Six types of plastic in the form of microparticles and nanoparticles have been found in the packaging of Coca-Cola and Schweppes soft drinks, according to an investigation published Thursday by the French association Agir pour l’Environnement.
“Coca-Cola consumers must be informed about the molecular instability of plastic packaging,” said Stefan Kerckhoff, director general of the environmental group, in a statement.
Two labs studied samples of original 1-litre Coca-Cola cans and 1.5-litre Schweppes Indian Tonic after they were opened once, then 10 times and then 20 times, the number of times closest to normal use.
Thanks to infrared analysis, monitoring of microplastics, which are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, revealed the presence of six different polymers, a result that was “surprising” to the association, which noted that “the two manufacturers only declare the presence of two polymers that come into contact with the drink, namely PE (polyethylene) used in the bottle cap and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) present in the bottle,” according to the association’s report.
In Coca-Cola (46 microparticles per litre after opening the can about 20 times) as in Schweppes (62 particles per litre), the more the can is opened, the more microparticles are in the drink.
The association then spoke about a hypothesis that “the source of the microplastics that were detected is linked to the poor condition of the cover when used.”
The same observation was made regarding nanoplastic particles, whose average size increases when the package is opened and closed. The investigation stated that these particles, which were “observed in smaller quantities” and are a thousand times smaller than microplastics, are easily digested by living organisms due to their small size, and this poses a “much greater health risk” than other particles.
Schweppes and Coca-Cola Comment
Schweppes told Le Parisien on Wednesday that its packaging complies with “strict food quality requirements set by French and European health authorities,” noting that microplastics, “if present,” “were not intentionally used in the packaging.”
Coca-Cola did not comment on the results of the investigation after being contacted by AFP.
The association explained that the study has no scientific value, but it shows a “relationship” between fine particles and beverage containers, recalling that “the body’s reception and accumulation of fine particles represent major health risks that are still not well known.” The association called on the “Directorate-General for Health” (DGS), the “French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety” (Anses) and the “Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention” (DGCCRF) to take measures to “put an end” to this use.
In July 2022, the association “Ager pour l’Environnement” conducted a similar study on 9 water bottles.