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The Paper Cup.
Here, you will learn more about one of our best-selling products: the paper cup. Read more about how a paper cup is structured, the environmental alternatives available, and current news.
What does a paper cup consist of?
A paper cup consists of two main components:
- Paper: Approximately 90% of a paper cup is made of paper. It is manufactured from wood fiber that may come from forests or recycled paper. The paper is usually made from virgin fiber to ensure hygiene and food safety. An increasing number of paper cups are made from paper sourced from certified forests, ensuring responsible and sustainable forestry.
- Coating (
) : On the inside of the cup, there is a thin waterproof coating that prevents liquid leakage. The coating can be made of PE (polyethylene), a fossil-based raw material, or plant-based materials that are fossil-free. Examples of fossil-free coatings include PLA (corn starch) or green PE (sugar cane).
The development of new materials is advancing, and today there are also paper cups made of 100% paper.
Paper cups can be manufactured with one or two layers of paper. A single layer is the most common type of paper cup and is cost-effective to produce. Double walls are more expensive, but they provide better heat insulation. At Tingstad, you can find both single-layer and double-layer paper cups.
Questions and Answers about Paper Cups
Can paper cups be recycled?
Yes, paper cups can be recycled. Most paper cups are made of about 90% paper and 10% plastic. The paper can be recycled into new paper pulp, while the plastic can be recycled into new plastic. Today, there are also alternatives made of 100% paper.
Recycling paper cups helps reduce environmental impact. By recycling paper cups, we can reduce the amount of waste going to landfills or incineration.
Recycling paper cups helps reduce environmental impact. By recycling paper cups, we can reduce the amount of waste going to landfills or incineration.
Which type of paper cups is the most environmentally friendly?
The most environmentally friendly paper cups are those made of 100% paper. They can be easily recycled to create new products.
Other eco-friendly options include paper cups made from plant-based raw materials, such as bagasse, cornstarch, or sugarcane.
You can also choose paper cups with a coating made from renewable or fossil-free resources. Examples of fossil-free coatings are PLA (cornstarch) or green PE (sugarcane).
In addition to choosing the type of paper cup, we also recommend encouraging guests to recycle the paper cup after use. Recycling a paper cup reduces the carbon footprint by approximately 50%, according to a study conducted by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.
Other eco-friendly options include paper cups made from plant-based raw materials, such as bagasse, cornstarch, or sugarcane.
You can also choose paper cups with a coating made from renewable or fossil-free resources. Examples of fossil-free coatings are PLA (cornstarch) or green PE (sugarcane).
In addition to choosing the type of paper cup, we also recommend encouraging guests to recycle the paper cup after use. Recycling a paper cup reduces the carbon footprint by approximately 50%, according to a study conducted by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.
What challenges exist with paper cups from a sustainability perspective?
Paper cups are a popular disposable product used for take-away coffee. They are easy to use and recycle. However, from a sustainability perspective, there are two major challenges with paper cups:
There are three possible solutions to the challenges above:
There is currently an exciting development in the industry with new materials and recycling possibilities. For example, new plant-based materials that are even more sustainable than existing ones are being developed. There are also new recycling methods that make it easier to recycle paper cups.
- Material: Paper cups are typically made of wood fiber and a waterproof coating. The waterproof coating is often made of fossil materials, such as polyethylene (PE). Fossil materials are not renewable and contribute to climate change.
- Recycling: Paper cups are recyclable, but most paper cups do not end up in recycling. In Europe, the average recycling rate for paper cups is 36%. This is because paper cups are often mixed with other waste, such as food residues, making them difficult to recycle.
There are three possible solutions to the challenges above:
- Use products made of 100% paper.
- Use products with coatings made of fossil-free materials. There are many different plant-based materials that can be used for a waterproof coating, such as cornstarch and sugarcane. These materials are renewable and do not contribute to climate change.
- Ensure that paper cups can easily be collected for recycling. This can be done by improving collection systems for paper products, such as installing more recycling stations and making it easier to separate paper cups from other waste.
There is currently an exciting development in the industry with new materials and recycling possibilities. For example, new plant-based materials that are even more sustainable than existing ones are being developed. There are also new recycling methods that make it easier to recycle paper cups.
Labeling requirements for cups
According to the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, it has been decided to introduce labeling requirements for single-use products that are wholly or partially made of plastic. This includes, among other things, cups. The labeling requirement came into effect in July 2021.
About EU:s ban against single-use plastic items.
In 2021, a number of disposable plastic items will be banned. Take the opportunity to change your purchases now by discovering our range of products that are a smart alternative to your current plastic products.
Author: Tingstad
Last Updated: 2023-12-18
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