Have you ever stopped to think about what the disposable cups you use in your everyday life are made of? It is still very common to use plastic items at parties and events or in the office.

However, from an environmental standpoint, this might not be the best choice—especially when it comes to single-use cups. And there are a few reasons why. One is the fact that the raw material used to produce plastic is non-renewable and depends on oil extraction, which, in addition to significantly impacting the environment, is finite. In other words, this is a resource that, one day, will no longer be available.

Additionally, although they are recyclable, most plastic materials end up not being recycled. According to the United Nations (UN), less than 10% of the 7 billion tonnes of the plastic waste generated globally so far has been recycled. The remaining 90% has ended up in landfills, incinerators or the environment, especially in rivers and oceans, threatening marine animals, for example, which can die by mistakenly feeding on plastic. UN data also warns that by 2040, the volume of plastic waste discarded in the ocean could reach 37 million tonnes a year.

Products that are made from renewable raw materials and that, in addition to being recyclable, are also biodegradable and compostable, are great alternatives to replace plastic items. Examples include paper cups—especially those made with biodegradable resin.

Reasons to use paper cups

“Paper cups can be biodegradable and recyclable, and are made from renewable materials,” says Dayana Louzada, product and communication manager for Suzano's Paper and Packaging unit. This means that, when not recycled, paper cups can decompose naturally in certain environments. “A paper cup made with bio-based resin, a plastic-free component, takes on average one to two years to biodegrade in water, compared to the 400, 500 or even 600 years that it takes for plastic to decompose, depending on the type,” explains Dayana.

But wait: this does not mean that paper cups should be discarded carelessly. Just like any other product, they should be disposed of responsibly and in a way that produces the lowest possible impact on the environment.

Conscious consumption

Paper cups are an excellent option for large events, which usually have a significant environmental impact. They are a hygienic alternative that, if properly disposed of, will not accumulate in the environment and will degrade much more quickly than plastic cups.

“As consumers, we must think about cost-benefit—and while the first thing that comes to mind is price, we should also be thinking in terms of value,” says Dayana. “Every time we decide to use a product from a non-renewable source, we are making a choice that will impact our oceans, our sea.”

How to choose a more sustainable paper cup

Not all paper cups are the same. To make sure that a product has been responsible made, we must pay attention to a few details.

Look for certified products

The FSC® (C010014) and PEFC (PEFC/28-32-63) forest certifications verify responsible forest management, ensuring compliance with environmental, economic and social standards in forestry activities. These certifications also cover the supply chain and timber traceability, ensuring best practices and responsible sourcing, not only from an environmental perspective, but also from a social standpoint. These labels are printed on some paper cups and packaging.

Pay attention to the environmental practices of companies

If you want to learn more about what you consume, you can look for information about the company that makes the paper cup you used at an event or in a restaurant. Find out whether that company has good sustainability practices, such as publishing sustainability reports, being transparent regarding its standards and setting public commitments regarding the environment and social development.

Want to learn about sustainably made paper cups and packaging that are alternatives to replace fossil-based items? Visit our Paper and Packaging page.