Compostable packaging in Ireland: your questions answered

The Alternative Craic is a Dublin-based sustainable packaging business that supplies certified compostable, plant-based food packaging to businesses across Ireland. We help cafés, restaurants, food producers, retailers and event organisers replace single-use plastic with practical, food-safe alternatives. We also run sustainability workshops and support businesses with waste reduction.

We are based in Dublin, Ireland, and supply businesses across the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland. We work with businesses of all sizes, from small independent cafés and artisan food producers to hotels, schools and event organisers.

The Alternative Craic was founded by Shivani Dedhia, a sustainability entrepreneur who spent 8.5 years consulting at Accenture before starting the business. She started the business to make compostable packaging more practical and commercially accessible for Irish food businesses.

We work with any business that uses single-use packaging, including cafés, coffee shops, restaurants, takeaways, bakeries, hotels, food and drink producers, retailers, festivals, schools and corporate offices. If your business uses single-use packaging, we can help you find a compostable alternative.

No. Offices, schools, retailers, online shops, events and community groups buy from us too: mailing bags, pouches, carry bags, plates and cutlery.

We sell a range of compostable and plant-based food packaging, including takeaway containers, clamshells, coffee cups and lids, stand-up pouches, coffee pouches, kraft boxes, bread bags, ziplock bags, mailing bags and custom gift boxes.

Our packaging is made from plant-based and renewable materials: cornstarch, plant starch, PLA (a plant-based bioplastic), bagasse (sugarcane fibre) and kraft paper. Each material suits different uses. For example, bagasse works well for hot food containers and PLA for cold cups and windows.

Yes. All our food packaging is food-contact safe and suitable for serving and storing food.

Yes, but it depends on the product and material. Bagasse containers are suitable for hot, oily and wet food, while PLA products are great for cold food and drinks. Check each product's specification.

Some of our products are microwave- and freezer-safe. Please check the individual product page or contact us to confirm before use.

Yes. We supply compostable stand-up pouches for coffee, tea, snacks, dried foods and other retail products. They are available in standard sizes and can be customised with your branding, size and features such as zip closures, windows and valves.

Compostable packaging breaks down into natural materials within a set time under composting conditions and leaves no toxic residue. “Biodegradable” only means a material will break down eventually, with no fixed timeframe or standard. That is why we focus on certified compostable packaging rather than vague “biodegradable” claims.

Place used compostable packaging in your brown (food waste) bin, where it is collected and processed at a composting facility. Don't put it in the green recycling bin, as compostable materials can contaminate plastic recycling. For more details on specific products, see mywaste.ie.

Under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, takeaway businesses must let customers bring their own container from 12 February 2027, and must offer a reusable option from 12 February 2028.

Our packaging is made by suppliers certified to EN 13432 (industrial composting). Certificates are available on request. We only work with suppliers who hold them.

Certified industrially compostable packaging is designed to break down within about 12 weeks in industrial composting conditions under the EN 13432 standard.

For food-contaminated items like takeaway containers, coffee cups and food pouches, compostable packaging is often a better option because greasy or food-soiled plastic is hard to recycle. Compostable packaging can go into the brown bin with the food waste, keeping both out of landfill.

Yes. We offer custom branded compostable packaging, including printed coffee cups, takeaway boxes, stand-up pouches and gift or chocolate boxes. We can help with sizing, printing, colours and finishes so your packaging matches your brand.

For standard (unbranded) products, the minimum order is the pack size shown on the website. Custom printed packaging has a higher MOQ that depends on the product type. Contact us for a quote based on your needs.

Custom packaging usually takes 2 months from final artwork approval to delivery, depending on the product and order size. We recommend planning ahead for busy seasons such as Christmas and summer events.

Yes. For larger custom orders, we can store your stock and send it out as you need it. This helps you get better pricing on bigger volumes without needing extra storage space.

Yes. We can send samples so you can test the size, feel and performance of our packaging before placing an order.

Compostable packaging typically costs slightly more upfront than conventional plastic. Many businesses find the difference is offset by meeting customer expectations, strengthening their brand and staying ahead of packaging regulations. It also makes waste sorting easier after use, because packaging and food scraps can go in the same brown bin.

You can order standard products directly through our website at thealternativecraic.com, or contact us at thealternativecraic@gmail.com for wholesale, bulk or custom orders.

Yes. We deliver to businesses across the island of Ireland. Delivery usually takes 5 working days for stocked items, depending on the delivery location.

Yes. We offer wholesale pricing for businesses and better rates on larger and repeat orders. Contact us with your products and quantities for a tailored quote.

We mainly supply businesses, but individuals can also buy products, such as home items, through our online shop.

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Regulation (EU) 2025/40, has applied across the EU since 12 August 2026. It sets new rules on packaging design, labelling, recyclability and waste reduction, with further measures phasing in over the following years, including labelling from 2028 and restrictions on certain single-use plastic packaging from 2030. Compostable packaging has to meet the EU composting standards, such as EN 13432 for industrial composting.

Yes, most food businesses will be affected over time, especially those using single-use packaging. Harmonised labelling rules start from 2028, cafés and restaurants will need to offer reusable takeaway options from 2028, and restrictions on certain single-use plastic packaging apply from 2030. We can help you review your current packaging and plan the switch early.

Start by listing the packaging you use most, such as cups, containers and bags. We then suggest compostable alternatives, send samples, and help you switch gradually so it fits your budget and operations.

Yes. Alongside packaging, we offer sustainability guidance, waste audits and reporting support to help businesses reduce waste and meet their environmental goals.

Yes. We run hands-on sustainability workshops for schools, students, community groups and corporate teams. Workshops cover topics such as plastic alternatives, compostable materials and waste reduction.

In our bioplastic workshops, participants learn how to make simple bioplastic sheets from everyday ingredients such as plant starch and kitchen materials. It is a practical, science-based way to understand how compostable materials work.

Yes. We tailor workshops for primary and secondary schools, colleges, corporate team-building days and community events in Dublin and across Ireland. Contact us with your group size, age range and preferred date.

Email us at thealternativecraic@gmail.com, use the contact form on our website, or find us on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Facebook at @thealternativecraic.