Storing Alcohol: Is Plastic Safe?

Whether it's safe to store alcohol in plastic depends on several factors, including the type of plastic and alcohol, duration of storage, and storage conditions. Alcohol is a solvent, so the primary concern is whether it will dissolve the plastic and alter the beverage's flavor or release harmful chemicals. Common wisdom among whiskey collectors is that plastic negatively affects flavor. Additionally, oxygen ingress through plastic can impact the flavor of oxygen-sensitive beverages like wine over time. Plastic's sealing performance is also inferior to glass, making it less suitable for long-term storage. However, some plastics, like food-grade PET containers, are suitable for short-term storage of specific alcohols like low-degree wine and beer.

The type of plastic matters

The type of plastic you use to store alcohol matters a lot. Alcohol is a solvent, which means it can dissolve other substances. The primary concern when storing alcohol in plastic is whether the alcohol will dissolve the plastic and affect its flavour. Common wisdom among whiskey collectors is that plastic does alter the flavour of the whiskey. However, the degree to which drinking whiskey from plastic is harmful is not significantly different from regularly drinking anything else from plastic, such as water or milk.

Some plastics are better at handling alcohol than others. For example, the plastic used for whiskey bottles is typically sturdier than the flimsy plastic used for disposable water bottles. If you need to use a plastic container, opt for a stronger type of plastic. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) is a type of plastic commonly used for fizzy drinks bottles and is suitable for storing beer for a short period, such as six months. However, over time, the CO2 gas will slowly diffuse through the bottle walls, causing the beer to depressurise.

Food-grade plastics are also an option for storing alcohol. Food-grade PET containers are acceptable for storing still wine, but oxygen may affect the flavour of the wine over an extended period, such as one to two years. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are other food-grade plastics that can be used for storing alcohol, with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and high-density polypropylene (HDPP) being preferable to their low-density counterparts. Polypropylene is commonly used for brewing buckets but is not suitable for containing pressurised or fizzy drinks.

It is important to note that some types of alcohol, such as high-proof spirits, should not be stored in plastic. High-proof alcohol can melt plastic, and it is unclear whether it is safe to consume alcohol that has been in contact with melted plastic. Commercial distillers typically package their products in "safe" bottles, so reusing old plastic liquor bottles for spirits of the same proof or lower is generally considered safe. However, it is best to avoid using plastic for storing alcohol whenever possible, especially if you plan on storing it for more than a year.

Alcohol strength and plastic interaction

The safety of storing alcohol in plastic depends on various factors, including the type of plastic, the strength of the alcohol, and the duration of storage. While some people advocate against using plastic for alcohol storage, others suggest that specific types of plastics can be used safely for short-term storage.

Alcohol is a solvent, which means it can dissolve certain materials, including some types of plastic. High-proof or high-strength alcohol is more likely to interact with and potentially dissolve plastics, leading to concerns about the release of harmful chemicals and alterations in the flavour of the alcohol.

The type of plastic plays a crucial role in its interaction with alcohol. Food-grade plastics, such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), and polycarbonate, are generally considered safer options for alcohol storage. These plastics are less permeable to alcohol and are less likely to leach chemicals into the liquid. However, even with these plastics, there is a risk of flavour alteration if the alcohol is stored for an extended period.

Some people recommend avoiding plastic bottles, especially for long-term storage or when dealing with high-strength alcohol. Glass is often preferred for bottling and storing alcohol as it does not interact with the liquid and provides a better seal, maintaining the quality and flavour of the alcohol.

When it comes to specific types of alcohol, the recommendations vary. For example, whiskey collectors generally advise against storing whiskey in plastic due to potential flavour alterations. On the other hand, some sources suggest that low-degree wine can be stored in food-grade PET containers for a short duration without significant issues.

In conclusion, while certain types of plastic may be suitable for short-term storage of low-strength alcohol, it is generally advisable to avoid plastic containers, especially for long-term storage or high-strength alcohol. The potential risks of plastic-alcohol interaction, including flavour changes and the release of chemicals, make glass a safer and more preferred option for bottling and storing alcohol.

Oxygen ingress and flavour

Oxygen ingress can affect the flavour of alcohol stored in plastic containers over extended periods. For example, if you are storing still wine in food-grade plastic containers, oxygen can diffuse inward, potentially impacting the flavour over a year or two. Similarly, carbonation can escape from fizzy drinks stored in plastic, leading to depressurisation over time.

The type of plastic used also plays a role in oxygen ingress and flavour preservation. Glass provides the best protection against oxygen ingress, but if plastic is the only option, then certain types of plastic are preferable. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) is a suitable choice for storing alcohol, followed by polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). When using PE or PP, opt for high-density variants (HDPE and HDPP) over low-density ones (LDPE and LDPP). These high-density plastics are better at preventing oxygen ingress and preserving flavour.

It is worth noting that some types of alcohol, such as high-proof spirits, can interact negatively with plastic. They may dissolve the plastic or be affected by leached chemicals, altering the flavour and potentially introducing harmful substances. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid storing high-proof alcohol in plastic containers.

Additionally, the taste and smell of the alcohol should be considered. Some people have reported that alcohol stored in plastic containers can take on a "'plastic taste.'" This is more noticeable with higher-quality alcohol, where any changes in flavour are more apparent.

In summary, when storing alcohol in plastic containers, consider the potential impact of oxygen ingress on flavour over time. Choose the right type of plastic to minimise oxygen ingress and preserve flavour. Avoid storing high-proof alcohol in plastic, and always consider the potential impact on taste and smell.

Health risks of plastic

Plastic is one of the most widely used materials in modern industry, but it poses serious threats to the environment and human health. The health risks of plastic should be considered when deciding whether to store alcohol in plastic containers.

Firstly, plastic waste is a significant environmental concern due to its lack of biodegradability. Plastic materials can take anywhere from 100 to 1000 years to degrade in landfills, contributing to land scarcity and polluting the air and water. The impact of plastic waste extends beyond the local environment as microplastics can be transported long distances through soil and wind, ending up in remote places like the desert sands of Iran, freshly fallen snow in Antarctica, and even on top of Mount Everest.

Secondly, the production, use, and disposal of plastics can have adverse effects on human health at every stage. People who work in industries where plastic is manufactured or used, such as construction workers, are at a particularly high risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. These chemicals have been linked to severe health issues, including cancers, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption, and developmental and reproductive problems. Even for those who are not directly involved in the plastic industry, plastic waste can infiltrate our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. Studies have found microplastics in human brains and placentas, indicating their pervasive presence in our lives.

The specific health risks associated with storing alcohol in plastic containers are primarily related to the potential for alcohol to dissolve the plastic and the subsequent ingestion of plastic particles or chemicals. While this may not be significantly more harmful than drinking water or milk from plastic containers, it is still a concern, especially for high-quality alcoholic beverages where alterations in taste are undesirable.

To mitigate the health risks associated with plastic, individuals can reduce their plastic consumption by opting for reusable alternatives and avoiding single-use plastic items. Additionally, those at high risk of exposure should take practical steps to protect themselves, such as wearing masks and washing their clothing after potential exposure.

Plastic taste

The plastic taste in drinks stored in plastic containers is due to the volatile components of plastic, such as plasticizers like bisphenols, that can be smelled and tasted by humans. Water in clear plastic bottles left in the sun can get contaminated with the products used to make the plastic, such as bisphenol A. These volatile components could also be additives, leftover monomers from the polymerization process, or breakdown products.

The degree to which drinking alcohol stored in plastic is harmful is not drastically different from regularly drinking anything else from plastic, such as water or milk. However, the common wisdom among whiskey collectors is that plastic does alter the flavor of whiskey significantly. This is because alcohol is a solvent that can dissolve other substances, and some plastics are better at handling alcohol than others. The plastic in whiskey bottles, for example, is usually of better quality than the plastic in disposable water bottles.

If you are storing still wine, food-grade PET containers are acceptable, but oxygen may affect the flavor of the wine over an extended period (e.g., 1-2 years). For shorter storage periods, any food-grade plastic container will do. PET soda bottles are also good for storing beer for a while (around 6 months), but over time, the CO2 gas will slowly diffuse through the bottle walls, and the beer will gradually depressurize.

To avoid a plastic taste in your drinks, it is best to avoid using plastic bottles, especially for long-term storage. If you need a container and your only option is plastic, opt for a sturdier type of plastic, such as HDPE or HDPP.

Frequently asked questions