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After the introduction of disposable cups in the 20th century, it has become indispensable, and their design has transformed significantly over time. Disposable cups have two primary materials- paper and plastic, and they are quite useful when you need to drink during travelling.
When there is a choice to select between paper cups and plastic cups, people think about which will be better for the environment. Research conducted in the Netherlands highlights the similarity of environmental impact as a result of using plastic cups and paper cups when all aspects are considered. The ecological significance of both varieties of cups was examined in this study across eleven categories. According to the result, paper cups were preferred in five segments, and plastic cups were preferred in the remaining five categories.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the comparison of paper cups and plastic cups and their impact on the environment.
Plastic cups are made up of either PET (polyethylene-based plastics) or PP (polypropylene). These cups are preferred by many because of their clear and attractive look, durability, and water-resistant design. Both types of plastic cups work well for cold drinks, but only PP plastic cups are able to manage hot beverages because of their heat-resistant nature. Also, it keeps the drinks free from unnecessary chemicals oozing into them.
On the other hand, paper cups are generally used for hot beverages such as tea, coffee but many shops use these cups for cold drinks also. However, paper cups especially without a special coating can sometimes lose strength if it is used for cold drinks which sometimes make plastic cups as the preferred option for many businesses.
When it comes to choosing between paper cups and plastic cups, the benefits of using paper cups are clear. The benefits of using paper cups are as follows.
1. Environmental Impact
In today’s world, where more than 70% of consumers are conscious about the environment, the ecological impact is one of the main reasons for the high demand for paper cup manufactures.
The PET Plastic cups often take a hundred years to decompose completely. The ability to recycle these plastic cups is limited. These cups lead to a huge amount of hard-to-treat solid waste remaining, which causes environmental pollution.
On the other hand, paper cups are made up of paper pulp, which is a naturally biodegradable material. According to studies, paper cups take around 1-5 years to decompose completely in the environment, which is much faster than plastic cups. Therefore, using paper cups will help to decrease the environmental pollution caused by conventional plastic waste.
2. Recyclability
Recyclability is another important comparison factor for disposable cup manufactures. Both the paper cups and plastic cups are made up of recycled materials. But the main benefit of paper cups is biodegradability. These cups decomposed quickly with no harm, but plastic cups are less biodegradable. Their impact on the landfill is a major concern, as there is a large number of plastic cups are produced regularly.
3. Carbon Footprint
The amount of carbon footprint as a result of paper cup manufacture is lower as compared to plastic disposable cup manufactures. The paper cup manufacturing process generally consume less energy and produce a small amount of greenhouse gas emissions. As a result of this, paper cups nowadays have become a more eco-concious choice in terms of environmental effect.
4. Branding and Customization
Both the paper and plastic cups provide huge customization and branding options to help an individual showcase the brand and creative designs. Paper cups have flexibility and artistic vibes. Along with high-quality printing on a clear surface, it comes in various shapes and lid options.
On the other hand, paper cup manufacturers nowadays fulfil the demand of the customers by printing images, logos and brand names to promote their business. In recent years, there has been a wide range of paper cups having vibrant colours, designs, sizes and patterns which often the go-to for cafes focused on eco-friendly branding.
5. Customer’s Perspective
In a business, the customer’s perspective about the product is more important than the reality of things. Both plastic and paper cups are recognized differently by the customers.
PP plastic cups lead to feel modern, clean, and suitable for cold drinks. The look of these cups allows drinks to visually glossy. Many young customers are attracted by these clear cups with trendy drinks.
On the other hand, paper cups are often connected with eco-friendliness, craft coffee culture, and a natural image, which attracts environmentally aware customers.
At the end, choosing between paper and plastic cups is not easy. Both types have their advantage and disadvantages when it comes to the environment. Paper cups are often considered better because they decompose faster, but sometimes they are hard to recycle because of the plastic lining. On the other hand, plastic cups, made up of PET, have a smaller carbon footprint but take a huge time to break down. Thus, the choice is up to the consumer, whether it’s reducing waste or decreasing carbon emissions.
Q1. Are paper cups good for the environment than plastic cups?
It’s a tough choice to decide which is better. According to studies, paper cups and plastic cups have almost similar environmental effects. Paper cups are good for waste management, whereas plastic cups have a lower carbon footprint.
Q2. Why are paper cups not recycled?
Paper cups are not recycled because the plastic lining present in these cups is difficult to separate during the recycling procedure.
Q3. How long does it take to break down plastic cups fully?
Plastic cups can take up to 450 years to decompose completely. This long time is a major concern for environmental pollution.
Q4. What materials are used to make plastic cups?
Plastic cups are usually made up of materials such as PET or polyethylene-based plastics, which are a variety of plastic derived from oil.
Q5. Which is more expensive? Plastic cups or paper cups?
Paper cups are more expensive than plastic cups per unit, especially if the paper cups have double walls. Plastic cups are less costly to make, and in some situations, they are reusable.
