this post was submitted on 06 Dec 2024
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This may be a stupid idea, but to my knowledge metals is are some of the best materials when it comes to being easily recyclable.

Ignoring the cost and reusability, wouldn't recyclable disposable cups made of metal be a better deal than the largely incinerated plastic cups?

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[–] ProdigalFrog 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

Looks like this company is doing just that: https://www.zhongruicup.com/

Not sure how the economics work out, I assume they are much more expensive.

This could be environmentally feasible if the factory ran exclusively on renewable energy, but if not, it would likely produce significantly more carbon emissions than paper cups.

also @tehWrapper@lemmy.world

[–] tehWrapper@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

A standard soda can wall is approximately 0.097 mm thick.

These cups are 0.16mm that's a big difference. They also don't have pricing and the site says how to clean and care for your cup.. it is not disposable.

[–] ProdigalFrog 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

They seem to be explicitly marketing them as disposable cups for 'eco conscience' events. So, likely for rich corporate conferences or something.

They definitely seem reusable, but probably not durable.

[–] tehWrapper@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

That's not the aluminum ones they make.

It says biodegradable cups.. aluminum is not that.

Also how to care for the aluminum ones https://www.zhongruicup.com/tips-for-cleaning-and-maintaining-aluminum-cups-extending-service-life

[–] ProdigalFrog 1 points 2 weeks ago

ah! my bad, they looked like aluminum so I assumed it was the same product. And you're right, the aluminum ones don't seem to be designed to be disposable either.