This may be a stupid idea, but to my knowledge metals is are some of the best materials when it comes to being easily recyclable.
Ignoring the cost and reusability, wouldn’t recyclable disposable cups made of metal be a better deal than the largely incinerated plastic cups?
Plastic cups currently have an advantage in that it’s fast and easy to pump out on a mass scale on the cheap.
Waxed paper is probably the next best thing for disposable cups. This is what McDonalds and other fast food places use and it’s renewable and biodegradable. The cost is probably pretty close to petro-plastic.
If we ever get a single use plastics tax, or the public starts freaking out more about microplastics, you will probably see restaurants return to paper cups.
The mcDonalds here gives us sturdy plastic cups that that’ll buy back from you. (or you can leave them after dinner).
I’m going to have a look at this wax paper solution, that’s an interesting option! Thank you!