Frequently asked questions

If a product is compostable, it is capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a composting site within 90 days. To be deemed compostable, the product must break down into compost (and other by-products such as water and carbon dioxide) within 90 days/12 weeks.

These terms are often confused, and the following offers an explanation: The term ‘Biodegradable’ can be used for literally anything. Everything around us is biodegradable – From the shoes on our feet to a takeaway plastic container. This term often confuses consumers because “biodegradable” only means that the material will ‘eventually break down naturally over a period of time.’ This period of time can be extremely uncertain – It could take one year, 20 years, or 2000 years! The term ‘compostable’ on the other hand, can only be used if an item can biodegrade in less than 90 days/12 weeks. For an item to be ‘compostable’ it has certain scientific standards it must adhere to; essentially it must be able to break down within the 12-week time frame and be organically recycled (i.e., together with food waste).

‘Compostable’ has a definition controlled by the scientific standards EN13432 (European Standards) & ASTM 6400 (American Standards). For something to be compostable it must have:

1. Biodegradability: at least 90% of the product must break down within a 90 day period.
2. Disintegration: of the remaining 10% mass, the pieces must be no bigger than 2mm in size.
3. Eco-Toxicity: When the product breaks down in a commercial composting facility it must not produce any negative effects to the soil.

All of Down2Earth’s products and packaging are certified compostable, and comply with European standards.

The following bodies have independently certified that our products can break down in under 12 weeks:

We are also members of CRE – The Composting Association of Ireland, and we are committed to supplying genuinely compostable products.

It is widely accepted that landfill does not offer a viable long-term solution to dealing with the large amounts of waste we generate. Using compostable catering disposables/food packaging goes a long way to addressing these issues, as it helps divert waste from already overcrowded landfills as well as creating organic recycling locally. Compostable products offer a low carbon, low impact, low waste alternative to their oil-based equivalents. Learn more about our products.

Aside from the environmental benefits, in the current climate, the business case for switching to environmentally sustainable practices cannot be underestimated.
Included in the business benefits are:

1. Enhanced brand perception and customer loyalty through the display of eco-responsibility.
2. Differentiation from competitors.
3. Increased value of product offering.
4. Superb marketing/PR opportunities through the Down2Earth website and social media presence.

We have listed all of the commercial composting sites in Ireland here on our website, https://www.down2earthmaterials.ie/composting-site-listings/. In Ireland, any area with a population of 500 people or more is entitled to a brown bin/food waste collection service. Down2Earth are a member of Cre (The Composting Association of Ireland) whose site you can visit to find out more information regarding composting and food waste management in Ireland.

No, it does not differ – The shelf life of these products is the same as any other packaging, once stored in a cool, dry area off the floor.

Depending on factors such as the size of the order, peak courier times (and as long as the item is in stock!), you can have your products in as little as 1-3 days. If the item is not in stock it may take a little longer however, we will source the item, or an alternative, as soon as possible!

Yes of course! We offer customized printing on many of our products. We have designers ‘at the ready’ so that businesses can effectively carry their brand through a range of our compostable products. This means that they are not only helping the environment, but also look great! Many of our customers use our ‘custom printed cups’ as an effective way to market their business brand to their target audience.

The minimum order for custom printed cups is 1000 Double Wall cups. Learn more about our services.

We have a dedicated sales team and graphic designers to help you design a cup that suits your brand. We will send you as many drafts as needed as well as 3D renderings and we can even get a mock-up done of the cup so you can be certain it is exactly what you want! If you want anything altered or changed, that is no problem, and if you are happy to go ahead with production, we will arrange it straight away. As our cups are made in Ireland, you could have your cups in as little as 3 weeks! Learn more about our services.

2 -3 weeks later you will have your custom printed cups ready to go!