Omar Khalid
Plastic packaging for alcohol is a topic that has been widely discussed, with several reasons put forward for avoiding its use. One of the primary concerns is the potential impact on the product's quality. Alcohol, especially beer, can lose carbonation and become stale in plastic bottles. Additionally, certain plastics used in beverage bottling can leach harmful chemicals like antimony, bromine, BPA, and DEHP, which pose health risks. Another factor is the perception of plastic packaging as inferior or damaging to the brand image, both from a quality and sustainability perspective. Cost is also a consideration, as producing heat-resistant plastic bottles can be more expensive, and the recycling process for coloured bottles can be more complex. While some events, such as the London 2012 Summer Olympics, have used plastic bottles for safety reasons, glass bottles and aluminium cans remain the predominant choices for alcohol packaging.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bottles can alter the flavour of alcohol
Plastic bottles can also cause alcohol to spoil and go "skunky". Beer, for example, tends to lose its carbonation and become stale in plastic bottles. This is why beer is rarely sold in plastic bottles, with the exception of certain events where glass may not be permitted, such as sports games and concerts.
The use of plastic bottles for alcohol also raises health concerns. Certain chemicals can leach into the alcohol from the plastic, such as antimony and bromine, which are present in PET bottles. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to various health issues, including irritation, gastrointestinal disorders, and even cancer.
Additionally, there is a fear that alcohol may dissolve the plastic, resulting in the consumption of plastic particles or other harmful substances. While the degree of harm from drinking whiskey from plastic may not be significantly different from drinking other beverages like water or milk from plastic, the trend towards using BPA-free plastic for food products acknowledges this issue.
The preference for glass or aluminium packaging in the alcohol industry is influenced by factors such as freshness, carbonation levels, brand image, sustainability, and consumer perception.
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Plastic may not be able to handle the alcohol content
Some plastics are better at handling alcohol than others. The plastic used for whiskey bottles, for example, is sturdier than the plastic in disposable water bottles. However, common wisdom among whiskey collectors is that plastic alters the flavour of whiskey. There is also a fear that the alcohol will dissolve the plastic, causing people to ingest bits of plastic or other harmful chemicals. This fear is not unfounded, as high-proof alcohol has been observed to 'melt' plastic in a matter of minutes.
The unknowns of using plastic are another concern. It can be difficult to determine whether plasticizers have leached out of the plastic and into the alcohol. This can spoil many hours of work, so it is often easier to avoid plastic altogether. The science behind how alcohol interacts with plastic is also not well-understood, and most research focuses on how plastics hold up to various chemicals rather than taste.
In addition to the potential health and taste issues, using plastic packaging can damage a brewer's brand image from both a quality and sustainability perspective. Many folks do not want more plastic introduced into the environment, and plastic bottles may be harder to recycle than glass or aluminium cans.
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Glass and aluminium are superior for freshness and carbonation
Glass and aluminium are also preferred by brewers and consumers alike for their aesthetic appeal. Many brewers tend to believe that plastic bottles are seen as an "inferior package" that may tarnish the perception of the beer. Consumers also seem to prefer glass and aluminium, as plastic bottles are rarely seen in beer aisles despite being widely embraced by the juice and soft-drink industries.
In addition to the potential impact on brand image, plastic packaging can also raise health concerns. Plastic bottles, especially PET bottles, contain antimony and bromine, which can leach into the drinks and cause various health issues, including gastrointestinal disorders and cancer. While the use of BPA-free plastic for food products is becoming more common, the fear of alcohol dissolving the plastic and consumers ingesting bits of plastic or harmful chemicals is still prevalent.
Furthermore, glass and aluminium offer advantages in terms of durability and reusability. Glass bottles, in particular, are known for their durability and ability to maintain the integrity of the alcohol's flavour. Glass is also preferred by some consumers for its aesthetics and the way that flavours do not linger or leach onto or from it.
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Plastic is seen as an inferior package and may damage brand image
Plastic is often seen as an inferior packaging option for alcoholic beverages. This perception can be attributed to several factors, including quality, sustainability, and safety concerns.
Firstly, plastic is associated with lower-quality products, and using it as packaging may tarnish the perception of the alcohol brand. Consumers and brewers alike often view glass and aluminium as superior packaging materials that enhance the perceived freshness, carbonation, and overall quality of the beverage. Glass bottles, in particular, are favoured for their ability to maintain carbonation levels and prevent beer from going stale or "skunky" due to light exposure.
Secondly, plastic packaging can negatively impact a brand's image from a sustainability perspective. With growing environmental concerns, introducing more plastic into the market may be seen as a step backward. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their choices, and brewers risk alienating environmentally conscious customers by using plastic packaging.
Additionally, safety concerns play a role in the perception of plastic packaging. Certain plastics may leach chemicals into the alcoholic beverage, posing potential health risks to consumers. High-proof alcohol can also react with and dissolve plastic, leading to the release of harmful chemicals or an alteration in the flavour of the beverage. These safety concerns further contribute to the perception of plastic as an inferior packaging option.
While some alcoholic beverages, such as beer, are rarely packaged in plastic bottles in certain regions, there are exceptions. For example, during the London 2012 Summer Olympics, Heineken sold beer in plastic bottles for safety reasons, as glass bottles could pose a danger in crowded venues. In other parts of the world, certain beers are commonly packaged in plastic bottles, and even within the United States, breweries may use plastic packaging for specific events or venues where glass is not permitted.
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Plastic bottles may be harder to recycle
Plastic bottles, especially Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, contain antimony, which can leach into the drinks. Antimony is a metalloid that can cause irritation of the respiratory passages, palpitation, and gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach ulcers. It can also cause cancer. Since beer can be exposed to extreme temperatures during delivery and storage, the antimony can be activated, resulting in adverse health effects.
Additionally, plastic bottles are not heat-resistant and can warp with heat. This makes them unsuitable for pasteurization, a common process in the beer industry. Plastic packaging can also damage a brewer's brand image, both from a quality and sustainability perspective, as many consumers may perceive plastic bottles as an "inferior package".
However, there are some instances where beer is packaged in plastic bottles, such as for sporting events or concert venues where glass may not be allowed for safety reasons. For example, Heineken used plastic bottles for the first time during the London 2012 Summer Olympics. While this was primarily for security reasons, the company also stated that it supported their stand on environmental issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bottles, especially PET bottles, contain antimony, a metalloid that can leach into the drinks and cause health issues. Beer also tends to lose its carbonation and become stale in plastic bottles.
The most common alternatives to plastic packaging are glass bottles and aluminium cans.
Yes, in certain situations, such as sporting events or concerts, alcohol may be packaged in plastic bottles for safety reasons. Additionally, some alcohol brands use plastic bottles in specific regions or countries.
In addition to the risk of antimony contamination, plastic bottles may leach trace amounts of BPA, DEHP, and other carcinogens into the alcohol, especially when reused. Plastic packaging can also impart an undesirable plastic taste to the alcohol.
