant-based choice
Crystal clear
Looks premium for cold drinks.
Plant-based
From renewable sugars, not oil.
Industrially compostable
Breaks down in commercial composting.
No petroleum
Not made from fossil plastic.
Great for cold
Ideal for cold cups and straws.
Food-safe
Made for direct food & drink contact.
Choose with Confidence
What PLA is best for
Best for
Cold drinks
Cafés
Juice bars
Events
Takeout
Not recommended for
- Hot drinks or hot liquids (PLA softens)
- Microwave or oven use
- Home composting (industrial only)
In Real Life
Beautiful in use
Pick the Right Material
PLA vs Paper vs Bagasse vs Palm
A quick guide to choosing what fits your use-case.
| PLA | Recycled Paper | Bagasse | Palm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Plant sugars (corn) | Recycled / bamboo fibre | Sugarcane fibre | Naturally shed palm sheath |
| Look | Crystal clear | Kraft / white | Matte natural white | Premium natural grain |
| Best for | Cold cups & straws | Napkins, liners, packaging | Everyday foodservice & takeout | Premium dining & events |
| Microwave / oven | No (cold use) | Varies | Yes | Yes |
| Grease / liquid | Good | Varies | Excellent | Good |
| Home compost | Industrial only | ~30–60 days | ~30–60 days | ~60–90 days |
Shop the Material
PLA products
Clear, plant-based, industrially compostable cold cups and straws, priced per case.
9–24 oz cold cups
Dome lids
Flat lids
Straws
Deli containers
Portion cups
Complete the Setting
Frequently bought together
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+
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Build a complete plastic-free table in one order.
For Distributors & Buyers
Need the full technical specs?
Dimensions, capacities, lid compatibility, temperature limits, compostability certifications and lab reports, for importers, distributors and hospitality buyers.
PLA FAQs
Questions, answered
No, PLA is industrially compostable. It needs a commercial composting facility, not a home pile.
No, PLA is for cold use. It softens with heat, so use paper/other materials for hot drinks.
It looks and performs like clear plastic for cold use, but it's made from plant sugars, not petroleum.
Yes, PLA is made for direct food and drink contact.
PLA is compostable (industrial), not recycled with conventional plastics. Keep it out of the plastic recycling stream.
GO DEEPER
Learn more
From the Blog
Plant-Based Plastics Explained, Simply
What PLA is and how to compost it properly.
Read the article →Sustainability
Our Materials & Compost Lifecycle
How PLA and our other materials break down.
Explore sustainability →See it. Feel it. Then stock it.
Order a $10 sample kit to test birchwood in your hands, or get wholesale pricing for your business.