Are all paper cups biodegradable?

Are all paper cups biodegradable? You would think so, right? After all, they’re made out of paper. But is that really the case? In this blog post, we will explore the facts behind paper cups and whether or not they are actually biodegradable. We will also discuss some of the potential problems with composting the 100% compostable cup paper and how you can avoid them. 

What are Paper Cups made of?

Most paper cups are made of pulp and paper products. Pulp is a by-product of the paper making process, which is why most paper cups are not biodegradable. Paper cups are made from trees that were cut down and then processed into pulp. The processing of these trees creates emissions such as methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

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Are Paper Cups biodegradable?

A recent study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that Eco-friendly paper cups are not biodegradable. The study set out to test whether or not a number of different materials - including paper cups - degrade under anaerobic conditions, which is the condition present in the environment where bacteria thrives. The researchers found that while some materials degraded, cups did not. This suggests that even if cups were to reach anaerobic conditions, they would not break down.

What happens to a paper cup after it's been used?

When a biodegradable paper cup is used, the paper and plastic are broken down into smaller pieces. The small parts of the cup can be biodegraded by bacteria in soil or water. This process can take many months or even years.

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