[B019] Takeaway Cups Are Adding Microplastics to Your Drink – Here’s What You Need to Know!

Introduction

Every day, millions of people grab a coffee or tea in a disposable cup. But what if that simple habit is exposing us to tiny plastic particles? Recent research has found that disposable cups, including plastic and plastic-coated paper cups, release microplastics (MPs) into the beverages we drink. Given growing concerns about the potential health risks of microplastics, it’s time to ask: what’s really in your cup?

microplastics released from normal use of takeaway cups

What the Research Shows

This study analysed the release of microplastics from three common types of disposable cups—polyethylene (PE)-coated paper cups, polypropylene (PP) cups, and polystyrene (PS) cups—under normal use conditions. The findings revealed:

• Microplastics were found in every type of cup tested – No matter the material, every disposable cup released MPs into the contained beverage.

• High temperatures increase microplastic release significantly – At 95°C (the temperature of freshly brewed coffee or tea), cups released 2 to 5 times more MPs than at room temperature. The hotter the drink, the more plastic particles end up in it.

• Average MP release per litre:

  • PE-coated paper cups (like coffee shop paper cups with a plastic lining): 2,718 particles/L

  • PP cups (used in takeaway iced drinks and food containers): 2,720 particles/L

  • PS cups (often used for soft drinks and foam cups for hot drinks): 2,629 particles/L

• Reusing disposable cups still results in MP release – While the second use saw a slight decrease, MPs were still being released in large quantities.

• Acidic, carbonated beverages increased MP release – The study found that fizzy, acidic drinks caused PE-coated cups to release almost five times more MPs than plain water.

• Size matters – The majority of released MPs measured between 5-10 micrometers, which are small enough to potentially enter the human bloodstream.

  
  

Facts About the Study

• Published by: China Jiliang University, Department of Environmental Engineering

• Sample size: 90 batches of disposable cups from 51 manufacturers

• Cup types tested: PE-coated paper cups, PP plastic cups, and PS plastic cups

• Methods used: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman spectroscopy for MP identification

• Study period: July 2021 - January 2022

• Experimental conditions: Cups were tested with different liquids at various temperatures, including pure water, carbonated beverages, and soda water

  
  

Study Limitations

While the research provides strong evidence of MP release from disposable cups, some limitations exist:

• Real-world variables: The study used ultrapure water and standard conditions, which may differ from real-life use (e.g., coffee with milk or tea with additives).

• Long-term health effects unknown: The study confirms exposure to MPs but does not analyse the long-term health risks of consuming them.

• Different cup brands may vary: The study tested multiple manufacturers but did not compare branded vs. generic products.

  
  

Research to Action – What Can You Do?

Reducing microplastic exposure from disposable cups is easier than you think:

✅ Use a reusable cup – A stainless steel or glass cup eliminates microplastic exposure.

✅ Avoid plastic-coated paper cups for hot drinks – They release just as many MPs as plastic cups.

✅ Drink at lower temperatures – Microplastic release is significantly lower at room temperature.

✅ Limit carbonated beverages in disposable cups – Acidic fizzy drinks increase MP release.

✅ Spread awareness – Encourage cafés and workplaces to switch to sustainable alternatives.

Boost Summary – Take Action Today!

Next time you grab a takeaway coffee, think twice about what’s in your cup. This research confirms that microplastics are in every disposable cup—whether plastic or paper-coated. If you want to reduce your exposure, switch to a reusable cup and choose lower temperatures for your drinks. Small changes add up, and together, we can reduce our daily plastic intake.

♻️ Challenge: For the next week, swap disposable cups for a reusable option. Tag us @BoostGB and let’s make a difference! 🚀

Referencing

Chen, Q., Peng, C., Xu, H., Su, Z., Yilihan, G., Wei, X., Shen, Y., & Jiang, C. (2024). Microplastics from disposable paper cups are enriched in the placenta and fetus, leading to metabolic and reproductive toxicity during pregnancy. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.01.20.576431.