When most of us grab a cup of our favorite drinks, we don’t think too hard about what happens after the last drop is gone. We chuck our cups in a nearby trashcan and move on with our day. However, when it comes to biodegradable cups, they have their own life story and it’s more interesting than you might think. Throughout this blog, we'll be analyzing biodegradable cups, their lifecycle, and why it's important. 

Stage One: Cup Creation

Every biodegradable cup begins its journey as raw material. Instead of using petroleum-based plastics like most other disposable cups, biodegradable cups are often sourced from renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugarcane fiber, or paper lined with plant-based plastic. Biodegradable cups are composed of various plants rather than oils, making them a more sustainable option for those interesting in the composting process.

Factories take natural stalks and fibers, grind them up, process them, and mold them into the cups we use throughout our daily routine. At this stage in their life, the cups are brand new and ready to be packaged. This is only the beginning of a long journey!

Stage Two: Usage

Out of all the stages within the cup’s lifecycle, this is by far the shortest. During this stage of the life, cups are in their "prime". The biodegradable cups are being used as intended, they're filled up with a delicious beverage and held by the consumers, potentially even posted on social media depending on how stunning the drink can look.

biodegradable cups are capable of performing just as well as other disposable cups. However, the eco-friendly properties give an extra bit of special functionality! Environmentally conscious consumers are able to enjoy the luxury of disposable cups while simultaneously gaining the peace of mind, knowing their supporting sustainable products. 

Stage Three: The Aftermath

Stage number three can be viewed as the most critical point in this products lifecycle. Within this stage, it’s possible for biodegradable materials to take a few different paths. Each option has a different outcome and procedure that makes them stand out amongst the rest. Deciding whether a cup is composted, sent to a landfill, or recycled is a massive step that is important for the entire decomposition process to function properly.

·       Compost Bin: In the dream scenario, biodegradable cups make their way to a commercial composting facility where they are broken down in a matter of weeks or months, being turned into soil ‘enriching compost. This is by far the best solution; the materials are sent back to the earth and green initiatives have the ability to flourish.

·       Landfill: If the cups are placed in landfills, the lack of oxygen and microbial activity makes it difficult for the cups to decompose. While they are still capable of decomposing, however, the process may take significantly longer and reduces the effectiveness of the sustainable efforts when used this way. 

·       Recycling Bin: Unfortunately, compostable cups are not recyclable. Recycling these cups would slow down the sorting process and may potentially run the risk of making the cups non-compostable. All in all, it's not a good idea to recycle your compostable cups, so make sure to check products for the recycling logo to ensure you're on the right environmental path.

Stage Four: The Return to Nature

In the best-case scenario, these cups go through the composting process. Microbes and heat, break down the materials into natural waste. This compost can be used to grow plants with the nutrient-rich compost, which may eventually become more cups.

Biodegradable cups are designed with nature in mind. After their lifecycle, they return back to nature, where they came from. Biodegradable cups, along with other eco-friendly products are a step in the right direction to making our earth a cleaner and healthier planet!

The Bigger Picture

Biodegradable cups aren’t perfect, but they’re part of a movement that is working towards smarter consumption. Through the use of eco-friendly products, we’re able to reduce our carbon footprint and build a more sustainable future.

Next time you sip from a sustainable cup, try to imagine the cup’s lifecycle and environmental impact. Many great things come from the smallest sips.