Waterloo researchers create plant-based coating for coffee cups to aid recycling
A team at the University of Waterloo developed a new cellulose-based coating for beverage packaging that simplifies recycling and reduces microplastic exposure.
New all-cellulose barrier tested
Researchers created a durable lining using cellulose acetate reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals. Both components originate from plants rather than fossil fuels. The study was published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.
Traditional liners cause issues
Current plastic liners derived from fossil fuels can persist in the environment for centuries. Testing showed that conventional cups released particles and suffered surface degradation during use. These findings suggest microplastics could enter food or drink containers.
Plant coating stays intact
The new cellulose-based coating remained largely intact throughout the same testing conditions. This durability helps eliminate the need to separate plastic liners from paper waste. The material offers a potential solution for next-generation beverage packaging.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.