Compostable vs Traditional Packaging: What’s Best for Concession Businesses in 2025/2026
Packaging choices are shifting quickly across the UK food and events industry. Customers pay closer attention to sustainability, event organisers expect compliant packaging, and suppliers now offer a wider range of eco-friendly options than ever before. At the same time, traditional packaging remains cheaper, more durable and easier to source in bulk.
For concession operators, stalls, mobile vendors and event caterers, the challenge is choosing packaging that works operationally while matching customer expectations and budget.
This guide compares compostable and traditional options, focusing on how each performs for popcorn, candy floss, waffles, slush, ice cream and other high-turnover snacks. It breaks down costs, regulations, strength, storage and customer perception so you can decide what fits your setup.
Why Packaging Choice Matters for Concession Businesses
Fast-serving environments rely on packaging that holds up during rush periods, stacks well, stores easily and keeps food looking appealing. Because most event snacks are eaten immediately, packaging also influences perceived value. A sturdy cup or an attractive tub can justify higher pricing.
For mobile vendors, the decision also affects:
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Bulk ordering and storage space
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Waste management at venues
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Speed of service
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Compliance with local rules
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Customer trust and repeat sales
The 25/26 events season is expected to bring more sustainability requirements across councils and festival organisers, so understanding your options helps you stay ahead.
What Counts as Compostable Packaging?
Compostable packaging is made from plant-based materials such as PLA, CPLA, bagasse, bamboo and certain types of coated kraft paper. When disposed of correctly, these materials break down in commercial composting facilities without leaving plastic residue.
Common compostable options include:
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PLA and CPLA cups for cold drinks
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Kraft paper tubs and trays
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Bagasse plates and bowls
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Wooden cutlery
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Compostable slush and ice cream spoons
These items perform well for most concession foods, but they still have limitations. PLA-based products, for example, soften under high heat and should not be used for hot liquids.
What Counts as Traditional Packaging?
Traditional packaging includes PET plastic cups, PP tubs, polystyrene trays, laminated paper packaging and other materials that remain the cheapest to manufacture. They offer consistent durability and long shelf life.
Traditional options include:
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PET cups for slush and cold drinks
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PP tubs for popcorn
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Standard paper food trays
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Plastic cutlery
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Polystyrene or laminated food containers
Despite being less environmentally friendly, they are still widely used across high-volume events because of their cost efficiency and strength.
Compostable vs Traditional Packaging: The Key Differences
Below is a practical breakdown covering the areas concession operators care about most.
Cost
Compostable packaging usually costs more per unit because it requires plant-based materials and specialised manufacturing processes. The price gap has narrowed in 25/26 compared with previous years, but compostables still sit slightly higher.
Traditional packaging wins on cost. PET cups, laminated popcorn tubs and polystyrene containers remain the cheapest options for large events.
However, the real-world cost difference can become minimal when compostable packaging allows you to price premium items higher or meet event requirements that secure bookings.
Strength and Durability
Compostable items are strong enough for most concession foods but behave differently depending on temperature. PLA cups are ideal for slush drinks but unsuitable for hot fillings. Kraft trays handle waffles and warm toppings but can soften with excessive moisture.
Traditional plastics remain more durable overall. PET cups keep their shape even when stacked, transported or filled quickly during service. Laminated tubs resist oil from popcorn without weakening.
Durability is one reason many vendors continue using traditional packaging for high-traffic or large-capacity events.
Storage and Shelf Life
Compostable packaging is sensitive to heat and humidity. Long-term storage in warm stockrooms can lead to warping or brittle edges in PLA items.
Traditional plastic and laminated packaging tolerate a broader range of storage conditions, especially in vans or temporary pop-up setups.
For vendors with limited storage control, traditional options are often easier to manage.
Environmental Impact
Compostable packaging reduces reliance on conventional plastics and can significantly lower your environmental footprint when managed properly. However, it requires industrial composting to break down efficiently. If the venue lacks suitable waste streams, compostables often end up in general waste.
Traditional packaging has a higher environmental impact but may still be recyclable depending on the item and local facilities.
Customer perception plays a role here. Many event-goers prefer eco-friendly packaging even if full composting isn’t guaranteed. Their expectation alone can influence your choice.
Local Rules and Event Requirements
More UK councils and private event organisers are moving toward low-waste policies for 25/26. Some festivals now require compostable or recyclable packaging across all vendors. Others still accept traditional materials but limit polystyrene.
Before committing, check:
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The typical requirements for your event types
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Waste streams provided by organisers
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Any upcoming changes in your region
If you frequently work with councils or large festivals, shifting toward compostables might become essential.
Which Should You Choose? Recommendations for Each Food Type
Below is a practical, vendor-focused overview to help you choose reliably.
Popcorn
Popcorn tubs made from laminated paper or PP are still the strongest and most efficient option. They keep oil from seeping through and stack cleanly. Compostable options exist but tend to lose rigidity with steam from freshly popped corn.
Best choice: Traditional tubs for strength and longevity.
Optional: Compostable kraft boxes for smaller portion sizes where presentation matters more than long holding times.
Candy Floss
Candy floss has almost no moisture content, making it suitable for compostable and traditional packaging alike.
Best choice: Compostable tubs work well and support a more eco-focused brand image.
Alternative: Clear PET tubs for sparkle and visibility, especially for retail presentation.
Waffles
Warm waffles with syrup or chocolate benefit from sturdy packaging. Kraft trays and bagasse plates perform well but can soften if sauces pool for too long.
Best choice: Compostable kraft trays for most setups.
Alternative: Laminated traditional trays for heavy toppings or long waits between serving.
Slush
Slush drinks require cups that handle cold temperatures without cracking. PLA cups are ideal for cold beverages and have become increasingly popular.
Best choice: Compostable PLA cups for most slush operations.
Alternative: PET cups for the lowest cost per unit and maximum durability.
Ice Cream
Ice cream melts, so packaging needs to handle moisture. Compostable tubs with internal lining perform well, though traditional laminated tubs remain stronger under higher volumes.
Best choice: Compostable tubs for premium or artisan setups.
Alternative: Laminated tubs for high-speed, high-volume events.
Snow Cones
Snow cones require strong, leak-resistant cups. Traditional PET wins on strength, but compostable options have improved.
Best choice: Traditional for durability.
Alternative: Compostable cups for events with sustainability requirements.
Branding: How Packaging Supports Your Business Image
Packaging is part of your presentation, and customers notice it. Vendors using compostable packaging often find customers willing to pay slightly higher prices because the product feels more thoughtfully produced.
Traditional packaging can still support a premium aesthetic if you choose clear cups, colourful tubs or well-designed printed options.
Whichever route you choose, consistency matters most. Customers remember stalls where every detail feels intentional.
A Balanced Approach: Mixing Compostable and Traditional Packaging
Many concession operators use a mix. For example:
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Compostable cups for slush
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Traditional tubs for popcorn
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Compostable trays for waffles
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Recyclable PET options for ice-cold drinks
This approach reduces environmental impact while keeping operational efficiency high.
If you're unsure how to start, begin by switching one or two product lines to compostable items. Monitor customer reaction, serving speed and waste handling at events. Adjust based on real-world feedback.
Final Thoughts
Compostable packaging is gaining traction for the 2025/2026 season and is becoming a realistic choice for many event vendors. Traditional packaging remains strong in durability, cost and storage flexibility. The ideal choice depends on your food offerings, event types, storage conditions and brand positioning.
By choosing packaging that supports both your service style and customer expectations, you’ll build a reliable, appealing setup that fits the busy pace of concession work.