Question: Are these eco-friendly? e.g. compostable? - unlike styrofoam.
Answer: Yes! They are made of food grade paper material and can be recycled.

Question: Are these paper cups wax coated?
Answer: No, but they are very sturdy and have not leaked.

Question: Are sleeves needed for hot coffee?
Answer: Not neccessary

Question: Polyethylene coated inside?
Answer: Yes, standard PE (Polyethylene) coating or PLA lining for hot drink paper cups.

Question: what is the odor that is coming from these cups?
Answer: No odor

Question: Are these 100% recyclable or made from recycled material?
Answer: These are 100% recyclable. They are not make from recycled material.

Question: Just so make sure, are lids included as part of the cup? Or do they have to be purchased separately?
Answer: Lids are purchased separately.

Question: is the outer surface smooth?
Answer: Not smooth at all! Perfectly sand papery!
It has a subtle ridged outer surface that provides a nice tactile feel and good grip.