Did you know that... A paper cup takes on average about 6 months to decompose, unfortunately some of them are covered with plastic and therefore cannot be recycled.
Despite their inconspicuous appearance, paper cups hide many secrets. Each of us has encountered them, but probably only a few people have ever wondered where they came from and what their history is. Now that pro-ecological movements are everywhere, paper cups are even more famous, but is it right?
The history of paper cups.
Paper cups first appeared in history in Imperial China. They were used to serve tea to guests and were constructed in various sizes, colors and patterns. Evidence of the existence of paper cups at this time can be seen in the description of the estate of a certain Chinese family.
Due to public health concerns, the modern paper cup was developed. At the beginning of the 20th century, drinking from school taps, barrels and water sources was common. After meticulous research by biologists, concerns have increased significantly. Orders and prohibitions were then introduced to ensure hygiene when using public places. Paper cups were also used in hospitals for health reasons, which also reduced the costs of using and disinfecting glasses.
The big breakthrough in this regard was definitely the creation of Dixie cups. A Boston lawyer was very afraid of germs, so he developed an ice-cooled vending machine that sold water in disposable paper cups . It was a great start for the Dixie Cup company.
Then they started creating advertisements to convince people to use paper cups "just for you".
The fight between paper and plastic
Most paper cups are designed to be used once and then thrown away, this has been the case for a long time, but with age and progress, ideas and methods have emerged to help paper cups be properly disposed of. Additionally, a new coating has been developed for paper cups, making them recyclable.
A life cycle inventory comparing paper and plastic cups shows the environmental impact of both with no clear winner. Polyethylene is a petroleum-based coating on paper cups that can slow the biodegradation of the paper it covers.
Lids are also an important element; many of us have probably encountered the paradox of a paper cup and a plastic lid; hot drinks sold in paper cups can be equipped with a plastic liner that maintains the temperature of the drink and prevents spilling.
Paper cups and ecology? Do they go together?
Paper cups were introduced as environmentally friendly cups. The price of these cups is higher than Styrofoam cups. However, they can transfer heat to the hand. Polyethylene is used in the inner layer of these cups. This layer serves for insulation and can increase the durability of paper cups .
The biodegradable cup is made from renewable raw materials such as cornstarch. Unlike styrene, plastic and paper cups, biodegradable cups decompose in the environment. Biodegradable cups are produced all over the world. Biodegradable paper cups decompose in nature for 6 months under appropriate conditions (temperature, humidity and presence of microorganisms).
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