Recycling Plastic Cups: The Cost Of Environmental Responsibility

Plastic cups are made from PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), which is the world's most recycled plastic. However, it is not biodegradable and should not be composted. The cost of recycling plastic cups varies depending on the method used and the location. Some companies offer recyclable plastic cups made from 100% post-consumer waste, such as water bottles, which are collected, sorted, cleaned, and re-ground before being used in manufacturing again. Other companies are working on innovations in plastic recycling to create more opportunities for recycling plastic cups.

The average cost of a blank plastic cup is $0.15 USD each

Recycling plastic cups can be an expensive process. The cups need to be collected, sorted, cleaned and re-ground before they can be used in manufacturing again. This process requires a lot of time and resources, which can drive up the cost.

One company that offers recyclable plastic cups is Glassjacks. Their cups are made from 100% r-PET, which is the world's most recycled plastic. The material they use is collected, sorted, cleaned and re-ground before being used in manufacturing again. This ensures that the material has a second use and is diverted from landfill.

Another company that offers recyclable plastic cups is Green Paper Products. Their cups are made from a blend of pre and post-consumer waste, as well as new material. However, it is important to note that PET plastic is not biodegradable and should not be disposed of in compost or other environments.

Overall, the cost of recycling plastic cups can vary depending on the company and the process they use. However, it is clear that the cost of a blank plastic cup is relatively low in comparison.

The cost of printing varies with quantity

When it comes to recycling plastic cups, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the type of plastic used is important. PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) is the world's most commonly recycled plastic and can be remanufactured into a wide range of goods. However, it is important to note that PET plastic is not biodegradable and should not be disposed of in compost or other environments.

Some companies, such as Glassjacks, offer environmentally friendly plastic cups made from 100% r-PET, which is sourced from post-consumer waste like water bottles and cups from events and festivals. This material is carefully collected, sorted, cleaned, and re-ground before being used in manufacturing again, ensuring it has a second use and is diverted from landfills.

Additionally, innovations in plastic recycling technology have opened up new opportunities for recycling plastic cups. For example, Rumpke is working with partners to develop solutions for expanded recycling opportunities, and new technology at recycling facilities is helping to sort plastic cups from the waste stream more effectively.

Clear labels can be applied to plastic cups

The cost of recycling plastic cups depends on the type of plastic used and the recycling process. Some companies, such as Glassjacks, offer 100% recyclable plastic cups made from PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), which is the world's most recycled plastic. These cups are made from a blend of pre and post-consumer waste, as well as new material. The cost of these cups is not specified, but they are marketed as low-cost.

Another option for recycling plastic cups is to use clear labels that can be applied to the cups. This option is suitable for custom-printed plastic cups, where the cost of printing can vary depending on the quantity and number of print colours. Clear labels can be ordered separately and applied to the cups, potentially reducing the cost compared to custom printing. The average cost of a blank plastic cup is approximately $0.15 USD each, and the setup cost for custom printing can range from $25 to $60 per print colour and size.

It is important to note that while PET plastic is recyclable, it is not biodegradable. This means that it should not be disposed of in compost or other environments where it cannot be properly recycled. Efforts are being made to improve plastic recycling, such as innovations in technology and partnerships with end users, to ensure that plastic cups can be effectively recycled and diverted from landfills.

Plastic cups are made from PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)

PET cups are particularly popular in the beverage industry due to their on-the-go convenience. Plastic cups with lids made from PET are perfect for fast-paced environments like cafes or juice bars, as customers can easily take their drinks and go without worrying about spills. They are also cost-effective, as they are inexpensive to produce and easy to transport. Their lightweight nature reduces shipping costs, making them an affordable choice for businesses that need to keep packaging costs low.

PET cups are made through a process named thermoforming. In thermoforming, a sheet of heated PET plastic is stretched over a mould and then cooled to form the desired shape. The manufacturing process of poly containers begins with the design of the mould, which determines the utensils' diameter, height, and thickness. Once the mould is designed, a continuous roll of polyester material is fed into a feeder and heated to the appropriate temperature. The heated compound then enters the centre of the male and female moulds, where the stretchability of the plastic material allows it to be formed into the desired shape.

The average cost of a blank plastic cup is approximately $0.15 USD each. The cost of printing can vary depending on the quantity and the number of print colours. For custom-printed plastic cups, there is often a setup cost of around $25-$60 per print colour, per size. Another option is to order clear labels that can be applied to the plastic cups.

Paper mills have pledged to accept paper cups

One company that is leading the way in plastic cup recycling is Glassjacks. Their 100% r-PET cold cups are made from food-safe, 100% post-consumer waste, such as water bottles and cups from events and festivals. The material is collected, sorted, cleaned, and re-ground before being used in manufacturing again. This ensures that valuable material has a second use and is diverted from landfill.

Another company, Green Paper Products, also offers recyclable cups made from PET. Their cups are a blend of pre and post-consumer waste, as well as new material. It is important to note that PET plastic is not biodegradable and should not be disposed of in compost or other environments.

Overall, the pledge by paper mills to accept paper cups is a positive step towards reducing waste and increasing the recycling of plastic cups. With innovations in plastic recycling and new technology at recycling facilities, we can hope to see more secure, long-term partnerships for additional types of plastic in the future.

Frequently asked questions