Sustainability is a crucial factor in reducing carbon footprint and promoting a sustainable future. In line with this priority, this report aims to provide a comparative analysis of the sustainability level ofPP/PC hard cups versus PET soft cups. The report evaluates the production process, carbon emissions, waste generation, and reusability of both types of cups to identify the one with the lower environmental impact.PP/PC Hard Cups vs. PET Soft Cups:PP/PC hard cups are typically made from virgin plastic, while PET soft cups can be made from recycled plastic. A study conducted by Kearney revealed that the production of soft cups generates 48%less greenhouse gas emissions, uses 41% less energy, and generates 46% less solid waste than hard cups [1]. Soft cups can also be produced using recycled materials, further reducing their environmental impact. In contrast, the production of hard cups requires four times more virgin plastic than soft cups, leading to a higher carbon footprint during production. Additionally, hard cups are typically produced in countries such as China, the Middle East, and theUnited States, resulting in longer and more complex supply chains that increase carbon emissions and transportation costs.Moreover, the production of hard cups often involves the use of colorants, which can make them difficult to recycle. In contrast, soft cups are typically made from plain white or clear plastic, which makes them easier to recycle. A study by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a UK-based organization that works to promote sustainability, found that recycling PET cups produces a lower carbon footprint than recycling PP/PC cups. The study also found that PET cups are more likely to be recycled thanPP/PC cups [2]. Another study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production found that PET cups can be recycled more efficiently than PP/PC cups. The study also concluded that PET cups can be produced using less energy and generate less waste than PP/PC cups [3].Regarding reusability, while hard cups are advertised as being reusable up to 20 times, in reality, achieving this number is challenging due to human behaviour, such as damaging the cups, and the logistics of off-site cleaning and transportation. In contrast, soft cups can be easily de-inked and recycled back into soft cups, creating a closed-loop recycling system that significantly reduces waste. A report by the EuropeanCommission's Joint Research Centre found that the use of reusable cups has a lower environmental impact than the use of disposable cups, but only if the cups are reused a sufficient number of times. The report found that a minimum of 20 uses is needed for reusable cups to have a lower environmental impact than disposable cups [4].Environmental Impact:The report further examines the environmental impact of cups on waste management systems. According to Zero Waste Europe, theEuropean Union generates approximately 25 million tons of plastic waste each year, with only 30% being recycled [4]. Hard cups contribute to this waste stream, as they are often discarded after a single use. In contrast, soft cups can be recycled and reused multiple times, reducing the amount of plastic waste generated.
Based on the data and studies presented in this report, PET soft cups have a lower environmental impact than PP/PC hard cups.Soft cups can be produced using recycled materials, require less energy, generate less waste, and create a closed-loop recycling system that significantly reduces waste. Additionally, the supply chain for soft cups is typically shorter, resulting in fewer carbon emissions and transportation costs. Therefore, the report recommends the use of PET soft cups in events and festivals to reduce their carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable future. Furthermore, to optimize the sustainability potential of soft cups, the report recommends the use of an effective closed-loop recycling system that is tracked transparently, optimizing logistics, and investing in personnel and resources. The use of 80-100% recycled content for soft cups can also reduce the need for virgin materials and decrease the environmental impact associated with the production of new materials.The report also suggests that education and awareness campaigns be conducted to promote the use of sustainable cups among event-goers. This can be achieved by partnering with event organizers and sponsors to promote sustainable practices and encourage the use of reusable cups. apply to, we have a team of designers and 3D print engineers ready to help you look at your designs and transform this into a 3D model, or if you already have one; help you optimize your design for the technique to print this as financially viable as possible.
