What is the impact of cold drink paper cups on the environment?
Paper cups are compostable and biodegradable. This means that they will not harm the environment. They are made from plant-based PLA, which is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). While it is a good idea to send paper cups to composting facilities, a home composting unit may also work.
Paper cups can be recycled like plastic cups, but the recycling process is challenging because of their composite materials and the lack of established collection and reclamation systems. According to estimates, about 220 billion disposable paper cups are consumed globally each year. These figures do not include hard plastic and expanded foam plastic cups, which are more difficult to recycle. In addition, many cups include lids and straws that are not recyclable.
While this method does not have a 100% recovery rate, it has many benefits. For starters, it helps reduce the amount of waste. Most consumers take their cups with them when they leave establishments, so most disposable cups end up in the trash unless proper collection systems are in place. In addition, most municipalities do not recycle the cups and instead send them to landfills.
The production of paper cups is highly energy-intensive, and nearly all of them end up in landfills. While plastic cups can be recycled, the majority of them don't, leaving them to add to the problem.
There are many benefits to drinking cold beverages in reusable cups, including convenience. Compared with disposable paper cups, reusable mugs require no washing and can be recycled after use. Reusable coffee mugs can last up to 3 months before needing a new one.