French Study by ANSES Misleading on Microplastics

GPI Statement in Response to Misleading Microplastics Study

We are pleased to see that the French public health agency ANSES has updated its previously misleading summary of the microplastics study it conducted. The original release misdirected readers by emphasizing the wrong data points and contributed to the “clickbait” nature of much of today’s media coverage. The study itself contains important insights that were largely overlooked in any headlines, particularly the discovery of a new unrecognized source of microplastics: painted metal caps used on some glass bottles.

The findings confirmed that some level of microplastics were present across all products and packaging formats, but the unexpected detection in glass-packaged products prompted closer examination. Given that glass is inert and widely recognized as a safe and sustainable packaging material, this warranted further investigation. The study ultimately traced the source of most of the microplastics, not to the glass itself, but to the handling and management of painted metal closures. Notably, wine packaged in glass and sealed with natural cork did not show elevated microplastic levels—further validating the source of most of the microplastics found in samples.

These findings should shift the focus toward the role of painted and closure management in microplastic contamination, especially in combination with otherwise inert packaging materials like glass.  The study also recommends that beverage producers pre-clean painted metal caps prior to use. It suggests a broader responsibility for brands to work with closure suppliers and bottlers to assess alternatives or to implement better handling and cleaning practices before application on any packaging format.

We will continue working with partners in the glass and closure industries to develop updated guidance and best practices around closure management for glass containers.