Styrofoam Cups vs. Coffee Cups (polyethylene)
What is the difference between the two cups?
In the 1980's there was a concern with styrofoam cups that they create CFC emissions that destroy the ozone layer. However, this concern is no longer relevant as they do not create CFC emissions. In fact, styrofoam cups are the only cups that are recyclable in Toronto.
However, since then styrofoam cups have become undesirable to companies.
Overall, Styrofoam cups provide much better insulation, are eco-friendly, and have a lower cost.
So, why don't companies like Tim Horton's use these?
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Generally, coffee presented in styrofoam cups shows that the product inside is of low quality. Paper cups present the consumer a more sophisticated look making the coffee inside have a higher value. The irony in this is that Tim Horton's is probably the cheapest coffee that you can find. In comparison to its competitors, Starbucks and Second Cup, Tim Horton's coffee is much cheaper to its consumers. But they try to impose this false image through their paper cups.
Papa, Joey. "Styrofoam Vs. Paper Coffee Cups | eHow.com." eHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Discover the expert in you. | eHow.com. http://www.ehow.com/about_5402368_styrofoam-vs-paper-coffee-cups.html (accessed November 3, 2012).
Ziada, Hanna. "Disposable coffee cup waste reduction study." Unpublished manuscript, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. http://msep.mcmaster.ca/epp/publications/DisposableCofeeCup.pdf (2009). (accessed November 2, 2012).
In the 1980's there was a concern with styrofoam cups that they create CFC emissions that destroy the ozone layer. However, this concern is no longer relevant as they do not create CFC emissions. In fact, styrofoam cups are the only cups that are recyclable in Toronto.
However, since then styrofoam cups have become undesirable to companies.
Overall, Styrofoam cups provide much better insulation, are eco-friendly, and have a lower cost.
So, why don't companies like Tim Horton's use these?
IMAGE
Generally, coffee presented in styrofoam cups shows that the product inside is of low quality. Paper cups present the consumer a more sophisticated look making the coffee inside have a higher value. The irony in this is that Tim Horton's is probably the cheapest coffee that you can find. In comparison to its competitors, Starbucks and Second Cup, Tim Horton's coffee is much cheaper to its consumers. But they try to impose this false image through their paper cups.
Papa, Joey. "Styrofoam Vs. Paper Coffee Cups | eHow.com." eHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Discover the expert in you. | eHow.com. http://www.ehow.com/about_5402368_styrofoam-vs-paper-coffee-cups.html (accessed November 3, 2012).
Ziada, Hanna. "Disposable coffee cup waste reduction study." Unpublished manuscript, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. http://msep.mcmaster.ca/epp/publications/DisposableCofeeCup.pdf (2009). (accessed November 2, 2012).