Buyer's guide
Compostable Foodservice Packaging: A Buyer's Guide
What compostable packaging is, which materials suit which foods, what certifications to look for, and how to choose wholesale cups, containers, plates and cutlery for your restaurant, café or catering business.
What makes packaging compostable?
Compostable foodservice packaging is made to break down into compost under composting conditions, usually at a commercial facility. The trustworthy signal is independent certification — in the U.S., BPI certification tests products against ASTM D6400 (plastics like PLA) or D6868 (coated paper). A material name alone, such as “PLA” or “paper,” does not prove a product is certified, so check each product's listing.
Common compostable materials
Molded fiber (bagasse)
Pressed from sugarcane fiber left over after juicing. Sturdy and suited to hot and greasy foods — common for plates, bowls, clamshells and trays.
Shop Molded fiber →PLA
A plant-based plastic made from corn or similar crops. Clear and rigid, so it is used for cold cups, deli containers and lids. Not for hot drinks or hot food.
Shop PLA →CPLA
Crystallized PLA that handles more heat than standard PLA. Mostly used for cutlery and hot cup lids.
Shop CPLA →Paper and kraft paper
Used for hot cups, soup containers, bags and wraps. Whether paper is compostable depends on its lining — look for a plant-based lining and a certification, not just “paper.”
Shop Paper and kraft paper →Choosing products by category
Cups & lids
Match cup and lid by size and rim. Use paper for hot drinks and PLA for cold drinks.
Browse cups & lids →Food containers
Fiber clamshells work for hot takeout; clear PLA deli containers work for cold food and displays.
Browse food containers →Plates & trays
Check the plate size and whether it needs compartments for the meals you serve.
Browse plates & trays →Bowls
Pick the capacity in ounces for your largest portion, and check that a matching lid exists.
Browse bowls →Bags & liners
Compostable liners make collecting food scraps easier where food waste is composted.
Browse bags & liners →Buying checklist
- Match the material to the temperature: fiber or lined paper for hot food and drinks, PLA for cold only.
- Check the certification on each product listing, not just the material.
- Confirm local composting: find out whether a nearby facility accepts foodservice packaging.
- Confirm lid fit by size and rim before ordering cups or bowls in bulk.
- Order samples first, then buy by the case to lower the price per piece.
Frequently asked questions
What is compostable foodservice packaging?
Cups, containers, plates, cutlery and bags made from materials like plant fiber, paper or PLA that are designed to break down in a composting facility, instead of staying in a landfill as plastic.
Is compostable the same as biodegradable?
No. “Compostable” means a product meets a standard for breaking down under composting conditions within a set time. “Biodegradable” has no fixed timeframe or standard, so it says much less.
How can I tell if a product is really compostable?
Look for third-party certification such as BPI, which tests against ASTM D6400 or D6868. Check the product listing for the certification instead of relying on the material name alone.
Can compostable packaging go in a backyard compost?
Most certified products are meant for commercial composting facilities, which run hotter than home piles. Check whether your area has a facility that accepts foodservice packaging.
Is compostable packaging more expensive?
It often costs somewhat more per piece than standard plastic or foam. Buying by the case and using volume discounts helps reduce the price per unit.
Want more detail? Read our sustainability page or browse the blog.