These compostable cups (only for drinks below 110F) are made from Nature Works polylactic acid (PLA), which is derived from corn grown in the USA. These compostable PLA cups are fully biodegradable and compostable and meet the most stringent scientific requirements for biodegradability and composability, and are ASTM D6400-99 certified for "compostable plastics". Though, they are indistinguishable from normal plastic and as light and strong, they fully degrade into water, carbon dioxide and organic material when composted. There is no reason not to use these compostable cups made from readily renewable resources as compared to the petroleum based plastic cups, which create toxicity and environmental pollution. Please note, composting is required for biodegradation. These compostable cups will biodegrade within 180 days in a commercial composting facility, but can take up to a year or more to biodegrade in a home composting system. Biodegradable Cups for drinks below 110F Please store below 110F away from heat, hot surfaces and direct sunlight. These biodegradable cups have a "Compostable logo" and "This cup is made from corn and is 100-percent compostable" printed on them in green color on one side of the cup. We do this to distinguish them from regular plastic cups and as well as to facilitate sorting them in municipal recycling/composting facilities for composting.