A pleated paper container for holding a food product or non-food product, comprising a base, side walls, a rim, and a stopper step disposed at the side walls proximate to the rim, wherein the stopper step is configured to receive and frictionally engage a fibre lid in a covered position, thereby closing an opening of the container and enclosing the product. Also provided is a disposable pleated paper container with a lid, which are recyclable and compostable. A method and apparatus for manufacturing the pleated paper container is also disclosed, as well as a method for adapting a conventional condiment cup manufacturing apparatus to manufacture the improved pleated paper container.

A pleated paper container for holding a food product or non-food product, comprising a base, side walls, a rim, and a stopper step disposed at the side walls proximate to the rim, wherein the stopper step is configured to receive and frictionally engage a fibre lid in a covered position, thereby closing an opening of the container and enclosing the product.