Knowledge Centre
Learn more about the raw materials we use
CapeCup is committed to innovation, sustainability and education,
which is why we take great effort in sourcing eco-friendly raw materials,
certifying the integrity of our products and empowering our clients with information.
See more about our raw materials, certifications and policies below.
Raw Materials
We choose eco-friendly raw materials that are renewable, responsibly sourced, and kind to the planet. From agricultural by-products to fast-growing fibres, each material is selected for its low impact and compostability.
Many of our products are made from PLA — a widely used bioplastic derived from corn starch. It looks and functions like conventional plastic, making it ideal for clear cups, lids, and other food packaging. PLA is also used to line our coffee cups and Kraft range, adding durability and ensuring food safety.
Some of our cutlery and lids are made from CPLA — a crystallised form of PLA. Unlike regular PLA, CPLA is heat-resistant, making it suitable for hot foods and drinks. It’s strong, durable, and compostable in industrial facilities, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic.
Bamboo is a fast-growing, tree-free resource packed with benefits — it's naturally anti-bacterial, strong, lightweight, and fully biodegradable. We use it in a range of products including cups, boxes, boats, cones, picks, and skewers as a healthy, sustainable alternative to wood and plastic.
Our Kraft cups and boxes are made from sustainably sourced paper and printed with water- and soy-based inks. They're fully compostable, natural-looking, and completely free from chlorine bleach.
Made from bagasse, the fibrous pulp left over after sugar cane juice is extracted, our sugar cane packaging is a smart, sustainable choice. It’s non-toxic, home compostable, and made from a renewable by-product — giving new life to agricultural waste instead of sending it to landfill.
Certifications
Our certifications reflect a commitment to world-class standards — not just in our products, but in our processes too. Every claim we make, from compostability to biodegradable content and raw material sourcing, is backed by third-party verification. With regular audits and strict criteria, you can trust that what we say, we can prove.
We’re committed to sourcing paper from responsibly managed forests, which is why we prioritise FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certified materials. While not all products are certified yet, we’re actively working with suppliers to expand our FSC offering. Look out for the FSC label on our product pages to see which items are already certified.
Fibre Circle is South Africa’s official producer responsibility organisation for the paper and packaging industry. As members, we’re part of a national effort to reduce waste, promote recycling, and support a circular economy.
DIN CERTCO certification confirms that our products meet strict international standards for industrial compostability. It ensures that packaging breaks down safely and fully under commercial composting conditions — supporting a cleaner, more sustainable waste stream. It's important to us that we can verify our claims so that you know exactly what you're buying. We've gone to lengths to make that possible.
See DIN CERTCO certifications >
TÜV Austria certification verifies that our products meet rigorous standards for compostability and environmental safety. It’s internationally recognised and confirms that our materials break down without harming soil, water, or living organisms — helping support a healthier planet.
Our ISO certification reflects our commitment to consistent quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. It ensures our processes meet globally recognised standards — from how we manage materials to how we deliver reliable, sustainable products.
- 9001:2015 Quality Management
- FSSC 22000 Food Safety Management
- 14001:2015 Environmental Management
- 45001:2008 Occupational Health & Safety Management
Corporate Social Responsibility
CSR is woven into everything we do — from how we source to how we show up for our broader community. In the spirit of our values family and community, we proudly partner with Greenpop to support reforestation and eco-education, and we support local initiatives through ongoing product donations.
We’re proud to partner with Greenpop — a passionate organisation restoring ecosystems through reforestation, urban greening, and biodiversity projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. What we love most is their ability to mobilise communities: inspiring people to get active, not anxious, about the future of our planet.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework for building a better future — and they guide the way we grow as a company. From responsible consumption to climate action and decent work, we align our efforts with the SDGs to help create meaningful impact through every part of our business.
Through My Soup Kitchen, we support local feeding initiatives by donating essential items like bowls, cups, plates, and cutlery. It’s an informal but heartfelt way we show up for our community — sharing what we have to help meet a basic human need. If you’re involved in a feeding initiative and need product support, please reach out to our lovely Chief of Staff, Sandra Carstens (also known as Auntie Sandra.)