Disposable paper cups have become a daily essential in homes, restaurants, offices, and various other places due to their convenience.
Many people believe paper cups are more environmentally friendly than plastic cups, which are not easily degradable. Nevertheless, the actual situation is more intricate than it may seem.
1. Biotoxicity
Currently, disposable paper cups on the market fall into three categories: white cardboard cups, waxed paper cups, and paper-plastic cups. White cardboard cups are suitable for dry items but cannot hold liquids.
Waxed paper cups are waterproof due to wax coating, but the wax can melt at temperatures exceeding 40°C and may contain carcinogenic PAHs.
The commonly used paper-plastic cups consist of an outer paper layer and an inner laminated layer. If subpar materials or processing methods are employed, harmful substances may be produced.
Disposable plastic cups often contain plasticizers with numerous harmful substances. When filled with hot water, these substances can leach into the liquid.
The porous structure of plastic cups can trap dirt, making them difficult to clean and leading to bacterial growth.
2. Raw Materials
The raw materials used in the production of disposable paper cups are typically sourced from wood pulp. However, obtaining the pulping process involves constructing roads and cutting down trees, both of which negatively impact the environment.
While oil extraction can affect local environments and ecosystems, it generally has a smaller footprint than the extensive deforestation required for wood pulp production.
Thus, when considering the environmental impact of raw materials, disposable paper cups can have a broader negative effect than their plastic counterparts.
3. Degradation and Recycling
While disposable paper cups are made from cellulose and can theoretically be recycled, the use of water-insoluble resins and solvent-based adhesives for cup assembly makes recycling technically non-feasible.
The bonding resins cannot be removed in the repulping process. Furthermore, cups wrapped in plastic film or paraffin wax hinder fiber recycling.
Cellulose degradation requires specific temperature and humidity conditions, which means paper cups in landfills may not biodegrade fully, especially in arid regions.
In conclusion, the environmental impact of disposable paper cups is more intricate than commonly believed. They are not necessarily more environmentally friendly than disposable plastic cups, as their production consumes substantial energy and resources and poses potential health hazards.
As technology continues to advance, bioplastic cups may gradually replace paper and plastic cups.
To promote health and resource sustainability, we should minimize the use of disposable cups and opt for glass or ceramic alternatives, which do not contain organic chemicals, are easy to clean, and discourage bacterial growth.
