Go Back

Nothing vs. World Centric NoTree Paper Cold Cup

World Centric's NoTree cup is a genuine step up from plastic: bamboo paper, no added PFAS, a compostable lining. But that lining is PLA, a bioplastic. And NoTree is certified for commercial composting only, the kind of industrial facility most of North America can't reach. Sent anywhere else, it heads to a landfill.

Nothing is paper with a water-based coating, certified plastic-free by Flustix. No bioplastic lining. It's certified home compostable, so it breaks down in a backyard bin in 180 days or less, no industrial facility required.

	World Centric
Breaks down in 180 days, anywhere	Only breaks down in an industrial composter
Home & commercial compostable	Commercial compostable only
Plastic-free coating (Flustix certified)	PLA bioplastic lining
Recyclable	Not Recyclable
Legal for food service in Montreal & BC	Banned for food service in Montreal & BC
Detailed Comparison
Nothing Products Cold Cup	World Centric NoTree Paper Cold Cup
Breaks down in 180 days, anywhere Paper with a water-based coating. It breaks down in a home bin, in soil, in 180 days or less. No industrial facility required.	Needs an industrial composter NoTree is certified for commercial composting only, the kind of facility most of North America can't access. Their own packaging notes it "may not exist in your area." Sent anywhere else, the cup heads to a landfill.
Plastic-free coating The paper is coated with a water-based layer, certified plastic-free by Flustix. No bioplastic.	PLA bioplastic lining NoTree's bamboo paper is lined with PLA, a corn-based bioplastic. The fiber will break down, but the lining only composts in an industrial facility, and it can't be recycled.
Legal to serve anywhere Paper cups are exempt from single-use bans.	Restricted in Montreal and BC PLA is banned for food service in Montreal and across British Columbia.