Compared to plastic cups, paper cups are considered a more environmentally friendly option. However, whether they are truly biodegradable and compostable depends on several factors. At XiangGe, we custom design and manufacture various paper cups, and in this article, we will analyze these key factors in detail to help you choose the best paper cups.
Last updated: January 2026 | Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
This article will guide you
- Why are paper cups not environmentally friendly?
- Which type of cardboard is more environmentally friendly?
- Guide to buying paper cups
- Why choose XiangGe custom paper cups?
Why are paper cups not eco friendly?
Most paper cups are not environmentally friendly because the cardboard is a composite material, difficult to recycle, and disposable, requiring specialized equipment for decomposition. Here are the specific reasons:
Paper cup with plastic lining
Most paper cups have a plastic (polyethylene) lining, which is used for waterproofing and oil resistance. However, this lining degrades slowly, taking decades to decompose naturally, or may not decompose at all. When you fill the cup with hot beverages at 100°C, it can easily release microplastic particles and small molecular compounds. These can enter the drinks and food, potentially posing health risks to your users.
The recycling rate is less than 5%
Although paper cups are made of cardboard, they contain a plastic lining, which differentiates them from ordinary paper and newspapers.
Furthermore, residual beverages and coffee grounds in the cups cause secondary pollution. In recycling systems, they are usually considered “contaminated paper” or “non-recyclable,” and used paper cups ultimately end up in landfills instead of recycling centers. According to incomplete statistics, the recycling rate of paper cups is less than 5%.
Special equipment is needed for degradation and composting
PE-coated paper cups require industrial composting conditions (paper-plastic separation machines, special pulping lines) for degradation. They require processes such as hydraulic pulping, stirring, and screening to break down the paper fibers into pulp and separate the PE film, with the fibers then entering the recycled paper process. The entire process requires specific temperature, humidity, and oxygen conditions for decomposition.
Therefore, due to the limited conditions of home composting, these paper cups are considered general waste, not ordinary biodegradable waste.
Which type of paper cup is more eco friendly?
The following 3 types of paper cups are environmentally friendly, and we frequently produce them for our customers.
FSC certified paper cups
FSC-certified paper cups or recycled paper cups are a good choice, as they reduce wood consumption, minimize landfill waste, and have a low carbon footprint throughout the entire process. However, you should avoid paper cups that have undergone additional bleaching treatments.
PLA-lined paper cups
PLA is an environmentally friendly, bio-based material made from plant-based raw materials such as corn starch. It complies with composting standards such as EN13432 and ultimately decomposes into carbon dioxide and water. Therefore, many brands are now choosing PLA paper cups to replace PE paper cups.
Paper cups without inner lining
Unlined paper cups are more environmentally friendly than paper cups lined with PE or PLA, as they eliminate the difficulties in recycling and the risk of microplastic pollution associated with plastic linings. Made from 100% paper pulp, these cups are easily recyclable, degrade faster, and do not require complex degradation equipment.
However, their drawbacks are also obvious: they cannot directly hold hot beverages or greasy liquids, as this will soften the paper cup, causing it to deform or leak.
Guide to buying paper cups
When purchasing paper cups, it’s recommended to consider environmental protection and safety, avoiding the health and environmental risks associated with low-quality, inexpensive paper cups.
Choose environmentally friendly coatings: Paper cups with PLA lining or other plant-based coatings are superior to PE-coated paper cups.
Check the paper cup labels: Look for products labeled “Certified Compostable” or “Biodegradable” to ensure they meet environmental standards.
You can also consider stainless steel or glass cups, which can be reused repeatedly and are more environmentally friendly than disposable paper cups.
After a restaurant brand in Shenzhen switched to PLA paper cups, they were able to maintain product quality while reducing their environmental impact and raising consumers’ environmental awareness, resulting in an overall 15% increase in sales.
To learn more about environmentally friendly paper cups, please refer to why are paper cups better than plastic?
Why choose XiangGe custom paper cups?
XiangGe Package is committed to providing customers with high-quality custom paper cups. Our paper cups are made from environmentally friendly materials: PLA lining, complying with the latest environmental standards. Whether you are in the coffee, restaurant, events, or brand promotion industry, our custom paper cups with logos offer reliable quality and excellent environmental performance, helping to elevate your brand.
FAQs
Q1: How thick is the plastic lining of the cardboard?
The inner lining of paper cups is very thin, generally between 10 and 30 micrometers (μm). The lining of hot drink paper cups is typically 15-25 μm thick, while that of cold drink paper cups is 10-15 μm. PLA paper cups have a thicker lining, ranging from 20-30 μm.
Q2: Are environmentally friendly cups expensive?
Environmentally friendly PLA paper cups are 10-50% more expensive than PE paper cups, mainly due to the corn-based lining and FSC certification factors.
Conclusion
When choosing paper cups, we recommend prioritizing PLA-lined and certified compostable paper cups. If you choose cheaper PE-lined paper cups, their environmental benefits will be significantly reduced.
You can consider your brand, national environmental policies, budget, and other factors to ultimately find the paper cups that are right for you.
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