- Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a plant-based coating for disposable coffee cups to replace petroleum linings that leach microplastics into hot drinks.
- Made from cellulose acetate reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals, the new bioplastic coating withstands exposure to boiling water and food oils without degrading.
- Recent findings suggest microplastics accumulate in human organs and generate reactive oxygen species that may cause biological damage.
- The durable coating can be applied to lightweight paper, reducing material requirements and lowering prices for consumers.
- Unlike traditional plastic-lined cups that persist in the environment for centuries, the eco-friendly plant-based coating is fully biodegradable.
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