Become a partner with our compostable (water) bottle.

Across the world, companies, event organizers, and brands are looking for ways to reduce plastic waste and eliminate fossil-based packaging. At PLA Bottles EU, we work with partners that want to introduce a compostable water bottle made from plant-based materials into real-world environments.

On this page you will find a selection of projects and collaborations where our PLA bottles are already being used. These projects demonstrate how organizations can replace conventional PET bottles with a sustainable, plant-based bottle solution without compromising functionality or performance.

Sustainable Hydration at the World Aquatics Open Water World Cup

We are proud to supply the open water World cup of World Aquatics with our bio-based PLA water bottles.

At the open water events organized by World Aquatics, sustainability in the natural swimming environment is an important consideration. During several Open Water World Cup competitions, athletes are supplied with white PLA drinking bottles with a wider neck design, developed specifically for fast handling during race feeding moments.

Unlike conventional petroleum-based plastic bottles, these bottles are produced from PLA (polylactic acid), a plant-based biopolymer. This material provides a practical hydration solution while significantly reducing reliance on fossil plastics commonly used in sports events.

Open water competitions take place in natural environments such as seas and coastal waters, where protecting the ecosystem is essential. By using bio-based PLA bottles, the environmental impact of event materials is reduced. In the unlikely situation that a bottle is accidentally lost during a race, the material does not contribute to persistent microplastic pollution associated with traditional plastics, and the bottles are produced without toxic additives often found in conventional plastic packaging.

Across the international events in the Open Water World Cup series, several thousand bottles are used by the athlete, demonstrating that sustainable material solutions can be implemented at scale in high-performance sporting environments.

PLA bottles used at pilot site - world aquatics open water world cup

Pilot Projects – Biobased Olive & Vegetable Oil Bottles

Next steps for the pilot project include:

Producing light green, semi-transparent bottles
Developing fully or partially biobased caps
Creating custom molds for the PLA bottles
Conducting a first small-scale test run for demos

This pilot project showcases our commitment to innovative, sustainable packaging solutions while maintaining quality, functionality, and aesthetic appeal for high-end food products.

Pilot Projects – Biobased Olive & Vegetable Oil Bottles

Two high-end vegetable oil manufacturers have approached us to explore the use of biobased bottles for packaging their olive oil and other specialty oils.

We began by mapping out their requirements and selecting the right partners to develop the project. Based on the specifications, we created three different PLA compounds and, together with our masterbatch coloring partner, started producing white PLA bottles for initial tests.

The next phase involves developing light green, semi-transparent bottles for product-specific trials. We are now conducting comprehensive testing, including oxygen and oil barrier properties, shelf life, and UV stability, both internally and in collaboration with our clients, to ensure the bottles meet the highest quality standards.

Our client - So Gud - is making it happen!

So Gud is starting a Kickstarter campaign to show the world that a plant-based bottle is a reality, showing the public they have a choice;

BE THE CHANGE and join the so gud™ movement for healthier drinks and a cleaner planet!

Our mission is simple: revolutionize the beverage industry by saying NO to toxic microplastics and YES to plant-based, compostable bottles.

With growing concerns about harmful microplastics in our bodies and ecosystems, we’re taking a stand—offering premium drinks in bottles made entirely from NON-GMO, compostable plants.

Crafted in the USA, so gud™ isn’t just a drink; it’s a promise. A promise to prioritize your health and protect our planet. With every sip, you’re supporting a sustainable, harmful microplastic-free future. http://www.sogud4u.com/

What is Hemp?

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a fast-growing, sustainable plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years for its fibers, seeds, and oil. Unlike its relative marijuana, industrial hemp contains very low levels of THC (the psychoactive compound) and is primarily used for textiles, food, bioplastics, paper, and even construction materials.

Hemp is known for its exceptional environmental benefits:

Fast-growing – It matures in about 3-4 months, making it one of the most rapidly renewable resources.
Carbon sequestration – Hemp absorbs CO₂ at a higher rate than most trees and plants.
Low water usage – Requires significantly less water compared to cotton and many other crops.
Minimal pesticides – Grows well without the need for chemical pesticides or herbicides.

After processing, hemp leaves behind valuable fibers and hurd (woody core), which can be used in textiles, bioplastics, bio-composites, and even as a concrete alternative (hempcrete).

Why Use Hemp in Combination with PLA?

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a bioplastic derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane. The benefits of PLA is that it’s industrial compostable, has a lower carbon footprint than traditional plastics and does not create micro plastics. Adding hemp fibers to PLA enhances its properties and creates a superior bioplastic.

Key Benefits of Hemp-PLA Composites

Increased Strength & Durability – Hemp fibers act as a natural reinforcement, improving PLA’s mechanical properties and impact resistance.
Better Heat Resistance – Hemp-enhanced PLA can withstand higher temperatures, making it suitable for more demanding applications like bottles and food packaging.
Natural Aesthetic – The fine, visible hemp fibers create a unique, organic look, giving the product a premium eco-friendly feel.
Sustainable & Circular – Since we use 100% biobased waste hemp, it reduces waste and makes full use of locally available resources.
Lightweight & Strong – Hemp fibers improve PLA’s stiffness while keeping the material lightweight, making it ideal for packaging and structural applications.

This combination is perfect for biodegradable cups, preforms, cutlery, bottles, cosmetic products and 3D printing filaments, helping industries transition away from fossil-based plastics.

With this innovation, we are taking an exciting step toward a more sustainable future with high-performance, bio-based materials. 🌱♻️

PLA & Hemp project: A Natural, High-Performance Bioplastic

We’re working on an exciting project for a client, combining PLA with hemp to create a strong, natural-looking bioplastic. So far, we’ve had great success in producing cups and 3D filament, and now we’re moving to the next step: developing preforms and bottles.

One of the key advantages of this approach is our access to a large hemp processing facility located near our factory. This allows us to use a 100% biobased waste stream, ensuring that our material is not only sustainable but also locally sourced.

Our partner had a lot of fun compounding and injection molding PLA with locally available hemp, and the results speak for themselves: