Maya Ellison
In 2020, Dunkin' completed its transition from foam to paper cups. However, these paper cups are lined with a thin, wax-like plastic film. While Dunkin' Donuts offers reusable cups made from materials like ceramic, glass, and metal, which are BPA-free and lead-free, concerns have been raised about the safety of plastics used in food packaging, including the potential presence of Bisphenol A (BPA) or similar compounds, which may pose health risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transitioned from foam to paper cups | Yes |
| Biodegradable | Yes |
| Recyclable | No |
| Reusable cups available | Yes |
| Reusable cups material | Ceramic, Glass, Metal |
| Reusable cups characteristics | BPA Free, Lead Free, Break Resistant, Double Wall, Freezer Safe, Lightweight, Microwave Safe, Non-Slip, Spill Proof, Vacuum Insulated |
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What You'll Learn
Dunkin's transition from foam to paper cups
On May 11, 2020, Dunkin' announced that it had completed its transition from polystyrene foam cups to double-walled paper cups in 100% of its restaurants worldwide. The new cups, made with paperboard certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Standard, are used to serve all hot beverages, including coffee, tea, espresso drinks, and hot chocolate. This transition is part of Dunkin's sustainability initiatives to serve people and the planet responsibly.
The new paper cups maintain heat retention properties comparable to the prior foam cups, keeping beverages hot while keeping hands cool, without the need for a sleeve. They are also more environmentally friendly, with the company estimating that the switch will remove about one billion foam cups, or 19 million pounds of polystyrene, from the waste stream annually.
While some customers have applauded Dunkin's transition to paper cups, others have expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the new cups. Some have pointed out that, while biodegradable, the cups are not recyclable due to a thin, wax-like plastic film inside. Others have suggested that the best way to reduce waste is to bring one's own reusable cup or make coffee at home.
In addition to transitioning to paper cups, Dunkin' is also working to reduce its environmental impact in other ways. The company is on track to fully transition to recyclable hot coffee cup lids in its US restaurants by the end of summer 2020. It is also committing to doubling its number of DD Green Achievement™ restaurants within five years, with the goal of opening its 1,000th DD Green Achievement™ restaurant by the end of 2025. These restaurants are designed to be more sustainable and energy-efficient.
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Plastic cups' impact on health
Plastic cups, especially disposable ones, have a significant impact on both the environment and human health. The production of plastic cups requires a lot of energy and natural resources, contributing to global warming and pollution. With less than 1% of cups produced being recycled, most end up in landfills, are incinerated, or pollute the natural environment. The pollution from manufacturing also affects air quality, and microplastics can enter the food chain, ultimately ending up in our diets.
There are growing concerns about the health implications of using plastic cups, especially for hot liquids. Studies have shown that microplastics are released from disposable cups under normal use conditions, and it is estimated that humans ingest 37,613–89,294 microplastics through plastic cup use per year. These microplastics can impact the human gut and oral microbiota composition, with potential risks to food safety and human health.
Additionally, plastic chemicals used in the production of cups may be ingested along with your drink. All plastics used in food packaging leach estrogen-mimicking compounds, which can reduce fertility and increase ovarian cancer risk in exposed mammals for multiple generations. While many companies advertise their products as BPA-free, they often use other forms of Bisphenol or similar compounds, which may be even more dangerous.
To reduce the impact on the environment and human health, it is recommended to bring your own mug when buying takeaway coffee or to take the time to sit down and drink from a reusable cup. Some vendors, such as Starbucks, offer discounts for customers who bring their own cups. While paper cups are sometimes seen as a more environmentally friendly alternative, they also contain toxic chemicals and contribute to waste, especially when not properly recycled.
Dunkin Donuts, for example, has transitioned from foam to paper cups, which are biodegradable but not recyclable. Their reusable cups are advertised as BPA and lead-free, made from materials like glass, metal, ceramic, and plastic.
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Biodegradability of Dunkin cups
In recent years, Dunkin has made efforts to transition from foam cups to more sustainable alternatives. In 2014, the company began testing a new polypropylene coffee cup, manufactured by Berry Plastics Group Inc., which was touted as being recyclable and better for the planet. This move was significant as Dunkin is America's largest retailer of coffee by the cup, serving about 1 billion cups of hot coffee annually in the United States. The company's commitment to sustainability was emphasized by its leadership, who expressed their desire to be leaders in cup technology and reduce their environmental impact.
While the polypropylene cup was praised for its recyclability, some concerns remained about the time it takes for these plastics to biodegrade. Polypropylene plastics require an organic additive to break down or biodegrade, and the process can still take up to 20 to 30 years. This slow degradation contributes to the growing problem of single-use plastic waste, which has harmful physical and chemical effects on the environment. Plastics do not naturally biodegrade but break down into microplastics, contaminating our food chain and ecosystems.
In response to these concerns, Dunkin has also explored other options, such as testing a double-walled paper cup in several locations. Paper cups are biodegradable, although they may not be recyclable due to the thin wax-like plastic film inside. This transition to paper cups was completed in 2020, marking a shift away from non-biodegradable foam cups. However, some customers have expressed mixed reactions to the change, with some preferring the iconic foam cups and others welcoming the environmental initiative.
To promote sustainability and reduce waste, Dunkin could encourage the use of reusable cups. Some customers have already taken the initiative to bring their own stainless steel thermoses or ceramic cups, reducing the demand for single-use cups. Additionally, Dunkin could focus on educating its customers and employees about the environmental impact of litter and single-use plastics, fostering a culture of litter awareness and responsible waste management. By providing information and incentives, Dunkin can empower its customers to make more sustainable choices, such as opting for reusable cups or recycling their single-use cups properly.
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Reusable Dunkin cups
In 2020, Dunkin' completed its transition from foam to paper cups. While this was a step towards sustainability, these paper cups are biodegradable but not recyclable due to a thin, wax-like plastic film lining on the inside.
To further reduce waste, you can opt for a reusable Dunkin' cup. These cups are made from materials like ceramic, glass, stainless steel, or plastic, and are available for purchase on Amazon and eBay. They come in various colours and designs, including white, multicolour, orange, pink, blue, red, black, green, brown, and silver. Some cups are also marked for special occasions, such as birthdays, Christmas, Father's Day, Graduation, Halloween, Mother's Day, and Valentine's Day.
Reusable Dunkin' cups offer both convenience and environmental benefits. By bringing your own cup, you can avoid the inconvenience of leaky paper cups and enjoy your beverage in a durable and stylish container. Moreover, you can reduce your contribution to the waste produced by single-use cups, which can have a significant environmental impact.
It is worth noting that while some reusable plastic cups may be marketed as BPA-free, this does not necessarily make them safer. Manufacturers often use other forms of Bisphenol or similar compounds to soften the plastic, which may pose similar health risks. Therefore, when choosing a reusable cup, consider materials like ceramic, glass, or stainless steel, which do not have the same concerns as plastic.
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Dunkin cups on Amazon
Amazon offers a variety of Dunkin cups, including reusable and disposable options. The reusable Dunkin cups are made from materials like ceramic, glass, and metal, and they are advertised as being BPA and lead-free. These cups come in different finishes, such as brushed, glossy, and matte, and have features like handles, lids, and spill-proof designs. They are also microwave and dishwasher-safe.
In addition to the standard cups, Amazon also offers novelty Dunkin tumblers, which are insulated and can be used for hot or cold beverages. These tumblers are eligible for free shipping and have received positive reviews, with 4 stars or more.
Disposable Dunkin cups are also available on Amazon, although it is unclear if these are BPA-free. These cups are typically made of paper and are biodegradable, but not recyclable due to a thin, wax-like plastic film lining.
While Amazon provides a range of Dunkin cup options, it is worth noting that some listings indicate limited stock, so prompt ordering may be necessary to secure the desired product.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dunkin Donuts plastic cups are BPA-free.
BPA stands for Bisphenol A, a compound used to soften plastics.
Yes, Dunkin Donuts also offers ceramic, glass, and metal cups.
Yes, Dunkin Donuts offers reusable cups, which are also BPA-free.
No, the foam cups previously used by Dunkin Donuts are not recyclable, but the company has transitioned to paper cups, which are biodegradable.
