Microplastics in packaged beverages: Glass bottles not responsible; caps to blame, says glass industry body
Microplastics found in beverages packaged in glass bottles are attributable to the colour used on bottle caps instead of the bottle, according to a statement by the All India Glass Manufacturers' Federation (AIGMF). The industry body issued the statement in response to reports which stated that beverages — water, soda, iced tea, wine and beer — stored in glass bottles had higher plastic content than glass bottles, citing a study by the French agency ANSES.
The AIGMF cited the ANSES study and responses from its EU counterparts to reiterate the safety of glass usage in packaging. According to the findings of a study by Boulogne-sur-Mer unit of the ANSES Lab for Food Safety in France, 'Microplastics are present in all beverages, but those packaged in glass bottles contain more microplastic particles than those in plastic bottles, cartons or cans.'
'The study is clear that the level of microplastics found in the bottles tested is linked to the metal caps/closures of the bottles, and not from glass packaging,' AIGMF said in its statement.
On probing this difference, researchers concluded that the microplastics had probably originated from the metal caps on glass bottles — and more specifically from the paint on these caps.
In its response to the ANSES study, the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) also said that microplastics in glass bottles was 'linked to metal caps/closures of the bottles and not from glass packaging itself.'
Urging stakeholders to understand the manufacturing process of glass bottles, AIGMF president Rajesh Khosla said 'glass has been a trusted mode of packaging since ancient times.'
Elaborating on the composition of glass, Vinit Kapur, secretary, AIGMF, said glass is distinct from plastic since it is made from silica sand and recycled glass. It involves a high temperature process which does not involve plastic formation, he added.
'When plastic particles are observed in beverages packaged in glass bottles, these particles are attributed to external components like caps and closures, specifically those involving painted metal surfaces, plastic liners, or sealing compounds,' Kapur said.
AIGMF re-emphasised that glass is non-toxic and chemically inert. Apart from being completely recyclable, glass does not contain harmful additives, according to the statement. Glass does not react chemically with food or drinks contained in it, FEVE said in its response to the ANSES study.
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