Solutions to YOUR Packaging Needs - Flipbook - Page 13
What are traditional disposable takeaway cups made from?
The Coffee Cup
How are traditional Coffee Cups Made?
The majority of coffee cups are made from high wet strength papers which are lined
with polyethylene (PE) on the inside to waterproof the cup and allow the container to
hold a hot beverage. Without this polyethylene layer on the paper, the cup would not
have enough moisture resistance and the paper would simply disintegrate after a
very short period of time and cause the cup to leak.
Can traditional Coffee Cups be Recycled?
Coffee cups are technically recyclable, however due to the way in which they are
manufactured this remains very challenging and only a small number of paper mills
have the technical capability to recycle them.
Unless there is capacity at these mills and it makes economic sense to divert coffee
cups to them, then it may not be feasible to send them for recycling. Although many
Coffee Chains are encouraging consumers to use reusable cups where possible and
are working with industry partners to find more recyclable solutions, at present
recovering the energy from these cups is by sending to Waste to Energy facilities in
Ireland. This is most feasible alternative to recycling or landfill.
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