The following information answers many of the regular questions asked by customers about The Biodegradable Communion Cup.
Why switch to The Biodegradable Communion Cup?
The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it (Psalm 24:1), and he calls on us to take care of it (Genesis 2:15). Using The Biodegradable Cup for Holy Communion is a simple way that your congregation can care for God's creation and a practical step your church can take towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Australia, and many other countries, are transitioning towards a circular economy, with single-use plastic bans being implemented across many regions, including all Australian states. The goal is to reduce plastic pollution on land and in the oceans, and reduce the unsustainable use of fossil fuels to make packaging. To read more about Australian bans click here.
Completely compostable, both at home and industrial! But also suitable for your general waste bin. The time they take to break down is of course faster in good composting conditions.
Certified to the latest Australian and world standards. Our bagasse cups with no added PFAS are certified home compostable to Australian (AS5810) and European Standards (NF T51-800), and certified industrially compostable to Australian (AS4736) and European Standards (EN13432), along with manufacturing certifications ISO 14001 and ISO 9001.
What are The Biodegradable Communion Cups made from?
Have you ever heard of bagasse? It's also referred to as sugarcane pulp. Bagasse is the fibre that remains after the juice has been extracted from the sugar cane plant - bagasse is an abundant agricultural by-product with more than 54 million tons produced each year (source). Put simply: it's a plant fibre and will decompose naturally in the environment.
We have partnered in the design of this new cup with BioPak, a leading manufacturer of sustainable packaging. After many cycles of refinement, the result is an innovative product, made exclusively for Australian Christian Resources, that meets the specific needs of a communion cup.
What are the benefits of bagasse?
Bagasse has a low carbon footprint as it is made from sugarcane waste. During the growth of the sugarcane, atmospheric carbon is captured by the plant and converted to biomass. BioPak, who manufacture The Biodegradable Communion Cup on ACR's behalf, is a carbon neutral company so offsets are used to negate any carbon emissions from the manufacturing process, lifting the product from a low carbon footprint to a ZERO carbon footprint!
It is suitable for composting, giving the fastest possible breakdown, either at home or in industrial systems.
Recyclable with cardboard (as long as it's clean and no food residue remains).
Sugarcane is a rapidly renewable and widely available resource. In 2017, about 1.8 billion tonnes of sugarcane was harvested worldwide. While 30 per cent of the crop yields sugar products, accounting for 95 per cent of the revenue, the other two-thirds left after processing has little economic value and is largely treated as waste. Utilising bagasse for packaging further increases the value of the cane crop and aligns with the principles of a circular economy (source).
Interested in seeing the comparisons between Bagasse and Plastic? Download a flyer here.
Will The Biodegradable Cups fit in my communion tray?
Yes! The cups are a slightly different shape to the old plastic ones and designed to neatly fit into standard communion cup trays, both wooden and metal.
How does The Biodegradable Communion Cup compare to those that are made from recyclable plastic?
Be mindful that some disposable communion cups that claim to be recyclable may not comply with new Australian and international standards. Make sure you check for a recycling number on the product. If it's a #7 this means it is made from mixed plastics, and recyclers will usually not accept these. Additionally, #7 also contains the dangerous chemical BPA. The Biodegradable Cup however, is a great replacement as it is made from a rapidly renewable plant-based material, has a zero carbon footprint and contains no harmful chemicals.
How much liquid does one of The Biodegradable Communion Cups hold?
One cup holds 10ml, which is similar to a standard glass, or disposable plastic, communion cup.
Why are The Biodegradable Cups a slightly different shape to the standard plastic or glass ones?
The new cup has several design refinements. It's shorter in height, and a little more wedge shaped. This saves on material usage and ensures a positive fit for stability on the tray. It also fans out at the top for improved grip when holding.
Is there a fill line marked on The Biodegradable Communion Cup?
Yes! Each cup has a target fill line to help with consistency when pouring.
Will The Biodegradable Communion Cups leak over time?
No. Being made from bagasse (see info above), the cups will not absorb moisture or leak, even after holding liquids for many days, as confirmed by ACR's in-house testing.
Can I throw The Biodegradable Communion Cups straight in the bin?
Yes. They are suitable for your general waste bin, however a compost bin is even better if you have one, as they will breakdown more quickly in good composting conditions. The bagasse material that the cups are made from is also suitable for recycling with cardboard (as long as the cups are clean and no wine or juice residue remains).
What is the shelf life of The Biodegradable Communion Cups?
Indefinite. They will last until exposed to decomposing bacteria.
