Understanding UKCA Marking
Since the UK departed from the EU regulatory framework, the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark has replaced CE marking for products sold in Great Britain. All disposable cups used in commercial food service must carry the UKCA mark to demonstrate they meet essential safety requirements.
Food Contact Material Regulations
Under UK law, all materials that come into contact with food (including cups used for hot and cold beverages) must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 (retained in UK law) and the Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (England) Regulations 2012. This means cups must not transfer harmful substances to food, change food composition, or deteriorate the taste or odour of food.
Recyclability Standards
The UK government has been tightening recyclability standards for food packaging. Polypropylene (PP5) cups are fully recyclable in standard UK kerbside collections, making them the preferred material for environmentally conscious businesses. Unlike PE-coated paper cups, PP5 does not require specialised recycling facilities.
What This Means for Your Business
When ordering custom cups, always ensure your supplier provides UKCA-certified, food-grade products. At Express Cups, every cup we produce is UKCA and CE marked, manufactured from food-grade PP5, and fully recyclable. We provide compliance documentation with every order.