Cost of Switching to Plant-Based Packaging: Per-Item Prices

For Australian cafés and takeaways asking what biodegradable or plant-based packaging really costs, the answer is item by item: switching from PET to plant-based materials costs more on some items and less on others. This guide compares listed prices by material; check each product page for disposal details. In Packery's range a PET dome lid is $0.06 each, a sugarcane dome lid is $0.11 each, and a paper cold cup can come in at $0.16 or $0.17 each against $0.24 for a clear PLA cup.

Key takeaways

• Compare price per item, not carton price: carton quantities differ between products, so carton prices on their own mislead.
• Lids are where the gap shows: the 98mm PET Cold Cups – Dome Lid X Slot Fits (Carton of 1000) is $0.05 each, while the sugarcane and CPLA lids are $0.11 and $0.10 each.
• Cold cups can go the other way: paper and bamboo fibre cold cups are $0.16 to $0.17 each, and the clear PLA cup is $0.24 each.
• Delivery, prepaid ordering and returns are the same whatever material you choose, so freight does not change the comparison.

How much more does a plant-based lid cost than a PET lid?

A sugarcane dome lid costs $0.11 each and a CPLA lid $0.10 each, against $0.06 each for a PET dome lid. That is the clearest plastic-versus-plant-based price comparison in the range, so start your costing here.

The 98mm PET Cold Cups – Dome Lid X Slot Fits (Carton of 1000) is a clear PET lid sold at $48.91 per carton of 1000. The 90mm Bagasse Cold Cups – White Lid Dome Lid (Carton of 1000) is a white sugarcane dome lid at $89.82 per carton of 1000. For hot drinks, the 20oz Coffee Cups – Black CPLA Lid 90mm Hot Cold (Carton of 1000) is a black CPLA lid at $77.09 per carton of 1000.

Check sizes before you swap: the PET lid fits a 98mm cup and the sugarcane and CPLA lids are 90mm, so a lid change often means a cup change too. Price the cup and lid as a pair.

Are paper cold cups more expensive than clear cups?

Not against the clear cup in this range. The paper and bamboo fibre cold cups cost less per item than the clear PLA cup. There is no clear PET cup in this comparison, so check your current PET cup price on your last invoice before you decide.

• The 24oz Aqueous Coated Cold Cups (Carton of 500) is a blue aqueous-coated paper cup at $91.57 per carton, or $0.18 each.
• The 16oz Bamboo Cold Cups – BioPBS Coated (Carton of 1000) is a brown bamboo fibre cup with a BioPBS coating at $146.00 per carton, or $0.15 each.
• The PLA Cold Cups – Clear 500ml (Carton of 1000) is a clear PLA cup at $218.67 per carton, or $0.22 each.

The trade-off is visibility: a clear cup shows off layered drinks and smoothies, a paper cup hides them. Both the bamboo cup and the clear PLA cup can be custom printed with your logo.

What do plant-based takeaway containers cost per item?

Paper-based takeaway containers range from $0.16 each for a small noodle box (see the product page for the current price). This guide does not price a plastic takeaway container, so compare these against your current invoice. The sandwich wedge and CPLA container lid are in the table below.

• The 8oz PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Noodle Box (Carton of 1000) is a brown paper box with a PLA coating at $124.59 per carton, or $0.12 each.
• The PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Lunch Box Extra Large (Carton of 200) measures 197x140x90mm and costs $116.64 per carton, or $0.58 each.

Browse the full range on the takeaway containers page, where each product page shows carton price and price per item.

Price per item: PET vs plant-based options side by side

Listed carton prices and prices per item.

Which one should I buy?

Change the items with the smallest per-item gap first.

• Café doing iced coffee and cold drinks: move to the 16oz Bamboo Cold Cups – BioPBS Coated (Carton of 1000) at $0.15 each. It costs less per item than the clear PLA cup and can carry your logo.
• Juice or bubble tea bar where the drink is the display: stay clear with the PLA Cold Cups – Clear 500ml (Carton of 1000) at $0.22 each. You keep the look and move off PET.
• Lids, if you want the full switch: the 90mm Bagasse Cold Cups – White Lid Dome Lid (Carton of 1000) at $0.09 each is a sugarcane dome lid. If budget is tight and your cups take a 98mm lid, keep the 98mm PET Cold Cups – Dome Lid X Slot Fits (Carton of 1000) at $0.05 each for now and change cups first. Check the cup's product page for lid size before you mix them.
• Hot drinks: pair your 90mm cups with the 20oz Coffee Cups – Black CPLA Lid 90mm Hot Cold (Carton of 1000) at $0.08 each.
• Asian takeaway and sides: the 8oz PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Noodle Box (Carton of 1000) at $0.12 each.
• Caterers and lunch bars: the PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Lunch Box Extra Large (Carton of 200) at $0.58 each for full meals.

For more on buying containers in volume, see Takeaway Containers Bulk and, for sides and sauces, Small Takeaway Containers.

How do I order and test a switch?

There is no minimum order, so you can buy one carton of a plant-based item and try it with customers before switching the whole range. Delivery is a flat fee set by your postcode, and free once an order passes a set amount; checkout shows the exact cost, and today's rates are on the shipping page. Delivery time is 3–5 business days to capital cities and 4–6 business days regional. All orders are prepaid online. Returns: damaged or faulty items replaced or refunded free; unopened stock cartons can be returned within 7 days of delivery (10% restocking fee, return delivery at your cost). Use quick order if you already know your items.

Setting up or restocking your packaging?

Send us your list for a trade quote, or price it yourself in the cost calculator.

No minimum order · free delivery over $750 (metro) / $1000 (regional) · damaged items replaced free · Delivery details