Replacing single-use plastic cups with paper ones is problematic. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg show that a paper cup that ends up in nature can also cause damage as it also contains toxic chemicals. Reports of plastic pollution contaminating all parts of the Earth and all living th
Paper cups are replacing plastic cups on the market. However, these supposedly “eco-friendly” alternatives can also be toxic to living organisms due to their plastic linings. Credit: Olof Lönnehed
Reports of plastic pollution contaminating all parts of the Earth and all living things have accelerated a shift to alternative materials. The coffee latte you take with you from the kiosk on the corner now comes in paper cups, sometimes even with paper lids. But that cup can also harm living organisms if it ends up in nature.
Bethanie Carney Almroth, Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Gothenburg. Credit: Johan WingborgPaper is neither fat- nor water-resistant, so paper that is used in food packaging material needs to be treated with a surface coating. This plastic protects the paper from the coffee in your hand. Nowadays, the plastic film is often made of polylactide, PLA, a type of bioplastic.
. In the article, they reason about the major shifts that are required to mitigate the continuing damage to the environment and threat to our health caused by the plastics pollution crisis.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Only 1 Cornetto Trilogy Movie Isn't A Love Story (& Why It's Perfect)This Cornetto movie had a different love story.
Read more »
Intent Matters, but Impact Matters MoreWhy intent matters in intercultural interactions, and why it does not.
Read more »
Explainer: Why is China's economy slowing down and could it get worse?China's economic growth is slowing down as policymakers try to fix a property market downturn, with troubles at major developer Country Garden in focus. Concerns are mounting over whether the world's second-largest economy is coming closer to a crunch point:
Read more »
Why Today’s Jobs Report Could Be Another Win for the FedCentral bank officials have long wanted to see convincing evidence that the labor market is moderating but not collapsing.
Read more »
Why Training Day Prequel Is 22 Years Too Late As Director Gives A New UpdateTraining Day has past its prime.
Read more »
Why was Vinfast more valuable than Ford, GM and BMW?Vietnamese car maker became the world's third most valuable as stock shot up in price after listing
Read more »