PHA Single-Use Cups — Crystal-Clear Compostable Drink Cups
Thermoformed cold drink cups made from 100% PHA, engineered as a direct replacement for PET and PLA single-use cups. The material delivers genuine optical clarity and rigidity, so iced coffee, smoothies, juices, and bubble tea present exactly as they would in conventional plastic — while remaining home compostable and marine biodegradable. Unlike PLA, PHA does not require an industrial composting facility at 58-60°C to break down, which matters in markets where such infrastructure does not exist.
Key Benefits
- Crystal-clear transparency for full product visibility and merchandising appeal
- Rigid walls resist squeezing, suitable for dome lids and straw service
- Home compostable and marine biodegradable — no industrial facility dependency
- Replaces PET and PLA on existing filling and capping equipment
Technical Specifications
| Material | 100% PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), thermoformed from extruded sheet |
| Sizes | 9 oz (270 ml), 12 oz (360 ml), 16 oz (480 ml), 20 oz (600 ml) |
| Lid | Matching transparent PHA dome lid or flat lid |
| Clarity | Crystal clear, high gloss surface |
| Rigidity | Comparable to PET at equivalent wall thickness |
| TemperatureRange | -20°C to 85°C (freezer to hot fill short duration) |
| PFAS | None |
| Certifications | TÜV OK Compost HOME, BPI, OK biodegradable MARINE, FDA 21 CFR, EU 10/2011 |
| MOQ | 500 kg |
| LeadTime | 15-25 days |
| Printing | Up to 6-color flexographic or offset printing |
PHA vs PET vs PLA Single-Use Cups
| Property | PHA Cups | PET Cups | PLA Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home compostable | Yes | No | No |
| Marine biodegradable | Yes | No | No |
| Optical clarity | Crystal clear | Crystal clear | Clear, slight haze |
| Heat resistance | 85°C | 70°C | 50-55°C, deforms |
| Cold resistance | -20°C | -40°C | Embrittles below 0°C |
| Feedstock | Bacterial fermentation, renewable | Fossil fuel | Corn / sugarcane |
| Microplastic risk | None | Persistent | Fragments persist |
Ordering Information
- Bulk wholesale pricing with volume tiers from 500 kg
- Custom branding: logo embossing, flexographic printing up to 6 colors, private-label packaging
- Free samples for qualified business inquiries, shipped within 3-5 business days
- Standard lead time 15-25 days after order confirmation
- Custom OEM/ODM development cycle 25-35 days
- Export documentation: COA, MSDS, certification copies, customs paperwork
Request a Quotation
Send your specification sheet, target quantity, and delivery port to receive a quotation within 24 hours.
Send InquiryProcessing Capability & Customization
Unlike suppliers who buy resin externally, we control every stage - delivering superior quality at 25% lower cost with faster innovation cycles
Custom Formulation
MFI optimization (0.5-50 g/10min), PHA/PLA ratio tuning, additive packages for your specific application requirements
4 Processing Technologies
Injection molding (50-500g), Blow molding (50ml-20L), Film extrusion (10-100 micron), Thermoforming - one-stop manufacturing
Certification Support
Complete documentation: TÜV Austria OK Compost HOME/INDUSTRIAL, BPI, DIN CERTCO, FDA, EU 10/2011 compliance reports
OEM/ODM Services
Custom dimensions, colors, packaging, branding. Trial orders from 100kg. Development cycle: 2-4 weeks for standard modifications
Technical Parameters We Can Customize
Features & Advantages
- Crystal-clear transparency for full product visibility and merchandising appeal
- Rigid walls resist squeezing, suitable for dome lids and straw service
- Home compostable and marine biodegradable — no industrial facility dependency
- Replaces PET and PLA on existing filling and capping equipment
- Withstands freezer temperatures to -20°C without embrittlement
- No taste or odor transfer, preserving beverage flavor purity
- PFAS-free and free of fluorinated slip agents
- Custom printing, embossing, and color matching for branded beverage programs
Applications
- Specialty coffee shops and cafe chains serving iced coffee and cold brew
- Smoothie, juice, and bubble tea retailers
- Quick service restaurant beverage programs
- Stadium, arena, and festival concession service
- Hotel poolside and resort beverage service
- Cruise ship and airline cold beverage service
- Retail grab-and-go chilled beverage sections
Frequently Asked Questions About PHA Single-Use Cups
What is PHA Single-Use Cups made of?
PHA Single-Use Cups is made from 100% PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), a bio-based polyester produced by bacterial fermentation of renewable feedstock. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, PHA is derived from non-food plant sugars using Chinese indigenous bacterial strains. The material is certified by BPI, TUV Austria (OK Compost HOME, OK Compost MARINE), and DIN CERTCO for complete biodegradation in ocean, soil, home compost, and industrial compost environments.
How long does PHA Single-Use Cups take to biodegrade?
PHA Single-Use Cups biodegrades completely within 6-18 months in home compost. In industrial composting facilities (58°C+), degradation occurs in 3-6 months. In marine environments, complete biodegradation takes 1-3 years. The process produces only CO2, water, and biomass — no microplastics or toxic residues remain.
What certifications does PHA Single-Use Cups hold?
PHA Single-Use Cups holds TÜV OK Compost HOME, BPI, OK biodegradable MARINE, FDA 21 CFR, EU 10/2011. These certifications verify that the product meets international standards for biodegradability, compostability, and food contact safety. PHApack products are tested per EN 13432, ASTM D6400, ISO 14855, and ASTM D6691 standards by independent laboratories.
What is the minimum order quantity and lead time?
The standard MOQ for PHA Single-Use Cups is 500 kg. Lead time is typically 15-25 days after order confirmation. For custom OEM orders with specific dimensions, colors, or branded printing, lead time may extend to 25-35 days. Trial orders from 100kg are available for evaluation.
Can PHA Single-Use Cups be customized with our brand logo?
Yes, PHApack provides full OEM/ODM services for PHA Single-Use Cups. Customization options include custom dimensions, colors, flexographic printing up to 6 colors, private label packaging, and branded embossing. Our R&D team can also develop custom PHA formulations tailored to your specific application requirements, including MFI optimization and additive packages.
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Start Your Partnership with a Vertically Integrated PHA Leader
Get technical consultation, request free samples, or discuss custom formulations for your specific application.Trial orders from 100kg, delivery in 15-25 days.