About Plastic Cups
Release time:
2025-07-03
Simply put, the most commonly used materials for plastic cups are PP(polypropylene) and PS(polystyrene). PP is heat-resistant and microwave-safe, which is why the Lekou food storage containers you've used are made from it. PS, on the other hand, is not heat-resistant and is commonly used for cold drink packaging.
From a manufacturing perspective, plastic cups are more hygienic than paper cups. The production process for plastic cups is simpler: after being formed and cooled at high temperatures, they are packaged immediately. In contrast, the production of paper cups involves printing, paper cutting, laminating, rolling, and edge-forming-processes that require extensive human contact.
That said, while the quality of plastic cups can be high, this isn't always guaranteed in China. someone even asked me if we could use recycled plastic to make cups. l was inwardly dismissive of the idea, but l couldn't show it. l explained that recycled plastic contains impurities and would result in unattractive, low-quality cups. The use of recycled materials is just one concern, and l believe few manufacturers actually do this because market competition is so fierce. The quality of a transparent plastic cup is obvious at a glance.
But what about aspects that aren't so visible? For instance, additives. ls gypsum powder added (to create milky-white cups)? Or toughening agents? Antifreeze? l can't say for sure whether these are harmful or not. However, one thing is certain: plastic cups exported from China to the U.S. are made from "food-grade pure PP" American standards tolerate no impurities, and products that fail inspection are immediately rejected.
In daily life, we should carefully examine the food storage containers, packaging boxes, plastic bags, and cups we use. lf a product is transparent and clear, it can generally be used with confidence, as it is likely made from a single step processing of polypropylene or polyethylene without additives. However, if you encounter a lunch box or cup that is opaque, especially milky white, it's best to avoid it. This color often indicates that color master batch or powder was added during processing, and a large amount of filler master batch was used to reduce costs.
Related news
2025-07-03
Share