Brussels, 28 September 2023 – European Bioplastics (EUBP) supports the development of robust methodologies for assessing the environmental hazards associated with various materials when they become litter. However, elements of the press release may be considered misleading.

The press release “Paper cups are just as toxic as plastic cups” from the University of Gothenburg recently got to the attention of European Bioplastics and its members.

We believe that the development of robust methodologies for assessing the environmental hazards associated with various materials when they become litter is of utmost importance. Without such methodologies, any policy measures taken in response to these findings risk being unfounded and arbitrary. Therefore, this article represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of creating a comprehensive framework for evaluating the environmental consequences of littered materials.

However, we would like to point out that the press release contains certain elements that may be considered misleading. Specifically, it addresses the biodegradability of biodegradable plastics, a topic not directly covered in the referenced article Carney Almroth et al. (2023). Single-use take-away cups of paper are as toxic to aquatic midge larvae as plastic cups. This diversion from the article’s focus on empirical data to an interview format, where personal opinions are presented, could lead readers to believe that these statements are based on the same scientific research. Regrettably, this is not the case.

Furthermore, the press release erroneously suggests the study implies that PLA (Polylactic Acid) may still be toxic. It is essential to clarify that the study’s findings pertain to the toxicity of single-use cups, which are composed of various materials, including paper, adhesives,