Paper cups are an integral part of our lives. They are used everywhere - on trains, in schools, in offices and at hospitals. The exact origins of paper cups seem to be unknown, but records say that around the beginning of the 1900s, paper cups gained popularity. The popularity of these products can be attributed to the changing notions of health.

Long ago, people were drinking water from barrels placed in public spaces using a stationary glass. People were sharing mugs or glasses to drink water. Early in the 20th century, it was common to have shared glasses or dippers at water sources such as school faucets or water barrels in trains. This shared use caused public health concerns. With the advancements in medical science, during this period, people began to realise that sharing the same mugs, plates and barrels also meant sharing germs.

There was a need to stop people using shared mugs and allow them to drink fresh water without getting infected by others. This thought lead to the development of paper cups suppliers.

In 1907, Lawrence Luellen developed what is today known as the Dixie Cup to help improve public hygiene. He then designed a water-vending machine with disposable cups as a part of educating the public about the harms of sharing drinking glasses. Because of this Dixie Cups were originally called "health kups". During the great American flu epidemic of 1918 paper cups rapidly grew in popularity as sharing ordinary glasses increased the chances of getting infected.

The concept behind the use of this product has undergone radical changes ever since. From health solutions to everyday use object, the humble product has become an integral part of our life. Today millions of them have been manufactured for our convenience. They allow us to have tea, sodas and other beverages on the go.