The Confusion
Paper cups aren't being recycled, but this isn't made clear to consumers, as you can see:
Instead of indicating that the "Landfill" section is for conventional paper cups and lids, the message is simply "No Paper Cups or Lids" at the bottom of the list.
Despite what people may believe, paper cups just aren't recycled.
We have a smart solution.
A reCUP® is made the way a paper cup should have been made from the start — with recycling in mind.
The reCUP® uses EarthCoating®, an innovative barrier coating that replaces up to 51% of the plastic with minerals.
This mineralized resin blend is engineered to be fully compatible with conventional paper recycling systems. The coating provides all the performance for a paper cup, while its mineral content qualifies the coating along with clay coating for the purposes of recycling. So, the cups are as recyclable as ordinary paper.
A simple change to the coating provides the recycling industry with paper cups that are easily recyclable today in conventional paper recycling systems.
The reCUP® has successfully obtained numerous industry standard recycling certifications. Please see our Repulping Report for more information.
reCUPs look and function like conventional paper cups and are made the same way... except for one MAJOR difference —
reCUPs are engineered to be recyclable in conventional paper recycling systems.
AAA Rating
Paper cups made with EarthCoating® qualify for a AAA rating for recyclability from Der Grune Punkt (Green Dot).
Takeaway cup recycling solved in Australia
Detpak’s RecycleMe program recovered reCUPs, branded under Detpak’s RecycleMe branding, from Quick Service Restaurant locations, to produce recycled paper for Hallmark Gift Wrap and Australian Paper copy paper. These types of high quality recyclability outcomes for paper cups are only possible with paper cups with EarthCoating
Mineralized EarthCoating® Revolutionizes Paper Cup Recycling
This short explainer video shows paper cups made with EarthCoating® being pulped back into recycled paper using conventional paper recycling equipment.
A Day In The Life of a RecycleMe™ Cup
RecycleMe™ cups are made with EarthCoating® are being closed-loop collected and processed back into copy paper throughout Australia.
Learn more at RecycleMe.
Recycling paper cups made with EarthCoating® in the UK
Paper cups made with EarthCoating® (reCUPs) are being collected from curbside recycling bins for repulping.
Recycling RecycleMe™ cups made with EarthCoating® in Australia
Detpak launches RecycleMe™ closed-loop collection program in Australia with Shred-X
RecycleMe™ is a private label brand of paper reCUPs made with EarthCoating®.
Planet Ark Endorses RecycleMe™
RecycleMe™, a private label brand of paper cups made with EarthCoating® has been endorsed by Planet Ark in Australia.
Detpak Launches RecycleMe™ closed-loop collection program in UK with Shredall.
RecycleMe™ is a private label brand of paper cups made with EarthCoating®.