ECO INFO / FAQ
The ANSWERS you need
About our material
Our mugs are made of corn starch extract called PLA (Poly-Lactic Acid). The material we use is 100% natural with "0" fossil-base plastic / chemcials, and can break down in composting conditions. It is also BPA-free, microwave & dishwasher (top rack) safe, heat resistant up to 120 degree celcius.
SAFE for our bodies, and ECO to the earth!
How ECO is PLA?
PLA (Poly-Lactic Acid) uses 47% LESS non-renewable energy, and generates 59% LESS Greenhouse Gas emissions than the average plastic manufacturing. It contains 0% fossil-base plastic, made of 100% natural material. PLA is probably the best material to replace conventional plastic.
Is it leak-proof?
Cafe Plus - YES for both hot & cold beverages.
ECO Can Plus – yes for cold / room temperature drinks. Not so much for hot drink as pressure from steam is too much. Open tab or lid to release the pressure. Keep it upright when you are on the go.
Is PLA BPA-free and safe for children?
PLA is absolutely safe for kids as well as for adults! ECO Can Plus, Vintage Mug, ECO Kids, PLA non-woven bags are all BPA-free and with ZERO plastic. PLA is a corn starch extract, hence it is biodegradable and compostable (under certain composting condition).
Is the print on the outside of the mug durable & food safe?
Yes, ONLY when used and cleaned properly. Best to hand wash with soft sponge. Do not use bleach / chlorine / abrasive sponge for cleaning. Do not use finger nails to scratch it.
PLA is NOT plastic & it's not perfect. Submerge in water, heat in microwave or dishwasher for too long does affect the print. If you love PLA, you won't mind (right?).
It is reusable, but is it durable?
It is pretty durable, consider it is made from natural materials, around 2-3 years.
After 2 years, the material will start weakening and become brittle. Say if you accidentally drop it on the floor, there is higher chance the mug will crack compares to when you first bought it.
It also means we do not cheat you on the material :) Some customers claimed the mugs last more than 2 years.
Can I put it in microwave?
Yes, mainly for reheating (not boiling) your drinks. Set short interval like 1 minute, stir drink and check temperature. Add more time if need be.
Is it dishwasher safe?
Yes, on TOP rack. Take it out and dry it immediately after washing cycle. Avoid cleansed it with dishwasher if you product has colourful print on it.
Can I put it inside sanitizer or oven?
No, the products are NOT suitable for sanitizer / oven.
They are microwave safe and dishwasher (top rack) safe.
Will it gradually biodegradable when using / put in backyard?
No, it will NOT biodegradable under normal usage. Biodegradation only starts when it is buried in a certain composting environment.
Will PLA affect people with corn sensitivities?
PLA (polylactic acid) is made from corn starch and glucose, which both contain very small amounts of corn protein. Any recognizable corn protein though would be destroyed by the heat and fermentation processes used to make the PLA.
Why not organic corn?
We strongly support organic agriculture, but using organic corn would add at least 30% more to the price of the product, and we feel that it is not a cost we could afford or pass on to clients and consumers.
Write to us
ECO Concepts is committed to exceeding your needs. Questions, comments or special requests? We’d love to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to reach out today.