The global transition to sustainable development is reshaping the catering service industry, and the “plastic ban” and the “mandatory order for compostable packaging” are rapidly advancing on all continents.From the European Union’s Disposable Plastics Directive to Canada’s nationwide plastic ban, and China’s implementation of city-wide plastic bag restrictions since 2020, governments worldwide are tightening regulations to curb plastic pollution. For coffee shops, which provide convenience in daily life, this transformation is not only compliance, but also an opportunity to lead the trend of green future.
Importance of compostable packaging to coffee shops
Coffee shop packaging, especially take-away packaging, such as bags, cups and food packaging, is undergoing a revolution. Traditional plastic packaging takes centuries to decompose, and now it is being replaced by compostable alternatives. Compostable packaging certified according to standards such as ASTM D6400 of BPI or EN 13432 of EU can be decomposed into nutrient-rich compost in industrial facilities within several months. This reflects the policy trend: the EU’s 2023 directive requires 30% recycled content in beverage bottle materials by 2030, while Australia’s 2025 plastic ban has been extended to include polystyrene cups. For cafes, switching to compostable PLA packaging (made of plant-based polylactic acid) is not only environmentally friendly, but also a strategic move.
Practical application of trendy brands.
Global brands have begun this transformation. For example, Starbucks piloted the use of compostable cold drink cups in California in 2023, which is in line with its goal of achieving 100% compostable packaging for all consumers by 2030. Similarly, Luckin Coffee in China has adopted compostable bags and PLA-lined cups in its more than 20,000 stores, which not only reduces plastic waste, but also meets the requirements of local laws and regulations. These examples prove that compostable solutions, from coffee bean packaging bags to pastry packaging, are both practical and scalable.
The scientific principle behind the change
PLA packaging stands out because of its environmental protection characteristics. PLA is made of renewable resources such as corn starch, which is non-toxic, harmless, safe to contact with food, and has the same transparency as traditional plastics. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, PLA will not release harmful microplastics or toxins during its decomposition, so it is very suitable for coffee shops with both safety and sustainability. It is also widely used: for example, compostable take-away bags for cakes, PLA-lined paper cups for hot drinks, and biodegradable compostable packaging for coffee beans.
Meet certification and consumer needs
In order to ensure credibility, compostable packaging must pass strict certification. The EN 13432 standard of the European Union and the ASTM D6400 standard of BPI verify that the product can be decomposed in commercial composting facilities, while the BNQ 0017-088 standard of Canada ensures that the product can be composted without damaging the composting quality. For cafes, these certifications send a signal of trust to environmentally conscious customers. With 65% consumers around the world inclined to choose brands with sustainable development practices, this group has grown significantly.
The trend is obvious: compostable packaging is no longer a minority choice, but an inevitable choice for enterprise development. For coffee shops, the use of compostable coffee shop packaging is not only to avoid fines, but also to meet consumer demand, conform to global policy trends and contribute to circular economy. As governments around the world tighten supervision, it is no longer a question whether cafes will adopt compostable packaging solutions, but the speed of adoption.
For enterprises seeking reliable compostable packaging solutions, Ecopro Manufacturing Co., Ltd provides certified compostable packaging bags, PLA-lined cups and biodegradable compostable food packaging specially designed for cafes. With certifications such as BPI and EN 13432, our products ensure compliance and environmental protection. To learn how to integrate compostable packaging into the operation of your cafe, please consult our team immediately.
From cup to compost, every return is a renewal. Package your coffee in harmony with nature.
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(Credit: pixabay lmages)
Post time: Nov-05-2025
