Study: Glass Bottles Contain More Microplastics Than Plastic Bottles

New research reveals that beverages in glass bottles may contain approximately 100 plastic particles per liter, a significantly higher amount than found in plastic bottles.

According to Isaline Chaib, a microplastics expert at ANSES and lead author of the study, the finding was surprising, as they expected the opposite result. The research indicated that the microplastics likely originate from the plastic caps used to seal the glass bottles.

The study demonstrated that the amount of microplastics varies depending on the type of beverage. Water, both carbonated and non-carbonated, contained the lowest amounts, with approximately 4.5 particles per liter in glass bottles and 1.6 particles per liter in plastic bottles.

In contrast, sugary drinks showed higher levels of microplastics, with lemonades containing approximately 30 particles per liter in plastic and 40 in glass bottles. In alcoholic beverages, 60 plastic particles per liter were found in glass bottles, while almost no microplastics were found in wine.

The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to fully understand the sources and effects of microplastics in beverages.