Can microplastics be found in bottled water and milk packaging?
Some concern. A 2025 study found microplastics in tested drinking water bottle and milk package samples, but it was a limited product study.
What's actually in it
Some drink packaging uses plastic bottles, plastic caps, or plastic-lined cartons. Tiny pieces can come from packaging materials, processing, or handling. The study below tested specific drinking water and milk samples.
What the research says
A 2025 Environ Monit Assess study tested drinking water bottle and milk package samples with microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and FESEM-EDS. Researchers found microplastics shaped as filaments, fibers, and fragments.
The study identified polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polysulfone (PSU), and polyethersulfone (PES). In the analyzed water samples, researchers found 13 particles sized 1 to 3 mm and 7 particles sized 3 to 6 mm. In milk samples, they found 2 particles sized 4 to 5 mm and 4 particles sized 2 to 3 mm.
This is a limited sample study, not a universal test of every bottle or carton. It does support reducing avoidable plastic drink contact when easy.
What you can do
Use glass cups or stainless steel bottles for water at home. When glass milk bottles are available and realistic, they can reduce plastic-lined packaging contact. Store opened drinks cold and use them on schedule.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Identification and occurrence of microplastics in drinking water bottles and milk packaging consumed by humans daily. | Environ Monit Assess | 2025 |
What to use instead
Use glass cups and glass storage at home when you want less routine contact with plastic drink packaging.
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