The manufacture of common polystyrene cups, plates and sandwich containers uses significantly less energy and water than comparable paper-based or corn-based alternatives, according to a new study.
The study (pdf) for the Plastic Foodservice Packaging Group, by Franklin Associates, compares average-weight polystyrene foam, paperboard and corn-based (also known as polylactic) cups used in 16-ounce hot and 32-ounce cold drink receptacles, 9-inch dinner plates and “clamshell” sandwich containers.
Researchers modeled energy consumption, water use, solid waste (by weight and volume) and greenhouse gas emissions for each product resulting from production, transportation and disposal.
The study found that the manufacture of polystyrene foam products consumes significantly less energy than the alternatives – half as much as wax-coated paperboard cups and one-third as much as polylactic clamshells.
Polystyrene foam products use significantly less water than the alternatives – up to four times less than polylactic clamshells, according to the study.