Fully Compostable Paper Cups

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Group and its partner, Continental Cup, have launched a new line of fully compostable and recyclable paper cups called 'GC120' for the food service industry. The GC120 cups are designed with a water-based barrier coating instead of the traditional plastic (PE) lining, making them both PFAS-free and suitable for recycling or industrial composting.

APP’s Foopak Bio Natura division will produce the cups, which meet regulatory shifts and consumer demand for plastic-free packaging in coffee shops, quick-service restaurants, and events. The cups maintain heat resistance and durability comparable to conventional cups, ensuring no compromise in performance while enabling end-of-life composting.

This move comes as many jurisdictions consider banning or taxing plastic-lined paper cups due to their difficulty to recycle. APP noted that GC120 was previewed at a recent trade show to positive reception for its scalability and 'drop-in' replacement potential.