A paper cup that isn’t just paper
When most of us choose a paper coffee cup, we assume it’s a better alternative to plastic. It feels lighter, softer, and more natural. But here’s what many don’t realize: almost every disposable paper cup is lined with a thin layer of plastic, designed to keep liquids from leaking through.
That plastic lining may be invisible, but it’s not harmless. Over time, heat and friction can cause small fragments to shed into the drink itself. Recent studies show that a single hot drink in a standard paper cup can release thousands of microplastic particles into the liquid.
A global blind spot
This issue often goes unnoticed because the outside of the cup looks and feels like paper. In reality, the plastic layer makes cups difficult to recycle, adds to landfill waste, and, most concerning, introduces a direct source of microplastic exposure to the human body.
Researchers have detected that:
- Hot liquids accelerate shedding: Tea and coffee loosen the plastic lining.
- Short use, lasting impact: Even a 15-minute drink can release thousands of micro- and nanoplastics.
- Cumulative risk: For daily coffee or tea drinkers, this exposure adds up quickly.
Why it matters for health and business
For consumers, this is a clear health concern. Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals, disrupt biological processes, and potentially accumulate in organs. For businesses and policymakers, it raises questions about product safety, recycling strategies, and transparency with customers.
If “paper” cups still contain hidden plastic, are we truly solving the waste crisis, or just disguising it under a layer of fiber?
A better way forward
At Grale, we design cups and containers without hidden plastic linings, ensuring they don’t shed microplastics into food or drink. This makes them easier to recycle and safer to use.
This isn’t just about waste reduction, it’s about removing a hidden source of microplastic exposure from daily life. Because a truly sustainable future can’t be built on invisible compromises.
