Question 1

Is PLA or CPLA cutlery allowed in the EU?

Accepted Answer

No. Under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, bio-based and biodegradable plastics such as PLA and CPLA count as plastic, so single-use cutlery made from them cannot be placed on the EU market.

Question 2

Can clear PLA cold cups be sold in the EU?

Accepted Answer

PLA cups are not on the EU banned list, but they count as plastic cups, so they carry the required ‘plastic in product’ marking and fall under plastic-packaging rules.

Question 3

What are the EU PFAS limits for food-contact packaging?

Accepted Answer

From 12 August 2026, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation limits PFAS in food-contact packaging, including 25 ppb for any single targeted PFAS and 50 ppm for total PFAS, with no transition period.

Question 4

Are there PFAS rules for food packaging in the USA?

Accepted Answer

There is no single federal ban, but many US states prohibit intentionally added PFAS in food packaging, so we supply fibre and grease-resistant paper items with PFAS test reports for US orders too.

Question 5

Is PSM (plant-starch) cutlery compostable?

Accepted Answer

No. PSM blends contain a large share of PP plastic and do not fully break down, so we describe PSM only as ‘partially bio-based’ and never as compostable.

Question 6

What temperature can clear PLA cups and containers handle?

Accepted Answer

Clear PLA is for 0–45 °C only. It suits cold drinks, salads and chilled food, but not hot food, hot cabinets or food straight from the kitchen.

Question 7

Can sugarcane bagasse containers go in the microwave?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sugarcane bagasse is rated for approximately −10 to 120 °C and is microwave-safe, which makes it a common replacement for foam clamshells.

Question 8

How hot can CPLA cutlery go?

Accepted Answer

We publish CPLA cutlery as suitable up to 85 °C. Supply specifications quote 85–100 °C, and we use the conservative value.

Question 9

How do I know a ‘compostable’ claim is real?

Accepted Answer

Check that a current certificate covers the exact product model and names the company actually supplying it. A logo on a catalogue page is not enough.

Question 10

Which straws can I sell in the EU and UK?

Accepted Answer

Paper straws, natural straws such as bamboo, wheat and reed, and reusable steel, glass or silicone straws. PLA, PBS and PP plastic straws are not offered for the EU or UK.

Question 11

Can I mix cups, bowls, boxes and cutlery in one container?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most first orders are mixed containers: distributors typically combine 20–40 unprinted SKUs across cups, bowls, boxes, cutlery and straws, labelled and loaded together.

Question 12

What is the minimum order for custom printed cups?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the cup, the print and the order mix, so we quote it per project. Most buyers start with unprinted stock and add custom print once volumes are steady.

Question 13

Do all 12 oz cups fit the same lid?

Accepted Answer

No. Cups with the same volume can have different rims — a 12 oz cup may have an 80 mm or a 90 mm rim — so lids must match the rim diameter.

Question 14

What can replace foam (EPS) clamshells?

Accepted Answer

Sugarcane bagasse clamshells or kraft paper takeaway boxes. Both handle hot food, and bagasse is also microwave-safe.

Question 15

Is OKFoodware a factory or a trading company?

Accepted Answer

OKFoodware is a brand. We define the products, set material standards, check compliance and manage delivery; products are made by audited manufacturing partners to OKFoodware specifications.

Question 16

Are paper cups recyclable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only where a local collection and sorting route accepts paper cups. Most paper cups carry a thin inner lining, and many curbside systems still do not sort them, so whether a cup is recyclable depends on the local system, not on the cup alone.

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