“Plastic-free” is one of the most powerful claims used in food and drink to-go packaging. It's also one of the most misunderstood.

Many cups — particularly those using Aqueous coatings — are marketed as plastic-free, when still containing polymers. This matters because, if it contains polymers, it contains plastic.

So how do these claims exist? It comes down to how materials are certified and reported.

The grey area

Current guidance under the Single-Use Plastics Directive recognises that polymers used in inks, adhesives and coatings can, in certain cases, be treated differently when they form part of a product's structure rather than a distinct plastic layer.

Aqueous coatings integrate into the paper fibres rather than forming a separate plastic lining — so they can be interpreted similarly to inks within existing certification frameworks.

However, Aqueous coatings still contain polymers, meaning they are not technically plastic-free under the Directive.

The numbers

Polymer content per cup

Approximate grams of polymer per standard 8oz cup

Figures are approximate and based on a standard double-wall 8oz cup. Polymer content will vary by manufacturer and cup specification. The point is directional — not absolute.

The HONEST approach

We don't use the term “plastic-free” for Aqueous cups because it's not accurate.

There is no fully plastic-free disposable paper cup that performs as a hot drinks cup today. And suggesting there is doesn't help anyone make better and responsible decisions.

Paper cups are often seen as recyclable or compostable. In reality, it's more complicated. Every paper hot cup has a liquid sealing layer — whether PE, PLA or Aqueous. These barriers make it difficult to process through standard paper recycling systems.

The challenge isn't the material itself. It's the system — or lack of one — waiting on the other side of the bin.

What actually happens in the UK

The problem

• ×Cups are often removed at recycling facilities
• ×Mixed composite products require specialist processing
• ×Most local authorities don't have the infrastructure to handle them

So what does work?

The solution

Cups can be recycled — but only when:

• ✓They are collected separately
• ✓Sent to specialist cup recycling facilities
• ✓Or directed into the correct composting stream (where available)

That's why HONEST focuses on

Because disposal isn't about intention — it's about infrastructure.