A Paper-and-PHA Pact Redefines Sustainable Packaging

WinCup’s ConverPack deal unites paper and compostable tech to push food packaging toward a plastic-free future

11 Nov 2025

WinCup has agreed to acquire Florida-based ConverPack, in a move that broadens its range of sustainable packaging products and strengthens its position in the fast-growing market for plastic-free foodservice solutions. Financial details were not disclosed.

Announced in July 2025, the transaction combines WinCup’s expertise in plant-based, marine-biodegradable materials with ConverPack’s established paper cup production. The merged business will supply restaurants, cafés and foodservice operators seeking alternatives to single-use plastic.

Best known for its phade brand of straws made from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a plant-based polymer designed to biodegrade in marine environments, WinCup said the acquisition will expand its manufacturing capabilities as demand for non-plastic packaging rises.

“This acquisition lets us offer our customers a complete lineup of sustainable products,” said Brad Laporte, WinCup’s chief executive. “We can now meet demand across both paper-based and compostable platforms while helping our clients achieve their environmental goals.”

The U.S. market for paper cups, estimated at about $3bn, has seen rapid growth as consumers and regulators press for renewable and compostable options. Several U.S. states have introduced restrictions on foam and single-use plastics, prompting foodservice companies to seek compliant alternatives.

Analysts say combining paper and PHA technologies positions WinCup as a one-stop supplier for sustainable packaging solutions, though challenges remain, including high input costs and uneven recycling infrastructure.

Industry consolidation has accelerated in recent years as packaging producers adapt to stricter environmental standards. WinCup’s move reflects a wider trend among manufacturers seeking scale and innovation to meet sustainability targets.

The acquisition marks another step in WinCup’s transition from a traditional plastics manufacturer to a provider of circular, low-impact materials, signaling a broader shift in the sector toward compostable and renewable packaging.