Compostable Sample Cups
Built for cafés, restaurants, and B2B coffee programs, our sample cups use PLA-lined plant-based paperboard. Stocked sizes include 2 oz, 3 oz, 4 oz, 5 oz, 6 oz, and 7 oz.
What sets our sample cups apart
- True PLA lining (no PE). Hot drinks stay leak-free for hours, but the entire cup composts as a single unit — no mixed-material headache for the consumer.
- Hot-drink rated to 85°C. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate hold without softening or warping.
- Lid compatibility tested. Cup rims match standard 8/10/12/16/20/22 oz lid bases, including our PLA-lid range.
- Sustainable kraft + tree-free options. FSC-certified kraft and tree-free pulp options for brands that want to telegraph the material story.
Specifications and material breakdown
- Stocked sizes: 2 oz, 3 oz, 4 oz, 5 oz, 6 oz, and 7 oz
- Material: Kraft or tree-free paperboard with PLA bioplastic interior lining
- Hot-fill rating: Up to ~85°C (hot coffee, tea, soup)
- Lid compatibility: Standard lid sizes 8/10/12/16/20/22 oz
- Stack tolerance: Designed for cup-dispenser tubes
- Print: Full-color flexo on outer surface; food-safe inks
- MOQ: Stock cases; OEM printed runs from 5,000 units
Who buys our sample cups
Independent cafés
Daily-use disposable cups, often with branded prints. We run printed orders from 5,000 units, with art-file proofs before production.
Coffee shop chains
Bulk SKUs across multiple locations, often coordinated with national distributors. Container-load capacity for chains with 50+ outlets.
Quick-service restaurants
Drink delivery and takeout volume. Often mixed with cold-cup orders for combo programs.
Catering & events
Single-event branded runs. Digital printing handles short-run, multi-design events without flexo plate costs.
Certifications and compliance
Standards compliance: BPI (US), EN 13432 (EU), ASTM D6400, ISO 17088, and DIN CERTCO. These are the credentials procurement and compliance teams typically request when evaluating compostable suppliers. We provide verifiable certificate numbers, lab test reports, and material safety documentation.
Related ranges and sub-categories
This is one branch of the broader Cups & Straws range. Other related sub-categories:
OEM, private label, and bulk orders
Standard sizes ship from inventory; OEM, ODM, and private-label runs with custom dimensions and branded artwork ship factory direct from our Shenzhen facility. Print methods include flexo (volume-cost efficient at 10,000+ units), digital (short-run / multi-SKU / seasonal artwork), and embossing (premium-positioned items). All inks are food-safe and either water-based or UV-cured — both compost end-to-end.
Frequently asked questions about sample cups
Are these cups PLA-lined or PE-lined?
Always PLA-lined. No PE. The lining and the paperboard both compost in industrial facilities — no mixed-material disposal.
Can I microwave them?
No — PLA softens above ~110°F. For microwave-safe foodservice items, see our fiber bowls range.
Hot-fill safe?
Yes, rated to ~85°C (185°F) — hot coffee, tea, soup all hold without softening or warping for typical service durations.
Do you offer custom printing?
Yes — full-color flexo for high-volume branded orders (5,000+ units), digital printing for short-run or seasonal artwork.
What lid sizes do you stock?
Matched lids in 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, and 22 oz to fit our cup range; see our compostable coffee cup lids.
Are they curbside compostable?
Industrial composting only. Most municipal organics programs accept BPI-certified items; check your local program for specifics.
When you’re ready to spec a run, see our wholesale page for OEM, ODM, and bulk-order details. Or browse our full product catalog for related items. Sample shipments and quote requests both go through our contact page.
