With global plastic bans and stricter environmental regulations, the sustainability of disposable tableware such as paper cups and bowls has become a top concern for both consumers and brands. In addition to industrial composting, more countries and households are turning to home-compostable packaging as a practical solution. But can paper cups and bowls really decompose at home? Which materials are suitable? And which brands are leading this eco trend?
What is Home-Compostable Packaging?
Home-compostable packaging refers to products that naturally break down in a household or backyard composting environment using soil, moisture, temperature, and microorganisms. Unlike industrial composting, which requires controlled high heat, home composting works at ambient conditions. As a result, the process takes longer but requires no specialized facilities.
Benefits
Reduces landfill waste: Consumers can compost cups and bowls at home, which decreases municipal waste volumes.
Creates organic fertilizer: Families can reuse the compost in gardens, lawns, or potted plants.
Saves waste management costs: In some countries, households that reduce organic waste receive financial incentives.
Promotes a sustainable lifestyle: Moreover, it engages families directly in eco-friendly practices.
Home-Compostable vs. Industrial Compostable Packaging
Temperature: Industrial composting applies high heat (55–70℃) for rapid breakdown. By contrast, home-compostable packaging decomposes more slowly under natural conditions.
Scale: Industrial facilities handle tons of organic waste, while home composting only manages small household amounts.
Certification: Industrial products often meet EN13432 / ASTM D6400, whereas home-compostable packaging usually carries TÜV Austria OK compost HOME certification.
Countries Promoting Home-Compostable Packaging
Several regions actively encourage this practice:
France: Since 2024, households must sort organic waste.
Italy: Some municipalities provide subsidies for compost bins.
Australia: Environmental groups promote backyard composting programs.
Canada: Provinces support households with equipment and guides.
United Kingdom: Local councils offer discounts on composting bins and provide training.
In addition, many governments combine composting with broader waste-reduction policies
Materials Suitable for Home-Compostable Packaging
Not all paper cups and bowls are home-compostable. Suitable options include:
Plastic-free paper cups/bowls (with water-based coatings)
PLA-coated paper cups (may decompose more slowly at household temperatures)
Bamboo or bagasse pulp bowls (natural fiber structure breaks down more easily)
CPLA cutlery (some certified products are home-compostable, though slower)
⚠️ Note: Traditional PE-coated paper cups are not compostable at home.
Brands and Certifications
TÜV Austria – OK compost HOME: The most recognized global certification for home compostability.
Vegware (UK): Offers a wide range of home-compostable packaging.
BioPak (Australia): Specializes in compostable food packaging, some products certified for home composting.
TIPTOPAK (China): Focused on water-based coated paper cups and bowls, developing products aligned with OK compost HOME standards. For example, these brands highlight the market shift toward certified eco solutions.
Market Outlook
In the next 3–5 years, as regulations tighten in the EU, Australia, and Canada, home-compostable packaging certification will become a key differentiator for sustainable disposable tableware. Paper cup and bowl manufacturers that launch certified home-compostable products will gain a strong competitive edge in eco-conscious markets.
