Dart Container
Dart Container Corporation is a privately held American multinational manufacturer and distributor of single-use foodservice packaging products, including foam cups, containers, lids, dinnerware, and cutlery, headquartered in Mason, Michigan.[1][2][3] Founded in 1937 by William F. Dart as a small machine shop producing metal items like tape measures and dog tags, the family-owned company pivoted to plastic and foam products in the mid-20th century, becoming a dominant player in disposable packaging by the 1960s through innovations in expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam.[1][4][5] With approximately 13,000 employees and operations spanning multiple continents, it produces over 3,000 product varieties used in retail, education, healthcare, and on-the-go dining sectors.[6][3][7] The company's growth has been marked by strategic acquisitions, such as the Solo Cup Company, solidifying its market leadership in foam-based disposables despite ongoing debates over their environmental persistence and marine impacts, which have prompted municipal bans and legal challenges that Dart has contested, including a successful lawsuit overturning New York City's foam container prohibition.[8][9] Dart maintains a commitment to recycling initiatives and material efficiency, though it has faced regulatory settlements for isolated air and water discharge violations at specific facilities.[10][11]