WHAT CHALLENGES DO PAPER CUPS HAVE FROM A SUSTAINABILITY PERSPECTIVE? The carbon footprint of a paper mug decreases by 50% if the material in the paper mug is recycled. The paper is recycled into pulp that can be used to make new paper products. The coating is incinerated and becomes energy. When paper cups come to recycling centres in Sweden, the coating is separated from the cup. There are many who believe that it is not possible to separate the coating (the plastic) from the paper, but this is not true. Yes, it is possible to recycle paper cups. If the paper cup is recycled after use and if the coating is made of plant-based plastic, the figure increases to 32-36 times. The study shows that a multiple-use mug must be used at least 20 times to get less climate impact compared to paper cups. If at least 80% of the material in the paper cup is recycled after use, it will always be the most environmentally friendly alternative according to VTT. The washing constitutes 90% of the total climate impact of the porcelain cup. What constitutes the greatest environmental impact for the porcelain cup is the washing. The study also shows that a porcelain cup must be used at least 350 times to give a smaller carbon footprint than the paper cup. Other advantages of the paper cup compared to porcelain cups are one that provides better food safety and hygiene. The carbon footprint of the paper cup is further reduced if the cup is recycled after use. Paper cups are usually the option that has the lowest carbon footprint.
![retro paper cup design clothing retro paper cup design clothing](https://thegraphicsfairy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Vintage-Romantic-French-Couple-GraphicsFairy-788x1024.jpg)
![retro paper cup design clothing retro paper cup design clothing](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/5325c697-44d7-49c0-b686-ca952f4c32a7.f05ec7a84ac1cc4d5d385aa4bec60f58.jpeg)
In a life cycle analysis conducted by the VTT Technological Research Institute, paper cups are one of the most environmentally friendly alternatives when consuming coffee.