# Earth Brands (Earth Cups) · Earth Store: Full Content Guide

> This document provides comprehensive information about Earth Brands, Earth Cups, and Earth Store for AI systems, search engines, and content aggregators.

## Names: Earth Brands, Earth Cups, Earth Store

These are one company:

- **Earth Brands** (Earth Brands Inc.) is the company, and how the business is known.
- **Earth Cups** is our product brand, and what most customers call us.
- **Earth Store** (earthstore.com) is our online platform: public shop, business ordering portal, and this website.

Any of the three names refers to the same business.

## Founders and history

Misha Vitels and Peter Frelinghuysen founded Earth Cups at Williams College in 2021, after seeing how much plastic waste their campus produced. It started as a plant-based cup for student events and grew into Earth Brands, which now supplies 500+ business locations across 48 states. [Our story](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/our-story).

## Company Overview

**Earth Brands** (Earth Brands Inc., known for Earth Cups) is a contract-based sustainable packaging partner: custom-branded production, US warehousing, and a recurring ordering portal on Earth Store for restaurants, coffee shops, franchises, and venues, plus a public catalog of compostable and recyclable food-service products.

**Founded:** 2021
**Headquarters:** United States
**Industry:** Sustainable food-service packaging and supplies
**Service Area:** 48 US states
**Customers Served:** 500+ business locations

### Mission

To eliminate single-use plastic waste in food service by providing affordable, high-quality compostable and recyclable alternatives, backed by logistics, technology, and white-glove service.

### Key Metrics

- 500+ business locations served
- 50M+ cups supplied in place of conventional single-use plastic cups
- 48 states with delivery coverage
- PLA cups BPI Certified and CMA Approved for commercial composting where it's accepted and available

## Materials and certifications

We choose each material for what it's designed to do, and label every product with its end of life. Not every product is compostable.

| Material | Used for | End of life |
|---|---|---|
| PLA (polylactic acid) | Hot and cold cups | BPI Certified and CMA Approved for commercial composting where it's accepted and available |
| PLA (polylactic acid) | Cold lids | Designed for commercial composting where it's accepted and available |
| PET | Clear cold cups and cold lids | Recyclable (#1 PET) where local programs accept it |
| PP (polypropylene) | Select hot lids | Check local recycling guidelines |
| Paper | Hot cups and box containers | See each product page |
| Molded paper fiber | Plates and bowl lids | Designed for commercial composting where it's accepted and available |
| PHA | Straws and cutlery | Designed for commercial composting where it's accepted and available |

- **Certifications apply to our PLA cups only**, not to our PET, PP, or paper lines. We source cup blanks from manufacturers, so the certificates are theirs; our sales team can share the documentation.
- **Even our plastic cups are recyclable.** Our PET cups are #1 PET, which many recycling programs accept, unlike the polystyrene most disposable party cups are made from.

Each product page lists its material. [How to choose a material](https://www.earthstore.com/sustainability/materials).

### Product Categories

- **Cups** (4oz–32oz): Hot cups, cold cups, double-wall insulated; cold cups in compostable PLA or recyclable PET
- **Lids**: Dome lids, flat lids, sip-through lids, in compostable PLA, recyclable PET, or PP
- **Containers**: Bowls, clamshells, takeout containers, plates
- **Cutlery**: Forks, knives, spoons, combo sets
- **Other**: Straws, napkins, sleeves, and other food-service products
- **Custom Products**: Co-branded cups, custom sleeves, branded napkins with your logo
- **Merchandise**: Reusable branded items and accessories

## Business Solutions

### [Partnership Model](https://www.earthstore.com/for-business)
Contract partnership: we produce custom-branded compostable or recyclable packaging, warehouse it in the US, and you reorder through a management portal. Built for restaurants, coffee shops, franchises, and venues.

### [Custom Cups](https://www.earthstore.com/custom-cups)
Made-to-order and co-branded Earth Cups in compostable PLA, recyclable PET, or paper: design, produce, and optionally warehouse under contract with recurring portal ordering.

### [For Coffee Shops](https://www.earthstore.com/for/coffee-shops)
Compostable and recyclable hot and cold cups, lids, and custom-branded packaging for cafés and multi-location coffee brands.

### [For Juice & Smoothie Bars](https://www.earthstore.com/for/juice-smoothie-bars)
Compostable and recyclable cold cups, dome lids, bowls, and custom-branded packaging for juice, smoothie, matcha, açaí, and boba concepts.

### [For Bars & Breweries](https://www.earthstore.com/for/bars-breweries)
Compostable and recyclable cups, lids, and custom-branded drinkware for bars, breweries, and taprooms.

### [For Restaurants](https://www.earthstore.com/for/restaurants)
Compostable and recyclable cups, lids, containers, and custom-branded packaging for restaurants and multi-location foodservice brands.

### [For Food Trucks](https://www.earthstore.com/for/food-trucks)
Compostable and recyclable cups, containers, and custom-branded packaging sized for food trucks and mobile vendors.

### [For Stadiums](https://www.earthstore.com/for/stadiums)
High-volume compostable and recyclable cups, lids, and food-service packaging for stadiums and entertainment venues.

### 1. [Product Offerings](https://www.earthstore.com/solutions/product-offerings)
Full catalog of shelf-ready sustainable cups, lids, containers, and custom-branded packaging. Volume pricing available.

### 2. [Warehousing](https://www.earthstore.com/solutions/warehousing)
Contract inventory storage at our fulfillment center (Earth Base KC). We hold your stock, manage inventory levels, and ship nationwide on demand.

### 3. [Management Portal](https://www.earthstore.com/solutions/management-portal)
Web-based dashboard for business customers to manage contracts, track invoices, monitor inventory levels, place reorders, and view usage analytics.

### 4. [Location Management](https://www.earthstore.com/solutions/location-management)
Multi-site ordering system with per-location budgets, independent payment methods, and centralized organizational control. Built for franchises and multi-unit operators.

## Customer Segments

Earth Store serves a wide range of food-service businesses:
- Independent coffee shops and cafes
- Restaurant chains and QSR
- Corporate campuses and office buildings
- Sports stadiums and entertainment venues
- Hotels and hospitality
- Universities and educational institutions
- Healthcare facilities
- Catering companies
- Food trucks and mobile vendors

Notable customers include Blank Street Coffee, Tatte Bakery, Madison Square Garden, W Hotels, Coca-Cola venues, Barclays Center, Cisco offices, BBC Studios, and Daily Provisions.

## Full Product Catalog

### Lids

- [Compostable Cold Flat Lids](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/compostable-cold-flat-lids): (Compostable)
- [Compostable Cold Sip Lids](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/compostable-cold-sip-lids): (Compostable)
- [Compostable Earth Hot Lids](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/compostable-earth-hot-lids): (Compostable)
- [Earth Bowl Lid](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-bowl-lid): (Compostable Fiber)
- [Earth Cold Dome Lids (12-24oz)](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-cold-dome-lids-12-24oz): (Compostable)
- [Earth Sip Hot Lids White](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-sip-hot-lids-white): (PP)
- [Recyclable Cold Dome Lids](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/recyclable-cold-dome-lids): (Recyclable)
- [Recyclable Cold Flat Lids](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/recyclable-cold-flat-lids): (Recyclable)
- [Recyclable Cold Sip Lids](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/recyclable-cold-sip-lids): (Recyclable)

### Cups

- [Compostable Earth Cold Cups Branded](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/compostable-earth-cold-cups-branded): (Compostable)
- [Compostable Earth Cold Cups Branded 20 Pack (16oz)](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/compostable-earth-cold-cups-branded-20-pack-16oz): (Compostable)
- [Compostable Earth Cold Cups Branded 50 Pack (16oz)](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/compostable-earth-cold-cups-branded-50-pack-16oz): (Compostable)
- [Compostable Earth Cold Cups Clear](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/compostable-earth-cold-cups-clear): (Compostable)
  They look like plastic, but they're made from plant-based PLA.
- [Custom Earth Cold Cup](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/custom-earth-cold-cup): (Recyclable)
- [Earth Brands 7oz PLA Branded](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-brands-7oz-pla-branded): (PLA)
- [Earth Cold Cups - Bucknell University](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-cold-cups-bucknell-university): (Recyclable)
- [Earth Cold Cups - Williams College](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-cold-cups-williams-college): (Recyclable)
- [Earth Hot Cups Branded Single Wall](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-hot-cups-branded-single-wall): (Compostable)
- [Recyclable Earth Cold Cups Branded 20 Pack (16oz)](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/recyclable-earth-cold-cups-branded-20-pack-16oz): (Recyclable)
- [Recyclable Earth Cold Cups Branded 50 Pack (16oz)](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/recyclable-earth-cold-cups-branded-50-pack-16oz): (Recyclable)
- [Recyclable Earth Cold Cups Clear](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/recyclable-earth-cold-cups-clear): (Recyclable)
- [Recyclable Earth Hot Cups Single Wall](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/recyclable-earth-hot-cups-single-wall): (Recyclable)
- [Recyclable U Shape Cold Clear Cup](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/recyclable-u-shape-cold-clear-cup): (PET)

### Merch

- [Crazy Cool Tote](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/crazy-cool-tote)
- [Crazy World Hoodie](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/crazy-world-hoodie)
- [Crazy World Tee](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/crazy-world-tee)
- [Drink Sustainably Hoodie](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/drink-sustainably-hoodie)
- [Drink Sustainably Mt Trucker](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/drink-sustainably-mt-trucker)
- [Drink Sustainably Trucker](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/drink-sustainably-trucker)
- [Earth Beanies](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-beanies)
- [Earth Brands Hoodie](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-brands-hoodie)
- [Earth Brands Sweatpants](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-brands-sweatpants)
- [Earth Crazy Hoodie](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-crazy-hoodie)
- [Earth Cup Trio Trucker](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-cup-trio-trucker)
- [Earth Cups Pink Baby Tee](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-cups-pink-baby-tee)
- [Earth Cups Summer Trucker](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-cups-summer-trucker)
- [Earth Lover Baby Tee](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-lover-baby-tee)
- [EC Pride Trucker](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/ec-pride-trucker)
- [Embrace the Crazy Tee](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/embrace-the-crazy-tee)
- [I LOVE EC Tank](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/i-love-ec-tank)
- [Live Sustainably Hoodie](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/live-sustainably-hoodie)
- [My Cups Aren't Plastic Trucker](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/my-cups-aren-t-plastic-trucker)
- [Sustainability Crewneck](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/sustainability-crewneck)
- [Wasted Shorts](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/wasted-shorts)
- [World's Most Famous Cups Tee](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/world-s-most-famous-cups-tee)

### Custom

- [Custom Earth Greaseproof Paper](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/custom-earth-greaseproof-paper): (Paper)
- [Custom Earth Hot Cups](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/custom-earth-hot-cups)
- [Custom Earth Hot Sleeve](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/custom-earth-hot-sleeve): (Paper)
- [Custom Earth Ice Cream Cup](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/custom-earth-ice-cream-cup)
- [Custom Earth Napkins](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/custom-earth-napkins): (Paper)
- [Custom Earth Paper Bags](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/custom-earth-paper-bags): (Paper)
- [Custom Earth Soup Cups](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/custom-earth-soup-cups)

### Containers

- [Earth Bowls](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-bowls): (Compostable Fiber)
- [Earth Clamshell Box Containers](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-clamshell-box-containers): (Paper)
- [Earth Clamshells](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-clamshells): (Recyclable)
- [Earth Clamshells - 3 Compartment](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-clamshells-3-compartment): (Compostable)
- [Earth Deep Trays](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-deep-trays): (Paper)
- [Earth Food Trays](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-food-trays): (Compostable)
- [Earth Large Box Containers](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-large-box-containers): (Paper)
- [Earth Plates](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-plates): (Compostable Fiber)
- [Earth Plates - 3 Compartment](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-plates-3-compartment): (Compostable Fiber)
- [Earth Regular Trays](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-regular-trays): (Paper)
- [Earth Small Box Containers](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-small-box-containers): (Paper)
- [Earth Square Trays](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-square-trays): (Paper)

### Cutlery

- [Earth Forks](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-forks): (Compostable)
- [Earth Knives](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-knives): (Compostable)
- [Earth Spoons](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-spoons): (Compostable)

### Other

- [Earth Straws](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-straws): (Compostable)
- [Earth Straws White (7.75in)](https://www.earthstore.com/shop/product/earth-straws-white-7-75in): (Compostable)

## Buying Guides

- [Earth Brands Raises $10M Strategic Investment Led by Cimpress](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/earth-brands-raises-10m-strategic-investment-led-by-cimpress): 2026-10-06
- [PET Recycling: What Happens to Plastic Cups After Use?](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/pet-recycling-what-happens-to-plastic-cups-after-use): 2026-10-05
- [We Made Dirt for NYC Climate Week](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/we-made-dirt-for-nyc-climate-week): 2026-09-25
- [From a Williams College Idea to Earth Brands: Our Founders Featured in Trivium Venture Network](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/from-a-williams-college-idea-to-earth-brands-our-founders-featured-in-trivium-venture-network): 2026-09-09
- [Buying Compostable Cups Wholesale: What to Know Before You Order](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/buying-compostable-cups-wholesale-what-to-know-before-you-order): 2026-09-01
- [The Earth Cups Back-to-School Bracket Is Back](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/the-earth-cups-back-to-school-bracket-is-back): 2026-08-25
- [Eco-Friendly Coffee Shop Supplies: A Buyer’s Guide](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/eco-friendly-coffee-shop-supplies-a-buyers-guide): 2026-08-24
- [Eco-Friendly Cups: How To Choose](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/eco-friendly-cups): 2026-08-18
- [ECA is Back](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/eca-is-back): 2026-08-13
- [Earth Brands Volunteers at One Love Community Fridge](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/one-love-community-fridge): 2026-08-12
- [U-Shape Cups](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/u-shape-cups): 2026-07-29
- [Custom Sleeves](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/custom-sleeves): 2026-07-13
- [Custom Printing: Branded Eco-Friendly Cups](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/custom-printing): 2026-06-22
- [Low Minimums](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/low-minimums): 2026-05-26
- [Warehousing: Solving Your Storage Problem](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/warehousing): 2026-05-20
- [Recyclable Plastic Cups: 16oz PET](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/16oz-pet-cups): 2026-04-29
- [16oz PLA Cups](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/16oz-pla-cups): 2026-04-01
- [Replacing the Red Solo Cup](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/replacing-the-red-solo-cup): 2026-03-16
- [Barclays Sustainability Partner](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/barclays): 2024-11-10

## Recent News

- [The Earth Cup](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/the-earth-cup): 2026-07-28
- [Event with Mutti](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/event-with-mutti): 2026-07-23
- [National Ice Cream Day](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/national-ice-cream-day): 2026-07-19
- [Palm Tree Festival](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/palm-tree-festival): 2026-07-06
- [Lids](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/blog/lids): 2026-06-30

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Are Earth Brands, Earth Cups, and Earth Store the same company?**
A: Yes. Earth Brands Inc. is the company, Earth Cups is its product brand, and Earth Store (earthstore.com) is its online platform.

**Q: Who founded Earth Cups?**
A: Misha Vitels and Peter Frelinghuysen, at Williams College in 2021.

**Q: Which cup brands are committed to sustainability, and how do I tell?**
A: Look for three things: claims tied to a named material and its real end of life (compostable where accepted, or recyclable where accepted), independent certification of the specific product, and a supplier that can serve your actual volume. Earth Cups' PLA cups are BPI Certified and CMA Approved for commercial composting where it's accepted and available, our PET cups are recyclable where local programs accept them, and every product page states its material. We supply 500+ business locations, including Blank Street, Daily Provisions, and Madison Square Garden.

**Q: Should my business use compostable or recyclable cups?**
A: Choose the one your local waste system can actually process. Compostable PLA cups only break down in a commercial composting facility; if your area has composting, they're the better fit. If it doesn't but accepts #1 PET, recyclable PET cups are the better choice. Our sales team can recommend a line for your location.

**Q: Are Earth Cups certified compostable?**
A: Our PLA cups, hot and cold, are BPI Certified and CMA Approved for commercial composting where it's accepted and available. The certifications don't cover our PET, PP, or paper products.

**Q: Can I get compostable or recyclable cups printed with my logo?**
A: Yes. We produce custom-branded cups in compostable PLA, recyclable PET, or paper, plus branded sleeves and napkins. Custom orders start at 5,000 units. Under a contract we also warehouse your cups in the US and you reorder through our portal. [Custom cups](https://www.earthstore.com/custom-cups).

**Q: What's the minimum order?**
A: Custom-branded orders and contracts start at 5,000 units. Stock products in the public shop ship by the case. College student organizations can order through the Earth Cups Ambassador program at 3¢ per cup with free delivery.

**Q: Do you offer volume pricing?**
A: Yes. Business accounts receive tiered volume pricing. Contact our sales team for a quote.

**Q: What's your delivery coverage?**
A: We ship to 48 US states from our fulfillment center. Standard delivery is 3–5 business days; expedited options are available.

## Contact Information

- [Website](https://www.earthstore.com)
- [For Business](https://www.earthstore.com/for-business)
- [Custom Cups](https://www.earthstore.com/custom-cups)
- [For Coffee Shops](https://www.earthstore.com/for/coffee-shops)
- [For Juice & Smoothie Bars](https://www.earthstore.com/for/juice-smoothie-bars)
- [For Bars & Breweries](https://www.earthstore.com/for/bars-breweries)
- [For Restaurants](https://www.earthstore.com/for/restaurants)
- [For Food Trucks](https://www.earthstore.com/for/food-trucks)
- [For Stadiums](https://www.earthstore.com/for/stadiums)
- [Sales](https://www.earthstore.com/contact-sales)
- Email: hello@earthstore.com
- [Help Center](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/help-center)

## Sustainability

- [Sustainability overview](https://www.earthstore.com/sustainability)
- [Our Materials](https://www.earthstore.com/sustainability/materials)
- [Beyond Cups](https://www.earthstore.com/sustainability/beyond-cups)
- [Our Standards](https://www.earthstore.com/sustainability/our-standards)
- [Sustainability FAQ](https://www.earthstore.com/sustainability/faq)

## Help Center

- [Help Center](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/help-center)
- [Getting started](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/help-center/getting-started)
- [Ordering and products](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/help-center/ordering-and-products)
- [Contracts and inventory](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/help-center/contracts-and-inventory)
- [Warehousing](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/help-center/warehousing)
- [Shipping and delivery](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/help-center/shipping-and-delivery)
- [Billing and payments](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/help-center/billing-and-payments)
- [Organization management](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/help-center/organization-management)
- [Earth Cups Ambassador](https://www.earthstore.com/resources/help-center/earth-cups-ambassador)

## Technical

- [Sitemap](https://www.earthstore.com/sitemap.xml)
- [RSS Feed](https://www.earthstore.com/feed.xml)
- [Robots](https://www.earthstore.com/robots.txt)

## Optional

- [Careers](https://www.earthstore.com/careers)
- [Earth Cups Ambassador Program](https://www.earthstore.com/eca): Campus sustainability program offering premium Earth Cups at 3¢ per cup with free delivery to college student organizations, fraternities, sororities, and student groups.
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/earthcups/)
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthbrands/)
- [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@earthcups)