Closing the Loop on Cups

Closed Loop Partners' recent report delves into the critical issue of paper cup recovery within our disposable, take-make-waste culture. Globally, an estimated 250 billion to-go paper cups are used each year, with the majority ending up in landfills after just a single use. This report focuses on assessing the key components of the paper cup recovery value chain, including paper mills, material recovery facilities, brands, consumers, and local communities. The objective is to showcase how these stakeholders can collaborate to establish a sustainable market for paper cup recycling, recognizing that each entity has a unique and crucial role in achieving this goal.

Paper cups, often referred to as fiber cups, are commonly used worldwide. These single-use cups are typically constructed from paper with a plastic-based liner, mainly polyethylene (PE), which helps prevent leaks and maintains beverage temperature. Although the PE-liner has posed challenges to recyclability, the report highlights a growing momentum for cup recycling, demonstrating its value.

While paper cups constitute a relatively small portion of the waste stream by volume, their high visibility and prevalence in landfills demand attention. Recognizing this, an increasing number of food and beverage brands and retailers are actively seeking recycling solutions for these single-use cups.

The report underscores the importance of material recovery and recycling as a pivotal lever in their approach, emphasizing the need for collaboration among paper mills, material recovery facilities, brands, consumers, and local communities to establish a thriving market for paper cup recycling. As society works toward reducing waste and promoting sustainability, this report provides valuable insights and guidance on the journey to address the paper cup recovery challenge.