09/03/2026
Your morning coffee may come with more than caffeine.
New University of Queensland research published August 27, 2026, in ACS Food Science & Technology found that single-use takeaway cups can release millions of micro- and nanoplastic particles into hot liquids.
The study measured:
• ~4.3 million nanoparticles per mL from PLA-lined (“biodegradable”) cups
• ~2.7 million nanoparticles per mL from standard PE-lined cups
• PLA-lined cups released ~12× more total particle mass than PE-lined cups
Why? Most “paper” takeaway cups use a thin plastic lining to resist water. When exposed to hot beverages, that lining can shed plastic particles into your drink.
Researchers emphasize that the health impact is still unclear. But plastic exposure isn’t limited to bottles: it can begin with the cup in your hand.
Swipe through, save this, and share it with someone who starts every morning with takeaway coffee.
Source: University of Queensland / ACS Food Science & Technology, August 2026.