Whether you’ve enjoyed a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing iced lemon tea, chances are that you’ve had these drinks from a disposable cup. These cups typically come in styrofoam, plastic, or paper variations, none of which are eco-friendly and can remain in landfills for up to a thousand years.
These abandoned cups harm not only the environment but also animals and humans. For this reason, businesses, especially restaurants and cafes, need to make a change. Luckily for businesses, eco-friendly versions of cups, including those made from bamboo plants, are available on the market.
What is a bamboo cup?
The first thing you might think when the word “bamboo” comes to mind are those long, pole-like plants that pandas always eat. However, bamboo plants aren’t just a food source.
They have also been used to create various items, including furniture, musical instruments, and even cups. In the case of bamboo cups, they are made by combining bamboo fibres and corn starch.
Features of cups made from bamboo
Bamboo cups contain the following features that make them the ideal eco-friendly replacement for plastic and styrofoam cups:-
- Contains no harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates that can affect the drink’s taste.
- Contains antibacterial properties, meaning no bacteria or mould will grow on it.
- Lightweight, which reduces fuel consumption and transportation costs.
- Designed to be durable and reusable for a long time.
- Biodegradable.
- Can come in stylish designs, colours, and patterns.
Bamboo vs plastic vs ceramic cups
Plastic coffee cups have become an integral part of human lives for decades. However, they also harm the environment. For one, plastic cups come from non-biodegradable fossil fuels, which can remain in the environment for centuries. As time passes, animals can ingest these plastics, which, in turn, causes strangulation, ruptures organs, and blocks digestive tracts, ultimately resulting in their deaths.
Ceramic cups are more environmentally friendly than plastic cups as they are made from clay, a natural material.
Moreover, they are reusable and can be used more than once, reducing the amount of waste in our landfills and the long-term costs of buying new ones.
However, some ceramic cups may contain lead glazes that can contaminate beverages and cause physical and mental defects. Ceramic cups are also less durable than plastic ones and can shatter if dropped.
Bamboo cups combine the best of plastic and ceramic cups while resolving their issues. They are durable against drops and can be reused multiple times. At the same time, they are biodegradable and do not contain BPAs, phthalates, or other chemicals that can harm human health.
How is a bamboo cup made?
We’ve already mentioned that bamboo cups are made from bamboo fibres and cornstarch. These materials are combined to form a paste before being mixed with resin.
Melamine, an organic chemical used to create picnicware and tableware for babies, is then added as a binding agent. This step is crucial in making the finished product more durable and heat-resistant. This chemical is generally considered safe as, unlike BPA and phthalates, melamine does not leach into foods or drinks.
What can a bamboo cup be used for?
Bamboo cups can change the way people enjoy their favourite drinks in more ways than one. In this section, we will look at some potential use cases that make bamboo cups the ideal item to have for your business.
- Bamboo drinking cup for water: These bamboo cups, with their organic design, offer a natural and elegant way of drinking water.
- Bamboo coffee cups for commercial uses: Bamboo cups can withstand hot or cold drinks, making them a great pairing with your favourite coffees, be they Americanos, espressos, or cold lattes.
- Glass cup with bamboo lid and straw: These cups are ideal for storing hot or cold drinks, including fruit juices, coffee, and smoothies. The bamboo lid is not only a cute decoration but also keeps drinks secure.
- Plastic cups with a bamboo lid and straw: For long-term usage, businesses can opt for reusable plastic cups made from acrylic. These cups can withstand accidental drops or hits without shattering. The bamboo lid can keep liquids secured while adding a touch of style to customers’ drinking experiences.
Many other products can be made out of bamboo and can help your business on the path to becoming more earth-friendly. Read more about bamboo products here.
Bamboo cups – pros
Bamboo cups offer numerous benefits, not just for the environment but for your business and your customers as well. All in all, bamboo cups are:-
- Durable and reusable, which contributes to less waste.
- Renewable.
- Stylish and trendy.
- Antibacterial, meaning that mould won’t grow on the cups’ surfaces.
- Free of any toxic chemicals.
- An effective way to support local communities and fulfil social responsibility.
Bamboo cups – cons
Bamboo cups also come with their own set of disadvantages, which businesses need to understand so that they know how to maximise the cups’ lifespans. Some of these disadvantages include:-
- The chemical melamine can, under certain conditions, release formaldehyde, which can cause skin and eye irritation. Higher doses can also cause cancers.
- Easily stained and can develop odours over time.
- May cost more than plastic or paper versions.
- May be more likely to crack when exposed to hot liquids for a long time.
- The production of bamboo cups uses up a lot of energy, which can contribute to more greenhouse gas emissions.
- Bamboo cups may only break down when certain conditions are met, making disposal a real hassle.
Where can I buy bamboo cups?
You can purchase bamboo cups in bulk at eco-friendly speciality stores, online stores like Alibaba and Etsy, or local markets.
More FAQs
Have any questions about bamboo cups and their features? Keep reading this section to get your answers.
Is bamboo safe for cups?
Bamboo cups do not contain BPA or phthalates, which can cause hormonal imbalance and affect reproductive organs.
However, they may contain melamine, which is toxic in large quantities. When exposed to hot liquids, melamine can also leach formaldehyde, leading to a higher risk of cancer.
Therefore, businesses should research the products first to determine what materials and methods are used during the manufacturing process. They should also check for any safety certifications, as these indicate to buyers that the cups are safe to drink from.
Can you put boiling water in a bamboo cup?
No, you can’t. Pouring boiling water not only increases the risk of formaldehyde leaching out, but it can also affect the durability of the bamboo cups.
Generally, most bamboo cups can handle liquids with a maximum temperature of 70 to 80℃. However, that threshold varies depending on the cup’s thickness, the type of sealant used, and the manufacturing process. We advise checking with the supplier first about the bamboo cups’ maximum temperature before making a purchase.
Can you reuse bamboo cups?
Yes, bamboo cups can be reused for up to several years with the proper care. To maximise their lifespans, we advise companies to avoid soaking, using dishwashers, or scrubbing them with abrasive cleaners.
How do you dispose of bamboo cups?
One of the easiest ways to dispose of bamboo cups is to compost them. Before composting, businesses need to break down their bamboo cups into smaller pieces.
After that, businesses should fill their compost pile with a balanced mixture of greens (grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and manures) and browns (dried leaves, sawdust, and papers). By following these steps, your cups can break down quickly and provide much-needed nutrients for your garden.
Businesses can also recycle their cups. However, some recycling facilities have specific requirements, and businesses will need to do their research before sending the cups there.
How do you disinfect bamboo?
We advise that businesses use natural cleaning agents like baking soda and vinegar to sanitise their bamboo cups.
Can bamboo be washed with soap and water?
Yes, you can wash your bamboo cups using warm water and a mild, eco-friendly soap to remove any residue without damaging the cups themselves.
How to wash a bamboo cup?
First, rinse the cups thoroughly with warm water to remove any loose debris. Next, apply some mild soap on a soft sponge and rub the inside and outside of the cup gently. Afterwards, rinse the cups again to remove any soap residues and check to see if there are any stains left on the mug.
Once there are no more residues, the last step is to clean the cups using a soft cloth and leave them to air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or any other heat source.
How to remove tea stains from a bamboo cup?
Stubborn stains can be removed by mixing baking soda and water and applying the mixture to the stained areas. Afterwards, leave the cups for a few hours before washing them. This method can erase most stains and keep your cups looking brand new.
How long do bamboo cups last?
Bamboo cups can last up to several years, provided that they are not frequently exposed to hot liquids and that they are properly cleaned after use.
Conclusion
Businesses looking to make their operations more eco-friendly and reduce their impact on the environment should strongly consider investing in bamboo cups.
With their natural design and durable properties, bamboo cups offer a unique and sustainable way for your customers to enjoy their favourite drinks without polluting the environment. In other words, it’s a win-win for the Earth and your business.
