What microplastics are and why they matter
Microplastics are plastic fragments smaller than 5mm. They form when plastic materials degrade or shed under heat, friction, or chemical exposure.
How PE coating sheds particles
Heat causes PE film to shed 25,000+ microplastic particles per cup into beverages
Why PLA is still plastic
PLA (polylactic acid) is a polymer chain — chemically, it is plastic. It only degrades at 60°C+ in industrial composters that barely exist in India. In landfills or home compost, PLA persists for decades, shedding microplastic particles just like PE.
How aqueous coating works
Water-based binders bond directly into cellulose fibres at a molecular level. There is no separate film layer — the barrier becomes part of the paper itself. No film means no shedding, no particles, and full recyclability with normal paper waste streams.
References
- [1] Revel, M. et al. (2018). “Micro(nano)plastics: A threat to human health?” Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, 1, 17-23.
- [2] Hernandez, L.M. et al. (2019). “Plastic Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles into Tea.” Environmental Science & Technology, 53(21).
- [3] CPPRI Technical Report (2023). “Repulpability Assessment of Aqueous Barrier-Coated Paper.”
PE Cup vs PLA Cup vs Pratva Aqueous
| Parameter | PE Cup | PLA Cup | Pratva Aqueous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microplastic shedding | Yes (25,000+) | Yes (reduced) | Zero |
| Coating material | Polyethylene film | Polylactic acid film | Water-based aqueous |
| Recyclable with paper | No | No | Yes (CPPRI certified) |
| Home compostable | No | No (industrial only) | Yes |
| FDA food contact safe | Varies | Varies | Yes |
| PFAS content | Possible | Possible | Zero |
| Re-pulpable | No | No | Yes |
| Hot liquid safe | Sheds particles | Sheds particles | Zero shedding |
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