top of page

Plastic Detox and Earth Brands Are Changing the Food Service Game With Compostable Tableware

  • Writer: Nicole Braganza
    Nicole Braganza
  • 6 days ago
  • 5 min read

Updated: 4 days ago


Hands reach for takeout, chips, and drinks on a wooden table. Compostable takeout boxes contain food; a purple drink with a flower in a compostable cold cup adds color. Casual setting.

Today, Plastic Detox announces a strategic partnership with Earth Brands that will fundamentally change how US restaurants, cafés, and food service businesses access sustainable packaging solutions. This collaboration is more than expanded product offerings; it's a shared commitment to making compostable tableware the industry standard.

"At Plastic Detox, we believe reducing plastic waste is an opportunity to lead by example. Partnering with Earth Brands allows us to offer a better solution to a shared problem: plastic pollution.” says Lauren Rice, Founder of Plastic Detox.

“Earth Brands’ proven track record, from composting 120,000 cups at Princeton Reunions with a 71% collection rate to partnering with major venues, demonstrates the scale of impact possible when innovation meets distribution.”

By combining Earth Brands BPI-certified product expertise and plant-based material innovation, with Plastic Detox's established sustainability network and food service relationships, the partnership offers both performance and sustainability without compromise.

Plastic Detox, which has been a trusted supplier for food service businesses, is currently a brand partner with multiple sustainable food service brands including Eco Products, BioShell Tableware, ibambo, Hay Straws, Eco-Gecko, and Plastno.

Plastic Detox and Earth Brands Partnership

Collage of eco-friendly packaging with food and drinks. Text: "Earth Brands. Better for your business, better for the planet. Plastic Detox."

The partnership begins with three high-demand products designed to replace traditional plastics:

Compostable Cold Cups (3oz-32oz): 100% plant-based PLA construction with branding options available, designed for complete commercial compostability without performance compromise. Available across the full size spectrum needed for coffee shops, juice bars, and restaurant beverage programs.

BPI-Certified Hot Cups (All Sizes): PLA-lined paper construction that meets rigorous third-party compostability standards. Engineered to handle high temperatures while breaking down in commercial composting systems. As Earth Brands puts it, "no greenwashing, just guilt-free cups that work."

Compostable Takeout containers: Takeout boxes, clamshells and trays in different sizes for complete meal service, enabling restaurants to easily transitioning away from plastic containers entirely.

The collaboration focuses on solving practical challenges that have historically limited compostable adoption. Working across supply chains and manufacturing processes, both teams studied each component to deliver products that meet food service performance requirements while achieving complete compostability.

“Earth Brands was built on the idea that sustainability shouldn’t be a compromise; it should be the better option. We’re reimagining typical single-use products with cleaner materials and a brand-forward approach that makes sustainability feel exciting and easy to choose.

This partnership with Plastic Detox is a perfect example of joining forces to increase reach and impact. Ultimately, it’s not just about compostable cups; it’s about making sustainability mainstream.”

- Peter Frelinghuysen, Co-Founder of Earth Brands

The partnership leverages Earth Brands plant-based PLA technology, proven through high-volume events and commercial applications, combined with Plastic Detox's deep understanding of food service operational requirements.

This collaboration solves the three biggest adoption barriers for compostables:

  1. Regulatory readiness: BPI certification ensures compliance with existing and emerging legislation targeting single-use plastics.

  2. Operational efficiency: Complete size ranges (3oz-32oz cold cups, full hot cup sizing) enable businesses to transition entirely without menu limitations or operational changes.

  3. Customer appeal: Visible EC branding transforms packaging into sustainability messaging that attracts environmentally conscious consumers of today while building brand loyalty. Custom branding options help businesses effortlessly promote their brand and make the switch away from plastic seamless.

The Plastic Detox X Earth Brands partnership launches with core sustainable food service products designed for businesses ready to transition now. It also provides a foundation for expanded offerings based on market response. The initial focus is to enable comprehensive support for early adopters while both companies gather performance data and customer feedback to guide future product additions. Potential expansions include cutlery, specialty containers, and custom branding solutions.

Scaling Compostable Supplies for Industry-Wide Adoption

By aligning supply chains and sharing innovation, Plastic Detox and Earth Brands create a single-source solution for food service operators, delivering competitive pricing, consistent quality, and proven performance at high-volume events.

This is the blueprint for industry transformation: compostable, performance-focused, and ready for scale. When companies with complementary capabilities collaborate rather than compete, innovation accelerates and adoption barriers disappear.

  • Single-source solution: With a complete product range through established Plastic Detox distribution, businesses can eliminate the complexities of vendor management.

  • Performance guarantee: Products proven at major venues and high-volume events give businesses the confidence that they'll perform well in demanding commercial setups.

  • Regulatory compliance: BPI-certification and third-party standards ensure products meet current and emerging legislation requirements.

  • Economic efficiency: Volume purchasing through partnerships means sensible, competitive pricing that makes transitioning to sustainable food service products financially viable.

Both Plastic Detox and Earth Brands view this partnership as foundational to broader industry evolution. As composting infrastructure expands and sustainable material innovation continues, the collaboration provides flexibility to adapt and scale.

The ultimate goal: making sustainable tableware standard across US food service, eliminating single-use plastic waste while maintaining operational efficiency and performance standards businesses require.

The writing is on the wall. Sustainable food service and food packaging solutions can actually outperform traditional options while creating a positive environmental impact.

Your Complete Resource for Compliant, Sustainable Food Supplies

The food service industry is shifting toward sustainability, making the Plastic Detox and Earth Brands partnership perfectly timed. States like California and Washington now require third-party certification for compostable products, while municipalities nationwide are implementing single-use plastic restrictions.

Simultaneously, consumer research shows environmental practices significantly influence dining choices, and create market advantages for businesses adopting sustainable packaging.

If you’re a food service business interested in transitioning to sustainable food supplies, Plastic Detox can offer comprehensive support throughout the process. From product sampling through staff training and customer communication, this partnership can provide the resources needed for successful implementation.

Lauren shares her vision for a sustainable eco-forward future:

“Together, we’re working toward a circular future — making it easy for businesses to ditch plastic and adopt eco-friendly and compostable solutions. We believe in partnerships that build impact: better for people, better for the planet, better for long-term viability. We're turning sustainability from a niche idea into the popular choice."

The best way to begin your transition is by tackling a single, high-volume category. For most food service businesses, a seamless, high-performance solution for compostable hot or cold cups is the perfect place to start. These performance-focused products are available today through the Plastic Detox and Earth Brands partnership.

Ready to Go Plastic-Free? Start Your Transition with Plastic Detox Today

The time to transition is now. Whether you need guidance on a single product category or your full packaging suite, the Plastic Detox team is ready to help you succeed.

Contact Plastic Detox customer service today for product samples, implementation guidance, or partnership information.

The future of food service packaging is compostable, performance-focused, and available today through this strategic partnership.




Comments


bottom of page