FAQ

You may have questions about our products and materials, or a question about our company. See the answers to the questions we get asked most. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, contact us.

Sustainable materials

What’s the difference between a biodegradable, recyclable or compostable product?

Biodegradable refers to any material that decomposes over a “reasonable time period”. The challenge is that there is no consistent definition or standardized process for being biodegradable. In fact, any material will eventually break down – it may just take some materials like plastics and expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam over 500 years to decompose. So be wary of products labelled exclusively as biodegradable, as they aren’t necessarily a healthy choice for the planet. No wonder this very misused term is banned from marketing use in certain states like California!

Recyclable products, on the other hand, are broken down into their basic properties and converted into reusable materials. Recycling has played an important role in sustainability, ensuring materials can be reused repeatedly. However, the reality is that less than 10% of plastics have been recycled over the last 70 years. Many recyclable materials are simply not getting properly recycled and ending up in landfills instead.

Compostable products break down into soil and provide valuable nutrients so that new plants can grow. Using conditions such as oxygen and temperature, compostable materials do not produce toxins as they decompose. There are two settings where compostable materials can break down: in a home compost bin or in a commercial facility. Commercially compostable (also known as industrially compostable) products means that they require the standardized conditions of a commercial or industrial composting facility such as higher temperatures, moisture, and oxygen to break down organic and plant-based materials. Home compostable products can be composted in a commercial facility or at home, such as in a backyard compost bin. Compostable products should be certified as compostable. BPI certification is the gold standard of composting.

Remember, the next time a brand says biodegradable, don’t assume it’s compostable!

Are Evanesce® products compostable?

All Evanesce products are 100% compostable. Specifically, our biopolymer products are commercially compostable. Our patented technology, Evanesce® Molded Starch products can be composted at home or in a commercial facility. At Evanesce, we believe compostable products are the future of sustainable packaging as they get returned to the earth. We support the investment in composting infrastructure to reduce waste and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

We understand not everyone has access to a commercial compost facility that may accept bioplastics and biopolymers. Need to locate a composting facility? Visit findacomposter.com.  

How long does it take your compostable products to breakdown?
Our products have been tested and certified to decompose in 90 days or less.
Can I put your compostable products into my backyard compost?
Our products are 100% compostable but only our Evanesce® Molded Starch products are BPI certified home compostable. Our biopolymer products are certified BPI commercially compostable because the temperature and organisms in home composting can differ based on region. While our biopolymer products are not certified as home compostable, they could potentially compost in your backyard if you have the right conditions.

Evanesce® Molded Starch products are marine biodegradable. Our biopolymer products should be properly disposed of in a commercial composting facility.

Do compostable products breakdown in landfills?

Compostable products do break down in landfills. To break down in 90 days or less, compostable products need controlled temperature, moisture, microbes and other conditions. Hence, we recommend compostable products to be properly disposed of in compostable bins.

We take great care in labelling our products clearly to ensure they are disposed of correctly. 

Do compostable products make methane if they go into landfills?
Yes, they can. That’s why we strongly recommend disposing of compostable products in a composting bin to reduce the release of methane emissions. Ideally, aerobic composting methods such as open pile, static pile, in-vessel, windrow, and vermicomposting are the optimal solution, as studies show that a higher amount of air in the composting process leads to a considerable reduction in methane emissions.
If single-use plastics are banned in my area, can I still use Evanesce products?
Yes, you can use Evanesce products! We’re so glad single-use plastics are banned in your area as this is an important step in reducing our global waste and creating change for a healthier planet. Evanesce products are designed to eliminate single-use plastics and EPS with 100% plant-based and 100% compostable materials. If single-use plastics are not yet banned in your area, you can still choose to make an impact with plant-based, compostable products for a more sustainable future.
How do your products adhere to the principles of a circular economy?

A circular economy is a systemic approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment. Based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.

At Evanesce, our technological innovations are guided by a circular economy approach. We use upcycled plant by-products (also known as inedible food waste) from potatoes, rice and peas to produce our patented technology, Evanesce® Molded Starch. We believe by reusing food waste, we can reinvent packaging to reform our place in nature.

About our products: Evanesce® Molded Starch technology

What is Evanesce® Molded Starch Technology?

Our patented technology uses the latest innovation in material science to produce 100% compostable, plant-based packaging material that is versatile and affordable. Using an optimum blend of starch and fiber, our Evanesce® Molded Starch technology uses upcycled plant by-products to produce packaging that is truly sustainable and decomposes in 90 days or less.

Are the plants you use taking away from the food supply?

Not at all! In fact, we use the inedible parts of plants that would otherwise be disposed of or discarded as waste. By using plant by-products, we are diverting food waste. We call it a sustainability win-win.

Do your products contain toxic chemicals like BPAs or phthalates?

No way! Our plant-based packaging products are completely free from BPA,PFAS, formaldehyde, plasticizers and other harmful synthetic and semi-synthetic materials.

Can I put Evanesce® Molded Starch products into my backyard compost?
Absolutely! Our Evanesce® Molded Starch products will be certified home compostable. They are in fact edible, though not recommended as a food substitute.
When will Evanesce® Molded Starch products be available?
Arriving in 2022, our 100% plant-based, 100% compostable range of molded starch products will include meat trays, meal trays, food containers, cups and five-section meal trays. Stay updated by connecting with our sales team.
What kinds of products can Evanesce® Molded Starch technology be molded into?
Our innovative technology offers flexible molds to accommodate a diverse range of products – from takeout containers to other packaging currently made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, commonly known at Styrofoam™. We offer customized solutions! Connect with our team to see how our innovative technology can be customized your brand and business needs.

About our products: Evanesce Biopolymers

What are bioplastics?

Bioplastics, commonly known as corn plastics, plant-based plastics, bio-resins or biopolymers, are made from renewable resources like corn and sugar cane and are an increasingly popular eco-friendly packaging material.

Bioplastics have an uncanny semblance to plastics in look, feel and functionality, with the added advantages of being free from BPA, phthalates and plasticizers. Our line of eco-friendly biopolymer food service packaging can decompose in 90 days or less in a commercial composting facility.

How are your biopolymers different from the others in the market?
The biopolymers we use to manufacture our products is made from high-quality plant-based resin that is made with 100% plant-based materials and is heat resistant. We are also manufacturing our packaging solutions in the USA. We also are the exclusive suppliers of our best-in-class resin to other manufacturers.
Can  Evanesce  biopolymer products be used for hot beverages?
Yes, our compostable hot beverage cups are heat resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 185°F/85°C. They are made from chlorine bleach free paperboard and coated with a layer of certified compostable biopolymer.
Which material is better for the environment – biplastics or recycled PET plastic? 
Bioplastics (or plant-based plastics) are made from renewable plant sources and are compostable in a commercial facility. PET plastics are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource and are not compostable. While recycled PET plastic may be a better choice than virgin PET plastic, the challenge is that only 10% of plastic is recycled.
Do biopolymers contaminate recycling streams? 
Biopolymer products may require the standardized conditions of a commercial or industrial composting facility to break down. Unless otherwise specified by your local recycling facility, biopolymers should be disposed of to a commercial composting facility and not a recycling facility.
Can I eat your biopolymer products or feed them to my animals? 
Though biopolymer is derived from plant sources and are approved for food contact, they are not edible or digestible and should not be consumed as a food substitute.
Are Evanesce Biopolymers marine biodegradable? 
Currently, our biopolymer products are not marine biodegradable. They decompose completely in commercial facilities so should not be disposed near natural water bodies.
Are biopolymers as durable as petroleum plastics? 
Yes! Biopolymers are strong and lightweight like plastic and are heat resistant. They are a great alternative to plastic disposables as they are offer superior quality and functionality, are compostable and affordable.
Can I put  your biopolymer products in the freezer, microwave or oven? 

Some of our biopolymer food packaging products are heat resistant but are not suitable to be put in a microwave or oven. They are freezer friendly. Depending on the product, they can be used to hold liquids or food for a range of temperatures.

Heat resistant straws: up to 176°F/80°C
Hot beverage cups : up to 185°F/85°C
Hot cup lids: up to 203°F/95°C
Cutlery: from -35°F/ -20°C to 194°F/95°C

What is the shelf life of your biopolymer products?
Biopolymer products typically have a shelf life of 2 years with the right conditions. They should be stored in dry and cool and conditions. Please refer to technical specs for each product.
Why are biopolymer straws  better  than paper straws? 
Bipolymer straws are made from renewable resources of corn, are commercially compostable and are free from BPAs, phthalates and other plasticizers. Unlike paper straws, they do not get soggy or have a poor texture – they look and feel like plastic straws. Paper straws may contain PFAS and carcinogenics and may not be compostable. They also require more energy and resources to manufacture than plastic straws. That’s why our compostable biopolymer straws are a better option – they are cheaper than paper and better than plastic straws.

About Evanesce

Why buy from Evanesce?
Evanesce products are 100% plant-based, 100% compostable and cost-competitive. To create real change and rid the world of single-use plastics and polystyrene, we deliver eco-friendly products that are affordable, offer superior strength and functionality and are proudly made in the USA. We believe being sustainable doesn’t have to be expensive. We also make it easy to work with our team, with a personal customer touch and customization options for your brand to stand out.
Where  are you  located? 
We are a North American company, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada with offices in Portland, Dallas and Vienna, Austria. Our first state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located in Early Branch, South Carolina, just off I-95. Our second facility is in North Las Vegas, Nevada. We also have distribution centers located in California and South Carolina.
How long has Evanesce  been in business? 
Backed by extensive research in material science and bioengineering, we are a young and dynamic company that began our sustainable packaging venture in 2016. Our biopolymer range of products launched in 2021 and our patented Evanesce® Molded Starch products will be commercially available in 2022.
Does Evanesce carry every compostable food service product available?

Our plant-based biopolymer food service products include straws, hot and cold cups and lids, plates, bowls, stirrers and cutlery. Our compostable Evanesce® Molded Starch range of products with meat trays, meal trays, food containers, and five-section meal trays will be launching in 2022. We are always launching new products so keep checking our products page.

Do earth-friendly packaging options cost more than traditional plastics? 
While today most eco-friendly packaging is priced higher than traditional plastics, the price of sustainable options will decrease as widespread adoption occurs. Evanesce was founded on the idea that being sustainable doesn’t need to be expensive. We’ve designed our products to be affordable alternatives that are far better for the environment than traditional plastics and EPS.
How are your products going to help me meet my company’s sustainability goals?
Firstly, congrats on setting sustainability goals to help reduce your company’s impact on the environment! When you choose Evanesce’s products that are 100% plant-based, 100% compostable and made locally in the USA, you can decrease your company’s environmental footprint. That’s because we’ve centered our technology and product offerings around the 3Cs: compostable, cost-competitive and circular. Our patented Evanesce® Molded Starch technology is the ultimate in sustainable packaging as it uses upcycled plant by-products, reducing inedible food waste to create new products that get returned to the soil. Talk about a win-win!
How do you certify your compostable products? 
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is a leading North American certifier of compostable products and packaging. Their standard certifications are ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868.  Evanesce biopolymer products are BPI certified compostable, giving you the assurance that our products are commercially viable for use and eco-friendly in functionality.
Do you offer customized products to meet my specific product needs? 

Yes! We make it easy for your brand to stand out and showcase your sustainable commitment. We have a dedicated development team to meet your brand-specific needs including customized printing and design. Contact our sales team to get started on customizing your order.

You claim your products are made in the USA. Where  exactly  are they manufactured? 
American-made products have a lower carbon footprint than foreign-made goods, use domestic compostable materials and support jobs across the country. Our compostable straws are made in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Early Branch, South Carolina, just off I-95. Our second facility is located in North Las Vegas, Nevada.
Where do you distribute your products?

We currently manufacture and distribute our products from our manufacturing facility in South Carolina and we have an additional distribution center in California. We are also working with local distributors to carry our products as we speak! Contact our sales team to learn more about our distribution capabilities and opportunities to carry our products.

Order FAQs

Where can I buy your products?

You can purchase our products directly through our sales team including bulk orders and customized orders. Contact our team.

Can I receive a sample of your packaging before purchasing a case?

Absolutely! Get in touch with our sales team to request a sample.

Do you ship internationally?

If you’re located outside the US, please contact us to discuss available shipping options.