Scientists from the Russian Plekhanov University of Economics have concluded that single-use plastic containers are safer in terms of packaging reliability compared to cardboard containers.
A press release issued by the university indicated that the study took into account the effect of hot and acidic drinks on the utensils used.
Scientists conducted a series of laboratory tests using spectroscopy and microscopy to study the behavior of polypropylene plastic cups and cardboard cups when they contain hot and acidic drinks at temperatures up to 95 degrees Celsius.
The study showed the superiority of polypropylene plastic cups in maintaining the chemical purity of the beverage and the reliability of the packaging , while it revealed potential weaknesses in cardboard cups, especially when exposed to an acidic environment, where the possibility of leakage of organic compounds from the adhesive layers was observed, in addition to a decrease in the material's durability after exposure to heat.
Ksenia Sakharova , head of the university's quality industry department, said : "If you are drinking something very hot or sour from disposable containers, such as fruit juice or lemon tea, then choosing polypropylene is safer. A cardboard cup in such conditions is less reliable."
