The biodegradability of PLA Coating Paper Cups is improved over traditional PE-lined cups
PLA is also compostable and biodegradable, reducing waste. Paper cups need to be water-proof and odor-proof, so that liquids inside them do not linger. Early paper cups were coated with clay, but this made them taste bad. Waxed cups were also used for a time. Finally, polylactic acid (PLA) coating was created. It proved to be a great solution. Unlike wax, PLA Coating Paper Cups are non-toxic, and biodegradable.
The plastic cups with PLA coating would dissolve when used for hot drinks, but the latest version of PLA coating is temperature-treated, making it suitable for paper coffee cups. The biodegradability of PLA-coated paper cups makes them a more sustainable option, and they are made from a renewable resource. Further, these cups have grease resistance.
The aqueous coating on paper cups is compostable. This makes it an environmentally friendly option, but not the most economical one. However, with new technology, this option is becoming more economically viable. The new technology is called Paper+ water-based coating, and it makes it possible to make compostable paper cups. They can be composted at home or in industrial facilities. The compostability of PLA Coating Paper Cups is comparable to that of newspaper.
The advantages of these paper cups are numerous. In addition to biodegradability, they are biodegradable and have virtually no carbon footprint. They also offer better water resistance than PE-coated products.