PP vs PETG Cups

Polypropylene (PP) vs PETG Cups. What's the difference and why does it matter?

As ethical consumers, we should consider not just what goes into our food and drink, but also the materials that contain them. You might ask, “What is a plastic boba cup made of?” or “Are bubble tea cups recyclable?” Previously, we covered plastic straw legislation, bamboo straws, and recyclable boba tea cups. Now, let’s focus on the materials used for plastic cups.

Bubble tea is famous for its cute transparent cups, which showcase vibrant colours and textures. However, few people understand the materials behind these cups. Knowing how materials impact the environment helps you make informed choices, whether as a shop owner or a bubble tea fan.

Polypropylene vs PETG Cups

Polypropylene

Thermoplastics such as Polypropylene (PP) are created by combining many propylene monomers. This means that the material softens as it’s heated, allowing it to be easily recycled. It’s widely used because it is readily available, inexpensive, and has good mechanical properties.

PETG

Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) is also a thermoplastic, created by combining two monomers with glycol. It has similar properties to PP but is generally the weaker of the two plastics.

Bubble Tea Cups

The plastic cups and lids that are synonymous with bubble tea are most often made with PP or PETG. You can feel safe with the knowledge that both materials are food-safe, transparent, and recyclable. Although much is made of the environmental damage done by rampant plastic use, when recycled correctly both PP and PETG can be considered an eco-balance material.

And as an added bonus, customise your plastic boba cups with your company logo and advertise not only your brand, but the fact these recyclable boba tea cups need not be thrown away after use!