sustainability

We believe in clear and accurate claims surrounding sustainability. Let's layout why we think we're one of the most versatile and sustainable paper cup solutions available in the UK.

We also believe in being a resource to our customers, so if you want to know more, let's talk!

let's break it down

Can the cup be processed by current UK recycling mills?

YES

Can the cup be composted, either in home type conditions or in an industrial composter. YES

Does this cup contain any of the prohibited PFAS chemicals?

recyclable

The main challenge facing the recycling of paper cups lies in the plastic lining which can be hard to seperate. Whilst there is a growing effort to recycle plastic lined cups at specialist facilities, our aim is to supply paper cups without the hard-to-seperate linings so that they can be recycled in existing paper recycling infrastructure in the UK.

Why change an entire industry to fix a problem, when we can simply change the product?

accreditations

The material used in our paper cups (unless otherwise stated on our quotes) conforms to the following accredititations or certificates.

EN13430-2000

This European standard confirms that the packaging is suitable for material recycling

DS Smith Re-Pulpability Assessment

Independent testing by DS Smith concluded that the paper cups would break down in their recycling process to their satisfactory rating (2021).

These views are only of DS Smith and do not represent the industry as a whole.

Western Michigan University Assessment

Independent testing by WMU concluded that fibre recovery in their re-pulpability process was 99.2% (2021).

PFAS Free

PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals known as "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment and do not break down easily. PFAS chemicals are sometimes used in food packaging because they offer good water and oil resistance as well as stand up to thermal stresses. They can be cost effective and convenient which make them ideal for food packaging. However, research is showing a growing concern over the long term health impact on people and animals exposed to PFAS.

Legislation across the UK and EU is being developed to limit the use the PFAS in food packaging and other areas.

As official UK legislation is evolving, there is currently no certification for PFAS-free, however our combination of 3rd party tests show that the material is free of PFAS as defined by the absence of over 509 identified PFAS chemicals.

cupapeel paper cups are certified as PFAS free
Defined by accreditations below

accreditations

The material used in our paper cups (unless otherwise stated on our quotes) conforms to the following accredititations or certificates.

Intertek PFAS Screening (509 substances)

Independently tested by Intertek for selective PFAS content, screening 509 PFAS substances with a “Not Detected” result.

EU REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 Article 33 (SVHC)

Confirms compliance with EU requirements for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), supporting transparent reporting and responsible material use in line with ECHA guidance.

compostable

Definitons of compostable are wide and varied so let's show you exactly that we mean when we say 'compostable'

In relation to packaging in the UK there are typically two types of composting that can be certified.

cupapeel paper cups are certified for both

Industrial Composting
Home Composting

Some paper cups are marketed as compostable but they may only be certified for industrial composting. This means that they would need to be sent to specific composting facilities, of which there a growing number, however they would not be suitable for composting in home type conditions.

Home composting certification requires that the packaging will decompose in home type conditions which are typically much lower temperatures than in industrial composters.

Okay, but how does 'biodegradability' come into this? Biodegradable is a term that’s widely used, and often used interchangeably with compostable. However, in reality its definition is too broad and vague to be truly helpful. In simple terms, something “biodegradable” may break down eventually, but it does not clearly define how long that takes, what conditions are needed, or what’s left behind. So while it’s true our paper cups are biodegradable, we believe the most accurate way to describe their end-of-life is through our certified composting accreditations, which provide clear, measurable standards.

accreditations

The material used in our paper cups (unless otherwise stated on our quotes) conforms to the following accredititations or certificates.

EN 13432:2000

This European standard for compostable packaging confirms that a product will break down in industrial composting conditions within a set timeframe.

NF T51-800

This standard for home compostability verifies a product is designed to break down in a typical home compost environment, where temperatures are lower and conditions are less controlled than industrial composting.

1. cupapeel cup material is accredited to ‘EN 13430’ and has been verified as repulpable by DS Smith.

2. cupapeel cup material is accredited to home compostable standard NF T51-800-20-15