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Awareness of microplastic pollution and migration into food and beverages among Turkish consumers in second-wave coffee shops
Summary
A survey of 557 coffee shop customers in Turkey found that people who knew more about microplastic pollution were more likely to avoid risky habits like microwaving plastic containers or reusing disposable paper cups, both of which can cause tiny plastic particles to leach into food and drinks. This matters because your morning coffee cup could be a hidden source of microplastic exposure, and simple awareness (like switching to a reusable mug or thermos) may help reduce how much plastic ends up in your body.
Purpose This study aims to evaluate the awareness of customers of second-wave coffee shops, commercial coffee chains which popularise specialty coffee culture, regarding microplastic pollution, particularly the migration of microplastics from disposable beverage cups into beverages, as well as their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to plastic use. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 557 participants who frequented second-wave coffee shops in Ankara, Türkiye at least once a month. Data were collected using a literature-based questionnaire that included the Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale (MPAS). Findings Most participants purchased paper cup beverages 1–3 times weekly (37.5%) and preferred hot coffee (75.4%). Higher microplastic awareness was significantly associated with viewing disposable cup reuse as unsafe, supporting reusable alternatives, avoiding microwaving plastics (p < 0.001), carrying personal thermoses (p = 0.010) and recognizing that microplastics migrate from paper cups into beverages (p < 0.001). Conversely, the small minority who reused paper cups (2.2%) showed markedly lower awareness (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis further indicated that higher MPAS scores were associated with lower odds of engaging in certain risky plastic-use behaviors, particularly using plastic utensils when heating food in a microwave and reusing paper cups after washing them. MPAS scores were positively associated with education level, technical knowledge about microplastics and pro-environmental attitudes. Originality/value This study addresses a gap in the literature by examining consumer awareness of microplastic migration from disposable beverage cups in second-wave coffee shops. It identifies key misconceptions and demonstrates how awareness is associated with both protective and risky consumer behaviors.