Compostable Cups In New Zealand
What Certification Really Means (and How to Dispose of Them Correctly)
Clarity Matters
As demand for more responsible packaging grows, compostable cups have become a common request across cafés, QSRs, and foodservice operators throughout New Zealand. But not all compostable claims are equal.
At Unipak™, we believe clarity builds trust. That’s why our PLA-lined paper cups are certified to ASTM D6400:2019-01, a recognised international standard for industrial compostability—and why we’re transparent about what that does (and doesn’t) mean for disposal in NZ.
What Does ASTM D6400:2019-01 Certification Mean?
ASTM D6400 is an internationally recognised standard that verifies a product will:
- Break down under controlled industrial composting conditions
- Disintegrate within a defined timeframe
- Leave no toxic residue that could harm compost quality
Unipak™ compostable cups that carry this certification are designed to perform reliably in commercial composting facilities, not backyard compost heaps.
This certification provides confidence to distributors, councils, and operators that the material meets verified performance benchmarks—not marketing claims.
Important: PLA Is Not Home Compostable
A common misconception in the market is that all compostable cups can go into home compost bins. This is not correct for PLA-lined cups.
PLA (polylactic acid) is a plant-based bioplastic that:
- Requires sustained high heat, moisture, and microbial activity
- Does not reliably break down in home compost systems
- Should never be placed in standard recycling streams
What This Means for NZ Users
Unless your local council or waste contractor specifically accepts PLA products for industrial composting, compostable cups should not be added to compost or recycling bins.
If in doubt, landfill is the correct option.
Unipak™ actively encourages customers to match packaging choices with real, available waste infrastructure, not just good intentions.
Compostable vs Recyclable: What Actually Works Today
While fibre-based materials sound promising, most paper cups still require a lining for heat and liquid resistance.
- PLA-lined cups are more expensive than traditional PE-lined cups, but offer an industrially compostable pathway where facilities exist.
- PE-lined cups, while often cheaper, contain an oil-based plastic that is permanently bonded to the paper fibre. This prevents the cup from being recycled in current NZ systems.
At present, neither option should be assumed recyclable or compostable without confirmed local acceptance.
The most important rule:
Do not place cups into recycling or compost streams unless you know they are accepted and actively diverted.
Our role is to help you navigate these trade-offs with confidence, based on real infrastructure—not assumptions.
Recommended Unipak™ Compostable Cup Options
All products below are certified to ASTM D6400:2019-01 for industrial composting.
Industry Leadership Means Honest Trade-Offs
At Unipak™, we are always looking for better and more responsible packaging options—but never at the expense of:
- Performance: Cups must hold heat, resist leaks, and work in real kitchens
- Price: Sustainable solutions must remain commercially viable
- Reliability: Consistent supply and proven specifications matter
- Trust: Clear claims backed by certification, not greenwashing
Sustainability is a journey, not a checkbox. We balance innovation with real-world practicality so our customers can make confident, informed decisions.
Check Guidelines Before You Dispose
Waste infrastructure is changing, and acceptance varies by region.
For the most up-to-date guidance on:
- Which provider or councils are accepting PLA-lined products
- How certified compostables are being diverted in NZ
- What materials should not enter recycling or compost streams
Check Unipak™ disposal guidelines, WasteMINZ, or the Ministry for the Environment for more information.
Disposable Alternatives
If you’re concerned about your waste footprint, the most effective option is always to reduce single-use packaging altogether where possible.
That might mean:
- Bringing your own reusable cup
- Choosing to sit down and enjoy your drink in a non-disposable cup (where available)
- Using disposables only when they genuinely add convenience or safety
At Unipak™, we support practical waste reduction first, followed by fit-for-purpose disposable solutions when reuse isn’t an option.
Talk to Unipak™ About Compostable Cups
Not sure which cup is right for your operation—or how it should be disposed of in your region?
Our team can help you:
- Understand the real differences between PLA-lined and PE-lined cups
- Navigate cost, performance, and disposal trade-offs
- Align packaging choices with current NZ waste infrastructure
Get in touch with Unipak™ today to explore packaging solutions that align with your values and your operational needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are compostable cups recyclable in NZ?
No. PLA-lined compostable cups should not be placed in recycling bins.
Can PLA cups go in home compost?
No. PLA is not certified to home composting standards.
What certification should compostable cups have?
Look for ASTM D6400 certification for industrial compostability.
Do all councils in NZ accept compostable cups?
No. Always check local waste acceptance before choosing compostable packaging.