Biodegradable & Compostable PLA Cold Cups

Our biodegradable and compostable cups (only for drinks below 110F) are made from NatureWorks polylactic acid (PLA), which is derived from corn grown in the USA. These compostable PLA cups are fully biodegradable and compostable and meet the most stringent scientific requirements for biodegradability and compostability, and are ASTM D6400-99 certified for "compostable plastics". Though, they are indistinguishable from normal plastic and as light and strong, they fully degrade into water, carbon dioxide and organic material when composted. There is no reason not to use these compostable cups made from readily renewable resources as compared to the petroleum based plastic cups, which create toxicity and environmental pollution.

Please note, composting is required for biodegradation. These compostable cups will biodegrade within 180 days in a commercial composting facility, but can take up to a year or more to biodegrade in a home composting system.

Compostable Plastics
Compostable Plastics are a new generation of plastics which are biodegradable and compostable. They are derived generally from renewable raw materials like starch (e.g. corn, potato, tapioca etc), cellulose, soy protein, lactic acid etc., are not hazardous/toxic in production and decompose back into carbon dioxide, water, biomass etc. when composted. Some compostable plastics may not be derived from renewable materials, but instead derived made from petroleum or made by bacteria through a process of microbial fermentation.

Currently, there are a number of different compostable plastics resins available in the market and the number is growing every day. The most commonly used raw material for making the compostable plastics is corn starch, which is converted into a polymer with similar properties as normal plastic products. Other compostable resins are available made from potato starch, soybean protein, cellulose and as well from petroleum and petroleum by products. It is counter intuitive to think that compostable resins could be derived from petroleum, when all normal plastic products are derived from petroleum and are non compostable. However, there are certified compostable resins available in the market, derived from petroleum and the field of compostable plastics is constantly evolving with new materials and technologies being worked on and being brought to market. There is even research underway to make compostable plastics from carbon dioxide.

Properties The compostable resins for the most part mimic plastic properties, and different resins have different properties related to heat resistance, tensile strength, impact resistance, MVTR, oxygen barrier etc. One of the main compostable resin PLA, for example has a heat resistance of only 110F, while other compostable resins can have a much higher heat resistance.

Biodegradability & Compostability
Bioplastics can take different length of times to totally compost, based on the material and are meant to be composted in a commercial composting facility, where higher composting temperatures can be reached and is between 90-180 days. Most existing international standards require biodegradation of 60% within 180 days along with certain other criteria for the resin or product to be called compostable. It is important to make the distinction between degradable, biodegradable and compostable. These terms are often (incorrectly) used interchangeably.

Compostable Plastic is plastic which is "capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site as part of an available program, such that the plastic is not visually distinguishable and breaks down to carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass, at a rate consistent with known compostable materials (e.g. cellulose). and leaves no toxic residue." American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM). In order for a plastic to be called compostable, three criteria need to be met:

1. Biodegrade - break down into carbon dioxide, water, biomass at the same rate as cellulose (paper).
2. Disintegrate - the material is indistinguishable in the compost, that it is not visible and needs to be screened out
3. Eco-toxicity - the biodegradation does not produce any toxic material and the compost can support plant growth.

Biodegradable Plastic is plastic which will degrade from the action of naturally occurring microorganism, such as bacteria, fungi etc. over a period of time. Note, that there is no requirement for leaving "no toxic residue", and as well as no requirement for the time it needs to take to biodegrade.

Degradable Plastic is plastic which will undergo a significant change in its chemical structure under specific environmental conditions resulting in a loss of some properties. Please note that there is no requirement that the plastic has to be degrade from the action of "naturally occurring microorganism" or any of the other criteria required for compostable plastics.

A plastic therefore may be degradable but not biodegradable or it may be biodegradable but not compostable (that is, it breaks down too slowly to be called compostable or leaves toxic residue).

Biodegradable Cups for drinks below 110F

• Please store below 110F away from heat, hot surfaces and direct sunlight.
• These biodegradable cups have a "Bicompostable logo" and "This cup is made from corn and is 100% compostable" printed on them in green color on one side of the cup.
• We do this to distinguish them from regular plastic cups and as well as to facilitate sorting them in municipal recycling/composting facilities for composting.
  
  

For more information or to purchase these cups, please see them on our site: www.mygreensupply.com.

Biodegradable & Compostable Tableware on Sale

Starting December 1st all environmentally friendly tableware is on sale at www.mygreensupply.com, see items discounted up to 30%. Biodegradable & compostable plates, bowls, hot cups, cold cups, cutlery, trash bags and grocery bags.

Cases of 7" bagasse plates are just $29.99, they are typically priced at $34.99 per case of 500.

Cases of 9" bagasse plates are just $44.99, they are typically priced at $49.99 per case of 500.

Cases of 8 oz. hot cups are just $64.31, they are typically priced at $74.60 per case of 1000.

See all items on sale here: www.mygreensupply.com/foodservice

The Green Supply Company LLC, based in Berlin, Connecticut is a provider of environmentally friendly products and services. On the product side they supply businesses, schools, and organizations with eco-friendly food service and janitorial supplies. In addition to facilities maintenance products they also supply new, used, and reconditioned material handling products, including pallet racking, steel shelving, conveyor systems, forklifts and many more items to warehouses, distribution centers, and storage facilities. On the service side we provide clients with electronic waste services, thermography services and financing options for renewable energy installations.

The Green Supply Company LLC Now Offers Power Purchase Agreements

Many large-scale energy users are currently feeling the pinch from rising energy costs. One way to curb these costs is with an onsite renewable energy system. However, many of these users lack either the expertise or financial capital to embark on such a nuanced project.

The Green Supply Company provides a "one stop shop" for the necessary services involved with the design and construction of your renewable energy system, ranging from feasibility studies to permitting, interconnection agreements and commissioning. The Green Supply Company offers a variety of options when choosing which technology and financing structure is right for your organization.

Wind & Solar Technology Options

A power purchase agreement (PPA) for wind or solar installations between your organization and Green Supply Company requires no upfront capital expenditures on your end. We will design, install and commission a system. We will continue to own and operate the system, entering into an extended contract to sell you the clean power at a low, fixed rate.

Another option offers clean, low-cost energy without any initial capital expense, but your organization would have the option of purchasing the system from us based on a predetermined market rate formula at designated times in the future. Until that point Green Supply would own and operate the system, selling the low-cost, green energy to your organization through a PPA.

Why Should You Choose The Green Supply Company?

We have the ability to take advantage of numerous government incentives that you and your organization may not be able to leverage due to various reasons including taxable status and corporate organizational structure. We can monetize incentives ranging from green incentive rebates to accelerated depreciation schedules, all of which combine to allow us to offer you the best renewable energy system for your site at the best price. Ultimately you will receive fixed, stable electricity rates (perhaps even free electricity) you can count on while promoting and hosting green, renewable power. Good for your company, good for the Earth.

For more information please contact us at 1-866-592-3576 or by email: info@mygreensupply.com.