The Truth About Paper Coffee Cups: A Plastic Lined Reality
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At first glance, paper coffee cups appear to be a great eco-friendly choice. However, the reality is more complex and rather alarming. Due to greenwashing campaigns, much of the world has fallen victim to the belief that paper cups are eco-friendly alternatives, but what remains hidden is that most disposable paper cups are lined with a type of plastic that have led scientists to pose environmental and health concerns.
The Hidden Plastic in Paper Cups
By nature, paper is not waterproof and contact with a liquid should eventually cause paper to lose its form. Because of this, we know that something has to be added to paper coffee cups in order for them to fulfill their job of being a cup. This “something” is a thin layer of plastic called polyethylene plastic, which is added to make paper cups waterproof and able to retain their shape.
While this design seems practical, it complicates health implications and recycling efforts.
Health Implications
Recent studies have raised concerns about the health effects of polyethylene-lined cups. When exposed to hot liquids, these linings start degrading instantly, releasing microplastics and other harmful substances into the beverage. Research published in Environmental Science & Technology found that common single-use consumer plastic products, including polyethylene-lined paper coffee cups, can release trillions of sub-100 nm nanoparticles per liter into water during normal use. If you compare the number of these particles to the number of cells in the human body, the ratio is about one plastic particle for every seven cells in your body.
These particles are small enough that your cells could potentially absorb them, which raises concerns about their impact on human health. The results of ingesting microplastics and nanoplastics—like those released from polyethylene-lined paper cups—is still being studied, but researchers have identified several potential health risks including Cellular Damage & Inflammation, Chemical Exposure, Digestive & Gut Health Issues, Potential for Long-Term Accumulation, and Links to Chronic Diseases.
Recycling Efforts for Paper Coffee Cups
Although paper cups are often marketed as recyclable, the reality is more complicated. The polyethylene lining is tightly bonded to the paper, making it difficult to separate the materials. Most standard recycling facilities aren’t equipped to process these mixed materials, meaning the majority of paper cups end up in landfills or incinerators instead of being properly recycled.
Even in places where specialized recycling facilities exist, the process is expensive and inefficient. A 2017 study by the UK-based Paper Cup Recovery and Recycling Group (PCRRG) found that while 2.5 billion paper cups were used in the UK each year, only 1 in 400 were being properly recycled due to these technical challenges. Because most paper coffee cups don’t get recycled, they often break down in landfills or the environment, where they release microplastics and chemical pollutants over time and can contaminate the natural ecosystem.
Always Recycle
Although the recycling process for paper coffee cups is complicated, it is still doable. In fact, the technology and infrastructure to expand paper cup recycling is evolving rapidly and there are approximately 40 mills in North America that properly recycle paper cups. However, even if a paper cup is recyclable after use, it is still important to be aware of the possible health effects to your body that we previously discussed.
Industry Responses
The coffee industry is actively seeking solutions to this issue.
For instance, Starbucks has reintroduced ceramic mugs and glassware for in-store orders and is offering free refills for certain beverages to encourage reusable options.
Additionally, some cities are implementing reusable cup programs. Petaluma, California, launched a city-wide initiative where customers can use and return reusable cups at participating cafes, aiming to reduce single-use cup waste.
The Answer is Reusable Cups
Reusable coffee cups are a powerful solution to the polyethylene plastic that threatens our health and our planet. Using a personal reusable cup made from safe materials eliminates the risk of ingesting microplastics and harmful chemicals that can leach from disposable cup linings. By investing in a reusable cup, you reduce the demand for wasteful, plastic-lined cups and help decrease the amount of plastic waste entering our landfills and oceans. Additionally, many coffee shops offer discounts to customers who bring their own cups, leading to savings that build up over time.
Click Here to Read: Easy Ways to Make Your Coffee Routine More Sustainable
We value the health of the coffee-loving community and the health of the earth where we grow our coffee.
Let’s be a community of stewards.
-the coffee collect.
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