Why Paper Cups Are Better For The Environment?

By Author: Pinal Patel
Total Articles: 5
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The recent ban on non-biodegradable plastic by the Government of India has led to a massive surge in the demand for disposable paper glass and cups. However, the beverage market in the country is still influenced by the plastic cups, which accounts for almost 80 % market share, whereas the paper cups only for the rest of 20 %.

This 20 % accounts for nearly one crore paper cups being used every day, which is making the paper cup manufacturers bullish about the future.

Environmental Issues

With an increasing level of awareness among the public about the environment, it is expected that in the near future, 100 % of the usage will be of paper cups. With e-commerce getting quite popular nowadays, anyone can buy paper cups online in India. Compared to plastic, paper cups are decomposable and biodegradable that adds to its benefits. The recyclability of paper gives it an advantage vis a vis the plastic. However, there are counter-arguments ...
... that carbon footprint and greenhouse emission is less in the lifespan of plastic than that of a paper. Another issue is that the paper cups industry, compared to other sectors, is not capital intensive but more of a resource-intensive production. Paper manufacturing cups require a massive amount of water and plenty of trees.

Market potential

Currently, paper cups are being used in all sorts of ready-to-eat products and beverages. Paper cups of sizes ranging from 50 ml to 550 ml is readily available in the market and is much popular in parties. Paper made of Food grade quality is used for the manufacturing of paper cups, and thus it is considered to be a viable substitute to plastics. In the beverage sector, paper cups have taken a significant share in products like tea, coffee, cold drink. Now Railways, hotels, and airlines have started serving beverages to their customers in easy to use disposable paper coffee cups with lids. Even private parties, in addition to domestic applications in households, use them replacing glass items. It is also cheaper, and does not run the risk of breakage and nonetheless it requires less labour and water consumption as required for washing ceramic and glass cups. In festive seasons, the demand doubles, thus the future of paper cups looks promising.

So next time, if you are shopping for cups, buy disposable coffee cups instead of ceramic glassware and save on costs and other associated hassles.