The disposable cup market has shifted from cheap and convenient to discreet and environmentally friendly. Shanghai-based packaging manufacturer Tonchant supplies biodegradable paper cups designed specifically for coffee shops. Their products combine plant-based materials, reliable heat resistance, and certifications recognized by retailers and waste handlers.

What “Biodegradable” Really Means
Not all biodegradable claims are created equal. Tonchant specializes in industrially compostable construction—cups made from bagasse (sugarcane fiber) or unbleached kraft paper, bonded to a plant-based PLA liner that withstands high-temperature liquids in commercial composting systems. These cups meet widely recognized compostability and food safety standards, allowing cafes to make honest sustainability claims to their customers.

Materials and structures suitable for the real world
Tonchant’s biodegradable cup production line uses:
• Made from bagasse or FSC certified unbleached paper for strength and a natural look.
• PLA (polylactic acid) lining provides moisture and oil resistance, eliminating the need for traditional petrochemical films.
• Water-based inks and low-impact coatings used for branding will not contaminate compost streams.
The end result is a cup that looks upscale, reliably holds hot beverages, and can be industrially composted at the end of its life.

Designed for coffee shop performances
Behind the counter, durability is crucial. Tonchant tests cups for heat resistance, leak-proof seals, stacking stability, and wall integrity under repeated handling. The company’s production process, which includes calibrated forming and heat-sealing steps, ensures each cup can withstand real-world café workflow—pouring, carrying, and the occasional squeeze—without delamination or leaks.

Certified, tested and traceable
Tonchant provides buyers with documentation support: compostability test reports (compliant with EN 13432/OK Compost and ASTM D6400, where applicable), food contact declarations, and routine migration testing. Each production batch is leak tested, dimensionally inspected, and tested for batch traceability, providing buyers with the records they need for purchasing, bidding, and retail listings.

Customization and branding options
Brands don’t have to sacrifice their image for sustainability. Tonchant offers full-color digital and flexographic printing services for biodegradable cups, along with matching compostable lids and branded sleeves. Short-run digital printing makes seasonal graphics and limited editions more economical, while flexographic printing accommodates larger, more cost-effective runs.

Ecosystem of caps, sleeves and accessories
A true cup solution includes lids and sleeves that match the cup’s end-of-life path. Tonchant offers compostable lids (PLA or CPLA) and kraft paper sleeves made from recycled or unbleached paper. The company recommends the optimal lid pairing to prevent leaks, enhance drinking comfort, and facilitate disposal.

Minimum requirements, lead times and sampling
Tonchant supports independent coffee shops and national chains. We offer sample packs for trial runs, and small batches allow for proofing in real operations before committing to full-scale production. Typical lead times depend on the printing method and order size—digital short runs ship faster, while large flexo runs are scheduled based on cost and capacity planning.

Sustainability Trade-Offs and Guidance
Tonchant offers clients some practical advice: PLA-lined cups, while industrially compostable, may not break down in home compost bins or all municipal systems. The company helps brands map local waste infrastructure, advises on signage and customer education, and recommends recycling strategies—such as partnering with a local composter or establishing a recycling program—to ensure desired results.

Why Buyers Choose Tonchant
Retailers and bakers choose Tonchant for its combination of material science, production reliability, and honest sustainability. Tonchant’s integrated workflow—from substrate selection to printing, molding, and quality control—reduces delays and minimizes variations between samples and final batches. This predictability is crucial when shelf life and seasonal promotions are crucial.

Get started with practical and certified cup solutions
If your cafe or brand requires high-performance biodegradable paper cups, Tonchant can provide sample kits, technical specifications, and production quotes tailored to your production volume and market. Request samples for in-store testing, verify compostability claims against local waste disposal systems, and work with Tonchant to develop a cup plan that aligns with customer expectations and actual disposal scenarios.

Contact Tonchant today to request samples, review certification documents, and explore custom printing and lid options for biodegradable paper cups that can actually be used for everyday serving.