In recent years, there have been several innovations in the field of recyclable coffee cups. Many companies are bringing new products to the market that are designed to be more environmentally friendly and reduce waste. One such company is Marks and Spencer, who recently announced the launch of its own recyclable coffee cup in April.
Recyclable coffee cups have several advantages, according to their manufacturers. They are made from sustainable materials, which means they can be recycled and reused, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill. This is a step forward in reducing pollution and waste.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to the new recyclable coffee cups. One concern is that they may not be as durable as traditional coffee cups, which could lead to them breaking or leaking more easily. Additionally, there may be some challenges in terms of recycling infrastructure, as not all recycling facilities are equipped to handle these new materials.
The main issue with recyclable coffee cups is the barrier that is used to keep them watertight. This barrier is often made from plastic or other materials that can act as a contaminant, making it difficult to recycle the cups. Additionally, any leftover drink, especially milk, can also contaminate the cups and create issues for recycling.
To address these concerns, some companies are working to develop new materials and technologies that can reduce the impact of these contaminants. For example, some companies are experimenting with biodegradable barriers that can break down naturally, reducing the environmental impact of the cups.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly: Some recyclable coffee cups are made from sustainable materials, which means they can be recycled and reused, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The production of recyclable coffee cups often has a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional plastic-based cups.
- Supports circular economy: Recyclable coffee cups support the transition to a circular economy, where materials are reused and waste is minimised.
Cons:
- Durability: Recyclable coffee cups may not be as durable as traditional plastic-based cups, which could lead to them breaking or leaking more easily.
- Recycling infrastructure: Not all recycling facilities are equipped to handle the new materials used in recyclable coffee cups, which could limit their recyclability.
- Contamination: Where plastic-based barriers are used, these can contaminate the recycling stream, as can any left over drink residue. Ideally, these cups should be kept separate from other paper and cardboard sources.
- Cost: Recyclable coffee cups may be more expensive to produce than traditional plastic-based cups, which could result in higher costs for consumers.
- Watertight barrier: Often made of plastic or other materials that make it difficult to recycle.
