Plastic disposable cups are the most accessible kind of disposable cups since they are the most affordable and heavily researched. Plastics are known to be a heavy contributor to pollution, that is why there is ongoing research on how to make plastics less problematic and more helpful to people and the environment. It’s also important to mention that these studies and research have been very fruitful since there are plastics that are eco-friendly, safe to use and available.
Types of plastic cups
Versalite Cups
Versalite Cups are newly researched and developed cups that are fully recyclable and is consumer friendly. It uses polypropylene however it’s designed to be ecofriendly. They are also puncture and crack resistant, this is very important since plastics can seep into food or drinks when torn. This also makes this cup kid-friendly since this won’t pose any health issues when kids use these for drink and play.
Compostable
These plastic cups are known as eco-friendly plastic. It uses polylactic acid (PLA) which is a form of sugar that comes from certain plants like corn, potato, and soy. This pseudoplastic material is food-safe, freezer-safe, and affordable. However, since this material is fairly new, recycling still requires a specialized system that some recycling companies offer.
Hard Layer
Hard Layer cups are plastic cups that use layers to create a heavy and shock-absorbing kind of material. This kind of plastic cup is great for people on the go, catering, and children. The shock-absorbing nature of this plastic plays a very good mix of reusability and sustainability for its owners while also not contributing as much to pollution.
This plastic is used by tumblers, baby cups, and shakers.
Thin Wall
The thin wall plastic cup is the iconic plastic cup that everyone is familiar with. These are the reliable plastic cups that can be seen in parties, offices, and homes. Some of them use different materials because of the diverse uses of thin wall plastic cups. Some thin wall plastic cups require a higher freezing rate while others need a more shock-absorbing approach. This kind of variance falls under what was discussed earlier as heavily researched
However, it’s important to take note that all single wall plastics should not come in contact with hot water. Thin wall plastics are very delicate to high temperatures and they can problems to its user and their chances of getting recycled.
Paper cups are the 2nd most popular form of the disposable cup. They are a bit more expensive than plastic cups however they are easier to recycle and have a stronger capacity in terms of temperature. Paper cups are also known to be non-toxic since they are made up of biodegradable materials. However, paper cups are known to be nonresistant to tearing, therefore, have a higher chance of getting wasted compared to their plastic counterparts.
Insulated Cups
As said earlier, paper cups have a higher temperature capacity compared to plastics but that doesn’t mean that is non-conductive. This means that normal paper cups are still dangerous to hold since the heat radiates on the outer layers of the cups. This also means that the convenience of normal paper cups is still tied to lukewarm or cold beverages.
This is why insulated cups are invented. These cups are designed to make sure that heat won’t radiate in the outer layers of the cups by creating an air pocket insulation. It uses 2 layers of paper sheets that let air pass through in the middle to create an insulated environment that's free from the heat inside the cup.
Poly-coated Paper Cups
Poly-coated paper cups are paper cups that use a polymer coating that increases the levels of safety in terms of usability. Polymer is a type of organic material that is known to be very strong or rigid. Organic items such as diamonds and gems are well-known polymers since they are made up of organic items that clump up to create a very hard item.
The polymer found in poly-coated paper cups usually comes from trees and is similar to wax. However, unlike real wax, the polymer used is safe to use and it does not have any toxic side effects if it comes in contact with water.
It’s also important to note that, unlike wax, polymer doesn’t sweat due to condensation, therefore, creating the longest-lasting effect on the cup.
Recycled Paper Cups
Recycled paper cups are made up of recycled materials such as paper, cardboard, and wood chunks. They are usually mixed to create a new kind of material however this material is a bit rougher and coarser compared to its original. It’s important to take note that this material exists because recycling reduces the original material and is sometimes hard to re-create, but adding different recycled materials together solves that problem,
Wax Coated Paper Cups
These paper cups are mostly seen used in movie theatres, fast food restaurants, and parks. These are the go-to big boy paper cups that usually hold sodas, shakes, and iced tea. They only hold cold drinks which is important because they won’t melt the waxy outer layer. It's also important to take note that wax is cheaper compared to polymer, making it the better choice for those who are price conscious or needs to buy in bulk,
Foam paper cups are probably the most versatile yet most expensive form of the disposable cup. They can easily handle hot and cold drinks however they are more susceptible to tearing compared to plastic but not as easy as paper cups.
Foam cups are made up of polystyrene, which is made up of gas byproducts. Going beyond its temperature limit can cause irreparable damages to a person’s body therefore it’s best to check the limit before getting these cups.
Convenience is a very important aspect of everyone’s life. It saves a person’s time, mental health, and stress levels. This is why disposable cups are more preferred by the busiest of people. Disposable cups are lightweight, can be carried around, and do not hurt the wallet if ever it gets lost. It’s also the choice of businesses since it’s cost-effective and is a less burden for their consumers.
Check out the Plastics 101 guide article to know more about plastics and to know more about ePackageSupply’s cups, head over to this page.