Types of Disposable Cups

Types of Plastic Cups

Plastic cups lend themselves to a wide range of applications. Whether you're looking for a dependable vessel for serving smoothies or a versatile cup to fit an extensive drink menu, these cups are an excellent addition to your workplace. Some of the most common types of disposable plastic cups are as follows:

Types of Paper Cups

Paper cups come in both hot and cold varieties. They are designed with insulation and durability in mind, providing you with a dependable option when it comes to serving your signature drinks. These alternatives to plastic cups can be used in several different settings, including coffee shops, concession stands, and even convenience stores. Continue reading to learn more about disposable paper cups and the benefits they offer.

Types of Foam Cups

Foam cups offer superior insulation, making it easy to keep beverages warm. They are often used to serve coffee, hot chocolate, and other hot beverages. They feature lightweight, stackable designs, allowing you to make the most of your workspace. To learn more about foam cups and the features they offer, continue reading below.

Eco-Friendly Terms

If you're shopping for eco-friendly disposables, several different factors can influence your decision. It's important to stay informed on what these terms mean and how they affect your cups. Below, we've outlined some of the most common eco-friendly terms associated with disposable cups:

• Biodegradable: A biodegradable product can be broken down naturally by microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, and absorbed back into the ecosystem. These products are composed primarily of naturally-occurring constituent parts and are often considered "green" or "eco-friendly" products.
• Compostable: Items are compostable when they can be placed into a composition of decaying biodegradable materials and eventually turn into a nutrient-rich material. Compostable products decompose and decay at the same rate as paper without releasing harmful toxins, making them a "green" option for your commercial business.
• Degradable: Degradable products are oil-based and cannot break down naturally. Rather, degradable products are broken down through chemical reactions in anaerobic environments. Their decomposition results in water, carbon dioxide, biomass, or trace elements.
• Post-Consumer Recycled Content: Post-consumer recycled content is material that has been used and discarded by the consumer, and then saved and turned into a completely new product. Once the initial product completes its life cycle as a consumer item, it is recycled and then made into another product, such as a paper or plastic cup.
• Recyclable: The term recyclable simply means that a product can be reused and made into something else, something new. To identify recyclable products, the universal recycling logo/symbol should be featured on the packaging. Seven resin identification codes can also be found on recyclable plastic packaging. These are codes that each refer to what type of plastic the packaging uses. The codes can then be referenced against the codes available for recycling by your local authority/council.

Disposable Cup Materials

In addition to the various eco-friendly features, manufacturers use several different materials and coatings to improve the performance of their disposable cups. Below, we'll investigate some of the most common materials used and what benefits they offer:

• PET: PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate. Part of the polyester family, it is used to make synthetic fibers as well as food and beverage containers. Products made with PET are lightweight and are proficient at blocking gases, solvents, and moisture. They are also strong and impact-resistant. Products made from PET can also be recycled.
• Poly-Coated: The term poly-coated is often used when referring to a material coated in polyethylene. Poly-coated materials are more stable, smooth, and moisture-resistant than non-coated materials. They can feature a single or double layer of polyethylene depending on the quality and durability desired.
• Wax-Coated: Featuring a leak-resistant wax coating, wax-coated products offer added strength and sturdiness, similar to those that are poly-coated. These products are often sprayed on all sides with wax and work especially well in cold applications.