Thermal-oxidative Degradation Of Single-use Paper Cups: PHA Bioplastics As An Alternative to Traditional Polyethylene Film Coatings

Biopolymers, specifically Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and PHA blend biopolymers are emerging as promising alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastic packaging materials. Paper single-use cups present a challenge for current recycling systems; as a result, most end up in landfills. The conventional plastic films utilized by paper cups accumulate as debris and add to the global plastic waste problem. The desirable properties of PHA blend biopolymers can potentially provide practical solutions to many of the issues faced by traditional plastics. In this study, ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA) was performed to quantify the thermo-oxidative degradation characteristics of plastic samples currently present in the market and biopolymers suitable for their substitution. Samples were gathered from restaurants and purchased at a consumer level. PHA/Polylactic Acid (PLA) blend was found to degrade the fastest amongst pure PLA, Polypropylene (PP), and Polyethylene (PE) film found in paper cups. Ultimately, the use of PHA is a significant improvement in terms of both sustainability and degradability to existing market applications.