Think before you sip: The ‘humble’ paper cup isn’t so harmless

Dileep V Kumar

Sep 19, 2025

Movies

Health

Are you someone who loves to sip your hot tea or coffee in a paper cup?

Health

Then think twice—because the Kerala Legislative Assembly was told that these so-called eco-friendly cups may be doing more harm than good, both to human health and environment.

Health

It’s said that in the paper cups a thin plastic lining is there, usually made of polyethylene, and is essential to prevent the paper from becoming soggy and leaking.

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However, when a hot beverage is poured into the cup, this plastic layer can degrade and release a significant number of microplastic particles and other potentially toxic substances into the liquid.

Health

These cups take nearly a century to decompose and generate greenhouse gases on disposal, similar to plastic.