Paper cups copy 398110

Although encouraging consumers to swap paper cups for reusable cups is still favourable, this is not without its drawbacks. Consumers tend to buy a hot or cold drink on a whim while out and about, meaning they are often not prepared. Forgetting reusable cups is frustratingly familiar to even the most prepared eco-warriors. Not only is there the vexation of ordering a drink to then realise a reusable cup isn’t to hand, but there is also the inconvenience of carrying a reusable cup around, especially as once used it will contain drink residue and will need to be cleaned.

There is no denying that paper cups are convenient. They provide consumers with the ease of treating themselves to a warm tea, coffee, or hot chocolate on a cold day at the shops or a refreshing ice-cold drink to enjoy on a summer’s day at the park, as well as provide a hygienic way for retailers to serve drinks.

Interestingly, paper cups have a lower carbon footprint than both ceramic and reusable cups. Huhtamaki co-commissioned a life cycle analysis study, which suggested that ceramic cups need to be used at least 350 times and reusable cups made of steel need to be used 130 times if they are to have a lower carbon footprint than paper cups. We must all ensure whatever cup we decide to use regularly or not, they most be disposed of in a responsible manner allowing them to be collected and recycled.