he stacked bar graph compares the resources required to produce 1000 disposable cups made from polystyrene and paper.
Overall, polystyrene cups are produced with fewer resources and lower energy costs compared to paper cups, which require large amounts of water, electricity, and wood, making them less environmentally sustainable.
Polystyrene cup production requires 8 kg of petroleum and 13 kg of chemicals. Steam is used extensively, at 10 times the amount of chemicals, while water and electricity consumption are minimal, at 0.6 m³ and 6 kW, respectively.
In contrast, paper cup production demands significantly more resources. Water and electricity usage are far higher, at 10 m³ and 78 kW, respectively. Petroleum consumption is also greater at 18 kg, while the use of chemicals is slightly lower than for polystyrene. Paper cup production additionally requires 220 kg of wood, a resource not needed for polystyrene cups. Steam usage is negligible compared to that of polystyrene.
