- Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a plant-based coating for disposable coffee cups to prevent harmful microplastics leaching into hot drinks.
- Conventional plastic-lined coffee cups shed microplastics and phthalates into beverages, which recent studies suggest can cause biological damage to human health.
- Made from cellulose acetate and cellulose nanocrystals, the new bioplastic coating resisted degradation when exposed to boiling water, food oil, and chemicals.
- The alternative coating is fully biodegradable, offering an eco-friendly substitute to fossil fuel-based linings that persist in the environment for centuries.
- The material can also be applied to lightweight paper, potentially reducing manufacturing costs for food packaging and lowering prices for consumers.
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