As an alternative, disposable plastic cups have been replaced with glass cups instead of recycled cups (repo cups) in order to protect our environment. But is it advisable to do so? To ensure that the answer is not out of the blue, one of the largest Hungarian repohar companies (Cup Revolution) has conducted a comparative life cycle analysis based on a carbon footprint.
In the 68-page study created by Denkstatt Hungary, in addition to production, the Cup Revolution circulatory system was taken as a basis. The company delivers, stores and washes reusable cups, food boxes and hot drink cups, and then recycles them. In the form of flower pots and paving slabs.
on the contrary
Glass mugs use more specific raw materials and energy during production, which is why their carbon footprint up to production, i.e. greenhouse gas emissions, is five times greater than repo mugs.
In addition, there are other arguments against the use of glass beakers. For example, secondary packaging is required during transit to prevent damage, and they are not safe for use at beaches, sporting events, and concerts.
Disposable must not be substituted for disposable
His research covers paper products and PLA i.e. biodegradable glass. The latter is also mentioned as an alternative to disposable plastic cups. At the same time, the decomposition process requires industrial composting conditions, which PLA cups do not really reach in Hungary, so this material also often ends up in landfills. Green organizations have repeatedly brought this to the attention of decision makers
Disposable packaging materials should not be replaced by other disposable packaging materials, but reusable packaging materials.
The important finding of the study is that the most important percentage of the carbon footprint of all types of cups and cans is related to production, followed by the environmental burden of transportation and, in the case of reuse, dishwashing.
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