New Study Finds More Microplastics in Glass Bottles Than Plastic Ones

Key Findings

The study examined a wide range of beverages—water, soft drinks, lemonade, beer, iced tea, and wine—packaged in glass, plastic, and metal. Surprisingly, glass bottles showed the highest levels of microplastic contamination, with up to 100 particles per liter detected in some cases. By comparison, plastic bottles averaged around 1.6 particles per liter.

Interestingly, wine—also packaged in glass—showed nearly zero contamination. Researchers believe further investigation is needed to explain this discrepancy.

Microplastics Origin: Not the Bottle, But the Cap

The research identified the paint on glass bottle caps as a major contributor to contamination. Microscopic plastic fragments originating from surface wear and friction during transport or sealing were found to match the composition of paint used on caps. These fragments can fall into the drink during opening, unintentionally introducing microplastics into the beverage.

Implications for Health and Industry

While there is currently no definitive scientific consensus on the health impact of ingesting microplastics, the presence of such particles in commonly consumed beverages has raised concern among researchers and regulators alike.

This study highlights the critical importance of quality control across all components of packaging, not just the base material.

A Practical Mitigation Strategy

One promising outcome of the study is that microplastic levels can be significantly reduced through a simple cap-cleaning process involving air-blowing, water rinsing, and alcohol sanitization. This cleaning method reduced contamination by approximately 60%, suggesting that practical, low-cost interventions are feasible for beverage manufacturers.

Our Perspective

At Wankai New Materials, we recognize that sustainability and safety go hand-in-hand. While PET packaging is often under scrutiny, this study reinforces the need for a scientific, evidence-based approach when evaluating material performance and environmental impact.

As one of the leading PET resin manufacturers, we are committed to continuous innovation and strict quality control, ensuring that our products meet both regulatory standards and the evolving expectations of global consumers and brands.

We encourage our partners and industry stakeholders to stay informed, support responsible manufacturing practices, and approach packaging design with a holistic view of safety, sustainability, and performance.

🔍 References

The Economic Times – Glass bottles for beer, soda found to contain more microplastics than plastic bottles