Our Products
Q: What temperatures will your products withstand?
A: Our products can generally withstand a wide range of temperatures, but this varies depending on the type of material or the food or beverage contents. If you would like product samples to test with the specific food and drink you wish to use, or would like further information, please contact us.
Q: Can your containers be used in a refrigerator or freezer?
A: All of our products can be used in a refrigerator and some in a freezer, primarily the MicroGourmet range, depending on the specific temperatures concerned. We recommend that customers test products to see if they are suitable for the intended application. Please contact us to request samples.
Q: Are your products microwave safe?
A: The MicroGourmet range can be used in a microwave, as can the Heavy Duty Paper Container range, depending on the specific temperature requirement and food/beverage concerned. We recommend that customers test any products to see if they are suitable for the intended application. Please contact us to request samples.
Q: I'd like my own printed design and logo on cups and other packaging, can you do that?
A: Yes, we offer custom printing on a wide range of our products. For paper hot cups, we have three service options; FastTrack, BrandBuilder and standard. For other products, there are some minimum print quantity requirements, which can be found on the Colour & Design page. For further information, please contact us.
Q: In what format can you receive artwork for custom prints?
A: Our Artwork Requirements Document can be downloaded from our Registered Users page. Please click here to register.
Q: Can I put my artwork onto your templates?
A: If you wish to send us your artwork on a template, we ask that artwork is sent to us on a straight template. We will then curve the artwork as appropriate in-house. Specific sized templates can be provided on request. For further information regarding artwork, please read the Artwork Requirements Document, which can be downloaded from our Registered Users page. Please click here to register
Q: What is the difference between paper hot cups and paper cold cups?
A: Paper hot cups have a polyethylene coating on the inside only, leaving a matt finish on the exterior surface. Paper cold cups are polyethylene coated on both sides, which prevents condensation from cold drinks affecting the strength of the cup.
Q: Do you also supply dispensers for your cups?
A: We do offer a limited line of stainless steel dispensers for some of our paper hot cups, clear tumblers, EPS foam cups and a range of lids. Please contact us for more information. Most dispenser manufacturers and many distributors also offer dispensers that are compatible with our products.
Our Company
Q: I work for the trade press and would like to speak to someone about editorial/advertising, who should I contact?
A: Please email the Marketing department for any press enquiries.
Our People
Q: How can I apply for a job at Solo Cup Europe?
A: You can see the vacancies we currently have on the Work at Solo page. On this page, you can also download all the forms needed to apply for a job with us.
Q: I need to email someone at Solo Cup Europe; how can I find their email address?
A: To email anyone at Solo Cup Europe, the email address will be firstname.lastname@soloeurope.co.uk
Our Environment
Q: Are Solo Cup Europe paper hot cups biodegradable?
A: Although paper is generally biodegradable, the current standard polyethylene coating on the inside of the cups prevents them from being composted. However, Solo Cup Europe paper hot cups are recyclable where facilities exist. Solo Cup Europe is in the process of developing new paper hot cup options, which will offer environmental solutions.
It is also a founder member of the Paper Cup Recovery Group, a group that is working to establish viable recycling routes for all paper cups, which will end the need to landfill cups and make them a more sustainable option.
Q: Are Solo single-use products recyclable?
A: Yes. The ability to recycle a specific single use product is dependent upon the material, and local municipalities and the recycling methods available to them. Check with your local recycling authorities to learn what is possible in your area.
Q: Are Solo products made with recycled materials?
A: Because Solo products are used to serve food and beverages, they are subject to regulations. Recycled content materials are relatively new in the foodservice industry. It takes many years to research and test new materials to ensure they meet EU regulations and our own high standards for quality.
Today, Solo offers a food contact approved single poly hot cup that meets EU regulations made from paperboard that contains 10% post-consumer recycled content. Also, through working with Closed Loop Recycling, Solo Cup Europe is able to obtain recycled PET (rPET), which is used in the manufacture of clear tumblers and food containers.
We continually test new materials and are working to expand our list of products that make use of recycled papers and plastics.
Q: Does Solo have plans to expand its offering of environmentally friendly products?
A: Solo has a history of innovation guided by consumer and customer needs. We were the first to develop a post-consumer fibre paper hot cup. We are looking at several promising applications of renewable resource materials for both our paper and plastic products. We continue to investigate and test renewable resources and environmentally friendly materials.
The new Bare™ range will be launched in the New Year 2009. This will offer a choice of products that are made using recycled, recyclable and compostable materials.
Q: What is Solo doing as a company to be sustainable?
A: Achieving sustainability is a collaborative process. We are working with our suppliers to develop sustainable materials and with our customers to identify sustainable options that will work well for their businesses. At the same time, we are striving to ensure our own manufacturing and distribution processes are efficient and responsible.
Solo Cup Europe has been accredited to the BRC/IOP Global Food Packaging Standard and we strive to minimise our impact on the natural environment by working to ISO14001 standards as regards our environmental management system and practices.
How to Buy
Q: How can I buy Solo Cup Europe products?
A: Solo Cup Europe products are generally supplied via a network of established distributors. If you are a distribution business and are interested in becoming a Solo Cup Europe distributor, or if you are not such a business but would like details of a Solo Cup Europe distributor in your area, please contact us.
Q: How can I find a Solo Cup Europe distributor in my area?
A: For details of a local distributor, please contact us.
Q: How can I buy the famous red Solo party cups, as I can't find anywhere to buy them?
A: Currently, the Solo party cup range is not stocked in Europe, and so is not readily available. However, we do import a limited quantity for our distributors. Please contact us for details of a local distributor who will be able to help.
Q: What do you mean when you say a "Solo direct customer"?
A: A Solo direct customer is one who Solo Cup Europe directly invoices. Solo’s direct customers are usually distributors or retailers. Unfortunately, we cannot supply directly to end user operators etc, nor directly to the public. Please contact us if you would like details of a distributor, from whom you can purchase Solo Cup Europe products.
Q: Can I place an order on your website?
A: No, we do not offer online ordering. If you would like details of a local distributor, please contact us. Alternatively, if you are an existing Solo Cup Europe distributor please contact the Customer Services department.