Do plastic-lined paper coffee cups release microplastics into hot beverages?
Yes. Research shows that disposable paper cups release microplastics into hot beverages due to their plastic linings.
What's actually in it
Disposable paper cups aren't just paper. To keep them from turning into mush when they touch liquid, manufacturers coat the inside with a thin layer of plastic. This lining is typically made of polyethylene or polystyrene.
These materials are not stable when exposed to heat. According to a 2026 study in J Environ Sci Health B, these beverage cups can leak phthalates, bisphenols, and perfluorinated compounds directly into your drink.
What the research says
Peer-reviewed research confirms that these cups are a source of plastic pollution in your daily routine. A 2026 study in Food Chem Toxicol specifically monitored disposable paper cups and confirmed the presence of microplastics. These tiny plastic particles end up in your beverage every time you use the cup.
This is a concern for your long-term health. A 2026 study in Toxics highlights a link between microplastics and health issues like diabetes, noting that these particles affect how your body regulates insulin and liver function.
When you drink from a lined paper cup, you aren't just drinking coffee or tea. You are consuming a cocktail of plastic fragments and chemical additives that leach out the moment the hot liquid hits the cup.
The research at a glance
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