Up to 50 times more microplastics in glass-bottle drinks than plastic ones

EnvironmentFood
24 Jun 2025 • 10:35 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A new study indicates that beverages sold in glass bottles may contain significantly more microplastic particles than those in plastic bottles or metal cans.
  • Researchers, including those from France's food safety agency ANSES, found an average of 100 microplastic particles per litre in glass bottles of various drinks.
  • This level of contamination is surprisingly five to 50 times greater than that found in plastic bottles, a finding that contradicted scientists' expectations.
  • The study suggests that the paint on bottle caps is the likely main source of microplastic contamination in glass bottles.
  • Scientists recommend that glass bottle manufacturers clean new capsules before capping to significantly reduce microplastic contamination.

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