The History Of The Disposable Cup
The early part of the 20th century saw the beginnings of the increase in packaging and the onset of disposable goods. It was around this time that for example, the disposable paper cup arrived, advertised with the slogan "influenza sits on the brim of the common drinking cup".Found at http://www.warrington.gov.uk/services/waste/history.htm
Dixie Cups
In 1900, in the United States there were no drinking fountains. Instead, public drinking dippers in water barrels were widely used by thirsty travelers. One young man, named Hugh Moore, decided the practice was unsanitary. He wanted first of all to make pure spring water available, and he wanted a way for people to drink it which would be germ free. Moore designed a cup made of paper. These paper cups seemed clumsy at first, but a drink of spring water from a clean paper cup was so inviting that thousands tried it.
Moore installed cup-vending machines at trolley line comers, and on a hot day a five-gallon bottle could be emptied in an hour. Sales of the "Health Cup" were assured once Moore succeeded in having them placed in railroad cars. With the name changed to Dixie Cup, his sanitary paper containers became standard items on trains and in soda fountains. By 1960, Dixie Cups were selling at the rate of more than fifty million dollars worth per year.
Found at http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/story012.htm
Solo Cups
In 1936, a start-up company entitled the Paper Container Manufacturing Company was started in a machine shop in Chicago. Leo J. Hulseman was its founder and president, producing a line of disposable cups.
During the 30’s and the 40’s this company prospered in the disposable business, making cold drink cups. They established themselves at the leading edge of disposable technology, with the creation of the PC cone cup. In 1946, a major change occurred. The popular PC cone cup was renamed the Solo Cup. Shortly thereafter the company name was also changed to its current name - Solo® Cup Company.
By the 1950’s, drive-ins were popular, and disposable cups were being used more than ever. Solo introduced another new technology - 2 piece waxed cold cups - used in many fast food restaurants today.
By 1963, Solo Cup Company leapt ahead with technology, introducing the disposable cozy cup and the reusable cozy cup plastic holder. This began a whole new trend in disposable products.