Glass bottles found to contain more microplastics

A study by Anses, France's national agency for food, environmental, and occupational health, has found that some glass bottles contain 5 to 50 times more microplastics than their plastic or can counterparts. This challenges the common belief that glass is a healthier packaging choice.

Contamination source identified

The research traced the microplastics to the paint on metal caps. Scratches on these caps, caused by friction during storage and transport, release microplastic particles into the liquid. The color and composition of the microplastics matched the paint on the caps.

Some beverages less affected

Water and wine showed significantly lower levels of microplastic contamination compared to other beverages. Glass-bottled water had only 4.5 particles per liter, and wine, even when sealed with corks, also had low contamination. The reason for this difference remains unclear.

Health risks still unknown

No toxicological data currently allows for an assessment of the health risk posed by these microplastics. The study highlights an unexpected source of contamination but does not confirm whether drinking from glass is more dangerous than from plastic or cans. Further research is needed to understand the variations observed.

Simple solution proposed

The study suggests that cleaning metal caps before sealing bottles could significantly reduce microplastic release. This is described as a low-cost solution for manufacturers. The research also emphasizes the need to consider the entire packaging process, including closures, storage, and transport, when evaluating product safety.