Paper cup facts for kids
A paper cup is a drinking cup made out of paper. Paper cups are usually coated with plastic or wax to stop liquid leaking out or soaking through the paper. This coating helps the cup hold drinks like water, juice, or soda without getting soggy.
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What is a Paper Cup?
Paper cups are special containers designed to hold liquids. They are made from paper pulp, which comes from trees. To make sure they don't leak, the inside of the cup is covered with a thin layer of material. This layer acts like a shield, keeping the liquid inside and the paper strong.
Why We Use Paper Cups
Paper cups are super handy for many reasons. They are often used for drinks on the go, like coffee or soda from a fast-food restaurant. Because they are disposable, people don't need to wash them. This makes them popular at parties, picnics, and big events. They are also a good choice for hygiene, as each person gets a fresh, clean cup.
How Paper Cups Are Made
Making a paper cup starts with special paperboard. This paperboard is thicker and stronger than regular paper. It's cut into shapes that can be folded into a cup. Then, a thin layer of plastic, often polyethylene, is added to one side. This plastic layer is melted onto the paper, creating a waterproof barrier. The paper is then shaped into a cup and the seams are sealed with heat. A rolled rim is added to the top for strength and comfort when drinking.
The History of Paper Cups
Before paper cups, people often shared drinking cups, which could spread germs. In the early 1900s, an American lawyer named Lawrence Luellen invented a disposable paper cup. He called it the "Health Kup." His idea was to create a safe, single-use cup to prevent the spread of sickness.
Dixie Cups: A Famous Name
In 1908, Hugh Moore, a businessman, joined Luellen. They started selling these cups to train stations and public places. They later changed the name to "Dixie Cup." This name came from a brand of toys made by a company near their factory. The Dixie Cup became very popular and helped make disposable cups a common item in daily life.
Paper Cups Today
Today, paper cups are used all over the world. They come in many sizes and designs. Some have special insulation to keep hot drinks warm without burning your hands. Others are used for cold drinks and often come with lids and straws. While super convenient, people are also thinking about their environmental impact. Many companies are now trying to make cups that are easier to recycle or are made from compostable materials. This helps protect our planet.
Images for kids
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Plain paper cup
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Insulated paper cup for hot drinks, cut away to show air layer
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Dixie Cup Company, Easton, Pennsylvania
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Early advertisement for Dixie Cups when they were still known as Health Kups
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"This is the Sanitary Age" advertisement for Dixie Cups
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Another early advertisement from Dixie
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The world's largest "paper" cup in front of what was once the Lily-Tulip manufacturing company, later Sweetheart Cup Company. Made of poured concrete, the cup stands about 68.1 feet (20.8 m) tall.
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A paper coffee cup with a plastic lid and "splash stick"
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See also
In Spanish: Vaso de papel para niños
