A surprising new study has found that beverages stored in glass bottles contain 5 to 50 times more microplastics than those stored in plastic bottles or cans.
The research, conducted by the Aquatic Food Safety Unit at France’s ANSES Laboratory, analyzed popular drinks sold across France, including water, soda, iced tea, wine, and beer. The study aimed to assess how packaging types impact microplastic contamination.
“We expected the opposite result,” said lead researcher Iseline Chaïb.
Unexpected Culprit: Bottle Caps
The study found that glass bottles were the most contaminated, with up to 100 microplastic particles per liter found in drinks like cola and beer. In contrast, drinks in plastic bottles and cans contained far fewer microplastics.
Researchers suspect bottle caps are the primary source of contamination, as the particles matched the color and material of the caps’ outer paint. Wine sealed with corks showed significantly less contamination, supporting this theory.
Why Microplastics Matter
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. According to the American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC), the average person consumes between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles per year just from food.
Once inside the body, these particles can travel through the bloodstream and have been found in the colon, liver, lungs, feces, placenta, and even breast milk, with the highest concentrations in the colon and liver.
Research also links high exposure to microplastics with increased risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke, especially in highly polluted areas.
What Can Be Done?
While environmental advocates push for stronger policies to curb plastic production and pollution, individuals can also help by:
- Avoiding single-use plastics
- Reusing or repurposing containers
- Supporting brands that use sustainable packaging
These actions can help reduce plastic waste in landfills and oceans, and encourage companies to adopt more eco-friendly practices.
