For years, foam foodservice supplies have gotten a bad rap from environmentalists, but the truth is that many companies, like Dart Container Corporation, are committed to maximizing the sustainability of the products they manufacture. Dart specifically does this through solutions like recycling, commercial composting and using renewable resources. Many of their products are certified or accepted by internationally-recognized organizations, like the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, USDA, the Federal Trade Commission and more.
Let’s examine some of the truths about foam foodservice disposables:
Polystyrene (PS) foam CAN be recycled!
Cities across the country are using recycling programs for PS foam that include cups, take-out containers and other post-consumer products. These products are made with just one material — polystyrene, making recycling more efficient. You can see a list of curbside and drop-off recycling programs here.
The manufacturing of Dart PS foam products DOES NOT deplete our ozone layer.
Dart does not use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or any other chemicals that deplete the ozone when manufacturing PS foam cups.
PS foam foodservice products make up less than 1% of the municipal solid waste in the United States.
This stat comes straight from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means that PS foam cups are not releasing large amounts of toxic chemicals into the environment from our landfills.
PS foam can be converted to energy.
PS foam is made of hydrogen and carbon. When it is converted to energy, it leaves behind only trace amounts of ash, water and carbon dioxide. This energy, when converted in modern facilities, can even be used to provide light and heat for neighboring communities.
The benefits of choosing PS foam cups are even more apparent when you compare them side-by-side with polyethylene coated paper hot cups and those with corrugated sleeves:
Dart’s commitment to sustainability is one of the reasons we love supplying their products here at DP Supply, Inc. These foodservice disposables give people the freedom to enjoy food and drinks anywhere, but Dart also takes responsibility for the environmental effects of that freedom. Through their leadership, we can reduce the impact these products have on our communities and planet. Learn more about our foodservice disposables here!
