Better Earth
Better Earth is a US manufacturer and distributor of BPI-certified compostable foodservice packaging and retail tableware — cups, bowls, cutlery, clamshells, and plates made from bamboo, sugarcane, and regenerative-agriculture fibers — serving foodservice operators, college/university dining, K-12 schools, and retail customers via e-commerce, B2B portal, and custom printing.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersWest Chicago, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Better Earth does
Better Earth LLC is a US-based manufacturer and distributor of BPI-certified compostable foodservice packaging and retail tableware, headquartered in the Atlanta metropolitan area (Clarkston, GA) with a secondary office in Chicago. The company produces a full portfolio of hot cups, cold cups, bowls, clamshells, cutlery, food containers, and plates using rapidly renewable feedstocks including bamboo fiber, sugarcane/bagasse, and plant-based PLA/CPLA linings. Its flagship Farmer's Fiber Collection uses perennial grasses (miscanthus and sorghum) sourced from regenerative agriculture operations in the Southeastern US, supporting a differentiated US-made positioning. The company is B Corp certified, USDA Biobased certified on the Farmer's Fiber line, and a UN Global Compact signatory.
The company serves four primary verticals: foodservice operators (restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, caterers), college and university dining programs, K-12 schools, and retail tableware customers (including through its KeHE distribution partnership). Better Earth operates a dual revenue model combining unit-priced stock products sold through a direct e-commerce storefront (store.becompostable.com) and quote-based custom printed packaging with minimum order quantities of 50,000 to 100,000 pieces, supported by an in-house creative team branded as BE Design Studio. In October 2024, Better Earth acquired Betterbin, a SaaS platform providing waste management tracking and composting education, financed through cash and stock. The company also operates a proprietary Compost Drop-Off Database as a sustainability tool and participates in industry trade shows including World of Coffee, the National Restaurant Show, and Expo West.
Better Earth is privately held, founder/management-owned, and described as profitable without outside institutional funding. The company employs 11–50 people and ships primarily within the United States, with reported end-customer relationships spanning enterprise foodservice chains (e.g., Rise Up Coffee across 14 locations) and long-tail SMB buyers via e-commerce. The Betterbin acquisition marks its first material move into recurring software revenue and signals a broader platform strategy that couples physical compostable packaging with digital waste tracking and compliance tooling.
Better Earth firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Better Earth
- Legal name
- Better Earth LLC
- Website
- https://becompostable.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Better Earth is a US manufacturer and distributor of BPI-certified compostable foodservice packaging and retail tableware — cups, bowls, cutlery, clamshells, and plates made from bamboo, sugarcane, and regenerative-agriculture fibers — serving foodservice operators, college/university dining, K-12 schools, and retail customers via e-commerce, B2B portal, and custom printing.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Better Earth industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Compostable Food Packaging
- NAICS
- Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing (322220), Folding Paperboard Box Manufacturing (322212), Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing (322219)
- SIC
- Papers & Allied Products (2600), Wholesale-Paper & Paper Products (5110), Paperboard Containers & Boxes (2650)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Foodservice/To-Go Packaging (Cups, Clamshells, Cutlery) (IMALAHAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Compostable & Bio-Based Packaging (PLA/PHA, Starch Blends, Cellulose Films) (IMALAMAB), Napkins, Tableware & Foodservice Disposables (Plates, Cups, Cutlery) (CRADALAD), Foodservice Disposables (cups, plates, bowls, trays, clamshells) (IMAMAHAI), Food Storage Containers (Disposable & Reusable) (CRAJAGAF)
Keywords
Where Better Earth is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- West Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Better Earth business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Compostable Packaging Products: Sale of BPI-certified compostable foodservice packaging including hot cups, cold cups, food containers, bowls, cutlery, clamshells, and plates. Products are sold through e-commerce with case quantities and custom print minimums.
- Custom Printing Services: Custom branded printing on packaging products including hot cups, cold cups, molded fiber clamshells, food containers, boxes, bowls, and cutlery. Involves in-house design team (BE Design Studio) and minimum order quantities typically ranging from 24cs to 100k pieces depending on product.
- SaaS Platform (Betterbin): Acquired SaaS platform providing waste management tracking and composting education solutions for businesses
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Stock Products |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Custom Print Products |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels10 records
Better Earth product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Better Earth manufactures and distributes a full suite of BPI-certified compostable foodservice packaging and retail tableware, including hot cups, cold cups, bowls, food containers, clamshells, plates, and cutlery made from renewable materials such as bamboo fiber, sugarcane/bagasse, and plant-based PLA/CPLA linings. The company also offers custom printed packaging through its in-house BE Design Studio and provides digital tools such as a Compost Drop-Off Database and the acquired Betterbin SaaS platform for waste management tracking.
Product overview
Better Earth is a compostable food packaging producer offering a comprehensive portfolio of BPI-certified compostable foodservice packaging and retail tableware products. The core product offerings include the Farmer's Fiber Collection (molded fiber from regenerative agriculture), Hot Cups & Lids, Cold Cups & Lids, Bowls & Lids, Hot & Cold Food Containers, Sugarcane Collection, Eco-Bamboo Collection, Cutlery & Accessories, Clamshells, Better Boxes & Bowls, and Custom Print Products. The company also provides digital platform tools including a Compost Drop-Off Database. Products are primarily made from bamboo fiber, PLA, bagasse, and other compostable materials, and are certified commercially compostable.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Farmer's Fiber Collection: Retail line of molded fiber tableware made from perennial grasses including miscanthus and sorghum, supporting regenerative agriculture. BPI-certified and commercially compostable.
- BE Design Studio
Products and services
- Farmer's Fiber Collection Molded fiber tableware made from perennial grasses including miscanthus and sorghum, sourced from Southeastern US farmers using regenerative agriculture. BPI-certified commercially compostable and USDA Certified Biobased. Target customers include retailers, grocery stores, and foodservice operators.
- Hot Cups & Lids Compostable hot beverage cups available in sizes from 4oz to 20oz, including single wall and double wall options, made from sustainably produced bamboo fiber paperboard with PLA lining. BPI certified. For cafes, coffee shops, and foodservice operators.
- Cold Cups & Lids Compostable clear cold cups made from PLA material, available in sizes from 9oz to 32oz. BPI certified and compliant with ASTM standards. For foodservice and on-the-go beverage operators.
- Bowls & Lids Compostable bowls including Farmer's Fiber bowls, Eco-Bamboo bowls, and Better Bowls in various sizes and materials, with PFAS-free options. For restaurants, cafeterias, and takeout operators.
- Hot & Cold Food Containers Compostable food containers and soup cups for hot and cold foods, made from sustainably produced bamboo fiber paperboard with PLA lining. For restaurants, soup shops, and takeaway operators.
- Sugarcane Collection Products made from bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane processing. Includes drink carriers and other foodservice items. For foodservice operators and retailers.
- Eco-Bamboo Collection Products made from rapidly renewable bamboo fiber with PFAS-free options for molded fiber bowls and containers. For foodservice and retail customers.
- Clamshells Molded fiber and sugarcane-based clamshell containers for food service, including 2-compartment and 3-compartment taco containers. For restaurants, taquerias, and quick-service operators.
- Cutlery and Accessories Compostable cutlery including forks, knives, spoons, and complete kits made from CPLA material or pressed bamboo fiber. Available in bulk or individually wrapped. For foodservice operators, institutions, and caterers.
- Custom Print Products and BE Design Studio Custom branding and printing services for cups, containers, cutlery, and packaging, supported by the in-house BE Design Studio creative team. Includes custom design assistance with minimum order quantities typically ranging from 50k to 100k pieces depending on product. For brands seeking compostable packaging with custom visibility.
- Mineral Papers Compostable PLA mineral papers for food wrapping and liners, available in various sizes and styles including grease-proof options. For foodservice and retail food wrapping applications.
- Better Boxes & Better Bowls Bamboo kraft boxes and bowls with clear PLA windows, available in multiple sizes for food display and takeout. For restaurants, bakeries, and grab-and-go operators.
- Touch-Free Cutlery Dispensers Dispenser systems for pressed fiber cutlery designed to reduce waste and improve hygiene in foodservice settings. For cafeterias, colleges, and high-volume foodservice operators.
- Two-Piece Collection Rectangular fiber containers with matching lids, available in sizes from 24oz to 55oz with PLA or Eco-Bamboo material options. For delis, meal prep operators, and grocery prepared foods.
- Betterbin SaaS Platform SaaS platform acquired by Better Earth that optimizes recycling and composting education and provides real-time waste management insights to help businesses comply with regulations and reduce landfill waste. Sold on a subscription/recurring basis to businesses.
Quantifiable outcome
- Compostable products that return nutrients to soil when properly composted
Companies that use Better Earth
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Better Earth technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Better Earth partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- BetterbincoreBetter Earth acquired Betterbin, a SaaS platform that optimizes recycling and composting education. The acquisition provides real-time waste management insights that help businesses comply with regulations and reduce landfill waste. The deal was financed with a mix of cash and stock.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Better Earth competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Pactiv Evergreen: Pactiv Evergreen (including Eco-Products) is a major foodservice and packaging conglomerate producing both conventional and compostable disposables. Its scale, distribution, and foodservice relationships make it the dominant incumbent Better Earth competes against.
- Novolex: Novolex is a large North American paper and plastic packaging manufacturer with broad foodservice, retail, and CPG exposure; its expanding sustainable product portfolio overlaps with Better Earth's compostable foodservice range.
- Dart Container Corporation: Dart Container is a major US foodservice packaging manufacturer (cups, containers, dinnerware). It sells both conventional and a growing line of eco-friendly options, positioning it as a broad incumbent competing for the same institutional customers as Better Earth.
Direct peers
- Eco-Products (Pactiv EverGreen): Eco-Products is a leading US manufacturer of compostable foodservice packaging (cups, plates, cutlery, containers) serving restaurants, universities, and foodservice operators — a direct competitor to Better Earth's core product suite.
- Sabert Corporation: Sabert manufactures sustainable and compostable foodservice packaging products (containers, trays, cutlery) for restaurants, retail, and catering — overlapping directly with Better Earth's core offering.
- BioPak: BioPak produces compostable foodservice packaging (cups, containers, cutlery) made from plant-based materials, sold to cafes, restaurants, and quick-service operators — a direct competitor with overlapping product lines.
- World Centric: World Centric produces certified compostable foodservice disposables (plates, bowls, cutlery, cups) from plant-based materials, targeting similar foodservice and institutional customers as Better Earth.
- Vegware: Vegware makes compostable catering disposables and foodservice packaging from plant-based materials, sold to corporate catering, universities, and restaurants — directly comparable product set and GTM to Better Earth.
Emerging players
- Tipa Corp: Tipa develops compostable flexible packaging and food-contact materials from bio-based polymers, addressing the same sustainability-driven packaging customers as Better Earth through emerging bio-based resin technology.
- BioMass Packaging: BioMass Packaging specializes in compostable foodservice disposables made from agricultural residues (bagasse, bamboo), targeting similar eco-conscious foodservice and retail customers as Better Earth.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Better Earth social profiles
Digital presenceBetter Earth compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Better Earth financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Better Earth leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Better Earth subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Better Earth funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Better Earth M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Better Earth
What does Better Earth do?
Better Earth manufactures and distributes a full suite of BPI-certified compostable foodservice packaging and retail tableware, including hot cups, cold cups, bowls, food containers, clamshells, plates, and cutlery made from renewable materials such as bamboo fiber, sugarcane/bagasse, and plant-based PLA/CPLA linings. The company also offers custom printed packaging through its in-house BE Design Studio and provides digital tools such as a Compost Drop-Off Database and the acquired Betterbin SaaS platform for waste management tracking.
Is Better Earth a public or private company?
Better Earth is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Better Earth founded?
Better Earth was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Better Earth based?
Better Earth is headquartered in West Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does Better Earth make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Compostable Packaging Products are the primary driver. The others are custom Printing Services and saaS Platform (Betterbin).
Who are Better Earth's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Pactiv Evergreen, Novolex and Dart Container Corporation. Direct peers are Eco-Products (Pactiv EverGreen), Sabert Corporation, BioPak, World Centric and Vegware. Emerging players are Tipa Corp and BioMass Packaging.
Does Better Earth have an API?
No public API is recorded for Better Earth.
What industry is Better Earth in?
Better Earth's product category is Compostable Food Packaging. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAHAM, Foodservice/To-Go Packaging (Cups, Clamshells, Cutlery), with a secondary code of IMALAMAB, Compostable & Bio-Based Packaging (PLA/PHA, Starch Blends, Cellulose Films). Its NAICS code is 322220 and its SIC code is 2600.