Topics in this article

Dunkin’ replacing foam cups

By MixDex Article may include affiliate links

Dunkin’, the company formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts, is replacing its foam hot beverage cups with paper ones by the end of the year — with some markets already using them.

  • The new cups, which Dunkin’ said it spend years developing, are made primarily from paper.
  • The new cups, like most paper ones designed to hold beverages, are not recyclable due to the lining used in the manufacturing
  • However, they are at least mostly biodegradable and made from a renewable resource.
  • Dunkin’ has been using foam cups for years while most of its national competitors use paper.
  • Foam cups are not biodegradable or widely recyclable and are also typically made from polymers from the plastics family which, in turn, are commonly derived from petroleum.
  • Many foam cups and foam containers are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS).
  • In some markets, local laws have banned the use of such foam, so Dunkin’ has already had to switch to paper cups in some areas.
  • The nationwide rollout is expected to be done by the end of 2020.