- SOFi Products, the Miami-based creator of durable, compostable paper SOFi Straws, announced today it has released the first 100% biodegradable cup that eliminates the need for a plastic lid.

There are no cups currently on the market that are 100% biodegradable and eliminate the need for a plastic lid," said SOFi co-founder Brandon Leeds. "Until now, all cups — even those that say 'compostable' — must either be sent to a composting facility or recycled. Both rarely occur and cups end up in landfills where they will take decades to biodegrade. If the SOFi Cold Cup ends up in the ocean or a landfill, it will be gone in under 180 days. This product is made to be unmade."

The SOFi Cold Cup features four flaps that fold together to form a spill-proof lid and accommodate any of SOFi's paper straws. This design eliminates the need for a separate lid, saving businesses money on additional inventory as well as freight costs. By eliminating lids, the Cold Cup also opens up precious storage space inside businesses.

Brothers Brandon and Jordan Leeds founded SOFi after they grew tired of seeing plastic waste in the waterways and on the beaches of Miami. Rather than turning a blind eye, the two decided to do something about it.

SOFi stands for "South of Fifth," which is the area of Miami beach in which the brothers were inspired. In 2019, the brothers set out to create a paper straw that lasts for hours, does not get soggy, and does not taste like paper. The straws were a hit, and are now offered nationwide in Walmart and at a variety of coffee and restaurant chains, including La Colombe, Bluestone Lane, Earl of Sandwich, Alfred Coffee, and more.

"At SOFi Paper Products, we believe protecting the planet should be straightforward, safe, and simple," said SOFi co-founder Jordan Leeds. "All of our products are made with real paper and without buzzwords. They're the type of compostable that doesn't require a special separate facility. And they are the type of biodegradable that you learned about in science class: Just put it in the ground and it goes away in less than 180 days."