Australian Christian Resources (ACR) has partnered with sustainable packaging experts and B-Corporation BioPak to design and produce the world’s first certified home compostable communion cup.
In response to the single-use plastic ban legislation and rollout across the country, the new communion cups will help thousands of churches in Australia continue their religious practices while adhering to new rules on plastic use.
“We were delighted to be approached by ACR to produce this bespoke product for them,” said Gary Smith, CEO of BioPak.
“The end result works for their specifications and can also be composted back into nutrient-rich soil, rather than ending up in landfill.
“We used Bagasse (also known as sugarcane pulp) to make these cups. It’s a rapidly renewable resource and a by-product of the sugarcane refining industry, and is a viable solution to effectively and sustainably replace single-use plastic.”
Reverend Mark Schultz, spokesperson for the ACR, is pleased to find a solution that can help the Australian Christian community work towards circularity.
“Like many countries around the world, Australia is transitioning towards a circular economy, and we wanted to create a sustainable alternative to the traditional plastic communion cup that enables us to be responsible stewards that care for the world we have been given,” Schultz said.
“It is our hope that these cups made from plants will encourage all churches in Australia and around the world to adopt more ecologically sustainable practices.
“The cups will fit existing standard communion cup trays made of wood or metal and have a fill-line for consistent pouring.”
With plastic cups already banned in WA, it is anticipated that the compostable Holy Communion cups will be adopted quickly by the church community, with many already pre-ordering the innovative product.
The ACR Communion Cups will go on sale in November 2022 via the ACR website.
