About Us
SOLO is the ORIGINAL Sign of Good Times!
For decades, SOLO has inspired millions to host spontaneous gatherings celebrating food, fun and friendship. Let’s SOLObrate good times together!
Our story starts in 1936. SOLO cup inventor Leo Hulsemen began his career by producing and distributing small, disposable paper cones designed to ensure public health and safety. In the following years, SOLO produced a variety of products made of different materials.
The iconic red SOLO cup was first released in the ‘70s. The red plastic party cup was a success with families and businesses alike. Since then, SOLO has evolved to produce a full range of everyday and party supplies that bring together food, fun and good times with ease.
Today, SOLO is a beloved brand line within Dart Container Corporation. SOLO’s devoted fans post over 400,000 photos a year of their good times with our products, and we plan to continue inspiring that loyalty.
Solo History
- 1936: Leo Hulseman founded the SOLO Cup Company, making paper cone cups.
- 1970s: The Hulseman family expanded the paper product portfolio to include plastic cups – originally in red, blue, yellow, and peach.
- 1976: The iconic plastic SOLO Cup was patented
- 1980–2000: SOLO expands offerings to more households, restaurants, and grocers throughout the U.S.
- 2004: Solo Cup Company acquires SF Holdings, including the Sweetheart brand and the epic Jazz® design.
- 2008: SOLO launches Bare®, a variety of eco-forward products for home and foodservice use made using recyclable*, recycled, compostable, or renewable materials.
- 2012: SOLO Cup Company is purchased by Dart Container Corporation, greatly expanding product offerings.
- Today and Future: Dart continues to innovate and evolve, ensuring that the SOLO brand remains the go-to connector for food, fun, and friendships.
*Check locally, may not be recycled in your area.
Gallery Terms & Conditions
SOLO provides these images and photos for editorial use by news agencies and journalists in connection with broadcast media and newspaper, news magazine, trade publication, and educational articles about SOLO and our products. Any other use of these materials is strictly prohibited. Use of these images for personal or commercial purposes may result in legal action for copyright and trademark infringements.