As both businesses and consumers seek to reduce their environmental impact, sustainable cup holder materials are becoming increasingly important. Either biodegradable, compostable, recyclable or made from renewable resources, these materials are designed to be environmentally friendly. Here are some of the sustainable options available for cup holders:
Recycled paperboard
Recycled paperboard is made from post-consumer waste paper, such as old cardboard, newspapers or office paper. It is a common material used to make cup holders, especially in coffee shops.
- Once used, recycled cartonboard can be collected and reused, helping to reduce waste.
- Unless coated with a plastic liner, recycled paperboard is biodegradable and can break down naturally in landfill.
- Paper products are made from trees which, if sourced responsibly, can be replenished through sustainable forestry practices.
There are a few limitations – cardboard can sometimes be coated with plastic to make it more durable and resistant to moisture, which can make it more difficult to biodegrade and recycle.
Moulded Pulp
Moulded pulp is a material made from recycled paper, often combined with water, that is moulded into shapes. It is a common material used to make cup holders, especially for holding multiple cups at the same time. You can order this type of cup holder from https://univest-pack.com/.
- Moulded pulp can be made from 100% recycled paper or plant fibres, helping to divert waste from landfill.
- If the pulp is free of plastic coatings or other harmful chemicals, it can be composted and returned to the soil.
- Moulded pulp is both lightweight and relatively inexpensive to produce, making it an affordable option for businesses.
The material may need to be treated to prevent it from absorbing moisture. This can sometimes involve the use of additional coatings or chemicals, which can affect its environmental performance.
Corn Starch
PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable plant sources such as corn starch or sugar cane. PLA is a popular option for cup holders and other food packaging due to its environmentally friendly properties.
- PLA is made from plants, often corn or sugar cane, which are renewable resources that can be replenished each year.
- PLA can be broken down in industrial composting facilities, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
- Unlike some traditional plastics, PLA is non-toxic and doesn’t release harmful chemicals when it degrades.
Existing limitations are that PLA requires special conditions to degrade effectively and may not degrade under standard landfill conditions. It can also be more expensive to produce than petroleum-based plastics.
Recycled plastics
Recycled plastics, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), are produced by reprocessing post-consumer plastic bottles or containers. It is increasingly used to make sustainable cup holders.
- Recycled PET can be reprocessed after use, helping to reduce waste and prevent the production of new plastics.
- PET is strong and flexible, making it an ideal material for cup holders that need to withstand wear and tear.
- By using post-consumer plastic, recycled PET helps divert plastic waste from landfills and reduces the demand for virgin plastic.
There are some limitations – although PET can be recycled, recycling rates for plastic can be relatively low and it can still contribute to plastic pollution if not disposed of or recycled properly.