Importance of Single-use Biodegradable Cups

Single-use cups are commonly used around the world. These products are usually often made out of plastic, paper, and styrofoam. Each of these materials is damaging to the environment in multiple ways. Hundreds of years are required before the plastic is fully degraded. Paper cups lead to deforestation and their waterproof coatings are sourced from petroleum and do not degrade. Moreover, styrofoam leaks harmful chemicals into the food it touches and the environment once it is disposed of. These mainstream options are not sustainable.

Recently, there has been a push to limit the use of plastic cups. Efforts have been made to incentivize consumers to opt-out of single-use biodegradable options. By comparing materials and their benefits, you can decide for yourself, what is good for you and also the environment?

Styrofoam Cups

Over 50 billion styrofoam cups are used and discarded every year around the world. These cups are made from a non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastic that cannot be recycled and is estimated to last between 500 and one million years before fully breaking down. Additionally, polystyrene, the main component of styrofoam, leaks an endocrine disruptor that can cause long term health problems affecting the reproductive and nervous systems of its users. Furthermore, approximately 90 toxic and hazardous chemicals are produced when these cups are incinerated.

Plastic Cups

Plastic cups may be less destructive than Styrofoam but they are the most common type of single-use cups. The world population uses 500 billion plastic cups a year and about 80% of those plastic products are discarded in the environment. This results in plastic occupying 30% of all landfill space. Plastic cups are sometimes advertised as being recyclable or even compostable, but in fact, only about 9% of plastic products get recycled. Despite the health and environment problems, the versatility, light-weight nature and low cost of plastic encourage its use in comparison to eco-friendly alternatives.

Paper Cups

Paper cups are created from the fresh pulp of lumber, requiring the destruction of trees in the production process. 20 million trees are cut down annually for the production of paper cups, as most cups are made from virgin paper. Despite being made out of a natural biodegradable material, paper cups continue to harm the environment in the post usage stage. Moreover, to remain waterproof, the cups are lined with polyethylene, a type of plastic that is not biodegradable or compostable. This means that the entire cup is unable to be composted or broken down by the environment.

Sugarcane Pulp Cups

Sugarcane is a byproduct of the sugar production industry and is often discarded after necessary components are collected. Sugarcane is biodegradable and decomposes in three to six. To create tableware out of sugarcane, the fibers are mixed and heat-pressed into the desired shape. These plates do not require any external coating they are only intended for one-time use. Ecoware is one of the major sustainable packaging companies in India, which also uses sugarcane pulp and other crop waste to manufacture single-use bio-degradable products.

Ecoware products are made from natural materials and do not contain any harmful substances. They are strong, durable and can be disposed of without causing environmental issues. Other than eco-friendly disposable cups, the company also produces many shapes and sizes of eco-friendly disposable tableware, eco-friendly disposable plates, biodegradable paper bowls, disposable wooden spoons, and biodegradable boxes. Choose Ecoware products and reduce waste in the environment. You can visit ecoware.in for more information on bio-degradable serving and packaging products.