Eco-Friendly Disposable Products FAQs

What are the benefits of using disposable products made with recycled fiber?

Products made with recycled materials not only help divert waste from landfills, but they also help support recycling by creating demand for recovered materials. By using your consumer dollar as a vote for greener products, you help advance a circular economy that utilizes resources more efficiently and preserves the value of reusable materials.

Where does the recycled fiber used to make EcoSmart™ plates, bowls and cups come from?

The fiber used to make our products comes from cardboard boxes that have been recycled. The boxes are recovered from businesses and homes, then broken back down into paper fibers, which are cleaned before being used to make paper plates, bowls and cups that will safely carry your food and drinks.

Are EcoSmart™ plates, bowls and cups compostable?

EcoSmart™ plates, bowls and cups are not currently compostable because of the coating that helps the product hold up and prevent leaks. However, in our commitment to the constant improvement and refinement of our products, we are actively working towards a solution that will make them compostable in the future.

Is the packaging on EcoSmart™ products recyclable?

The plastic wrapping on EcoSmart™ products is store drop-off recyclable. Just take it to any retail store that collects plastic grocery bags for recycling. Visit how2recycle.info to find a location near you. Please do not put the packaging in your curbside recycling bin. Local sorting facilities do not have the ability to process wrappers and plastic bags because these items can get caught in the sorting machinery.

If EcoSmart™ products are focused on sustainability, why are they disposable?

We know that there’s a lot on your plate, and we believe it’s important to have convenient solutions to make your life a little easier. At the same time, we feel that reducing environmental impact should be simple and affordable. Our goal is to make “going eco” just a little bit easier for everyone. The way we see it, being made from recycled materials is one small but meaningful choice we can make towards sustainability while simplifying our lives with the convenience of disposable products.  

Are EcoSmart™ plates and bowls recyclable?

EcoSmart™ plates and bowls may be recycled when clean and dry. So, when deciding whether to recycle or toss, remember—if you ate a dry, mess-free meal like a quick sandwich and chips, just dust off those crumbs and dispose of the plate or bowl in the recycling bin. If you ate a messy, saucy meal that left grease stains on the plate, then dispose of it in the trash. 

Are EcoSmart® cups recyclable?

Acceptance of paper cups in recycling programs is very limited due to the polyethylene coating used on the cup to hold liquids and prevent leaks. Today, fewer than 10% of recycling facilities accept paper cups with a plastic coating. This is an obstacle that we're working on every day as a part of our journey towards more eco-friendly products. To make our products more recyclable in the future, we are reaching out to municipalities and recycling facilities across the country to increase acceptance of polyethylene-coated paper cups like ours.

Are the sleeves and lids for EcoSmart® cups recyclable?

EcoSmart® paper sleeves are recyclable in your curbside bin. The lids are made of polypropylene and may be recycled in communities that have appropriate recycling facilities. Such facilities may or may not be available in your area, so be sure to check with your local recycler to understand if the item is accepted. We’ve partnered with How2Recycle® to provide clear recycling information on our packaging, just look for the How2Recycle® label on the pack for all the details you need, or visit how2recycle.info for more information.

Are EcoSmart® cups BPA-Free?

Yes, they are!

Are EcoSmart® cups insulated?

No, EcoSmart cups are not insulated, but EcoSmart cup combo packs include lids and sleeves, which provide an additional insulated layer for hot beverages.

Are EcoSmart™ products microwave safe?

Yes, EcoSmart™ plates, bowls and cups can be used safely in the microwave for reheating. However, the capabilities of the microwave, the type of food you’re heating, and reheating practices all vary, so we do not make any specific guarantees about the use of our plates and cups in the microwave. We advise using caution when reheating in a microwave and to always follow the microwave manufacturer's directions.

Do EcoSmart™ products contain gluten?

No, our products do not contain any wheat, rye, barley, oats or any of their by-products.