Billions of disposable paper cups are thrown away each year, and only a few are recycled due to the thin polyethylene lining on paper cups. To resolve this issue, a mechanical recycling technique using a blender, disintegrator, and screener was implemented in the present study to separate the polyethylene layer by ensuring maximum repulpability of the paper cups. Further, nanocellulose, such as cellulose nanocrystals, was isolated from the disposable paper cup pulps by alkali treatment followed by organic maleic acid hydrolysis. The prepared cellulose nanocrystals exhibit a rice-like structure as confirmed by TEM. The present study strongly suggests disposable paper cups are a sustainable source of cellulose-rich feedstock for nanocellulose materials development. The isolated cellulose nanocrystals have potential applications in packaging, composites, and advanced materials.

Valorization of disposable paper cups into nanocellulose: An approach towards environmental sustainability

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