Plastic Bottles And Alcohol: Safe Or Not?

There are several factors to consider when storing alcohol, such as sunlight, temperature, and exposure to air. One of the most important considerations is the type of bottle used for storage. While most alcohol comes in glass bottles, plastic is often used for cheaper varieties to cut costs. Plastic is a general term encompassing various materials, and some plastics are better suited for alcohol storage than others. The primary concern with storing alcohol in plastic is the potential alteration of flavour, as alcohol can dissolve certain substances. Additionally, certain plastics may leach harmful substances like BPA and DEHP into the alcohol. As such, it is generally recommended to avoid storing alcohol in plastic bottles, especially for long periods.

Health risks of plastic bottles

While the general consensus is to avoid storing alcohol in plastic bottles, especially for long periods, the health risks of plastic bottles are not drastically more consequential for your health than the alcohol itself. However, there are still some health concerns associated with plastic bottles that are worth considering.

Firstly, certain types of plastics commonly used in beverage bottling (labelled PET or PETE) have been shown to leach trace amounts of BPA, DEHP, and other carcinogens when reused. BPA exposure is linked to multiple health issues, including fertility problems, altered brain development, cancer, and heart complications. Additionally, as plastic breaks down, it can form microplastics and nanoplastics, which can end up in our drinking water. A 2018 study found microplastics in 93% of water bottles tested from 11 major brands, and a more recent study found an average of 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic per litre of bottled water, with about 90% of these being nanoplastics.

The specific type of plastic used for whiskey bottles is different from the flimsy plastic used in disposable water bottles and is generally considered safer. However, the science behind how alcohol interacts with different types of plastic is not yet fully understood. The primary concern when storing alcohol in plastic is the potential alteration of the alcohol's flavour.

To minimise the potential health risks associated with plastic bottles, it is recommended to opt for reusable bottles made from alternative materials such as aluminium or stainless steel.

Plastic's interaction with alcohol

The interaction between plastics and alcohol is a complex topic that depends on various factors, including the type of plastic, the strength and acidity of the alcohol, and the duration of storage. While some plastics are deemed safe for short-term use with alcohol, others may leach chemicals over time, potentially impacting the taste and safety of the beverage.

Types of Plastic

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE): PET plastic is commonly used in beverage containers, including for wine and beer. It is lightweight, BPA-free, sturdy, and ideal for short-term use with lower-alcohol drinks. PET plastic may start to degrade over extended periods, especially when exposed to acidic drinks or beverages with high alcohol content.

Polypropylene (PP) plastic: PP plastic is known for its durability and is less likely to interact with the properties of the beverage. It is a better choice for stronger or more acidic wines as it is less likely to alter the flavour.

Polystyrene: This type of plastic is often used for disposable cups but may not be ideal for beverages like beer due to its flimsy nature. Polystyrene can also leach chemicals when in contact with alcohol, especially when the drink is acidic or served cold.

Alcohol Strength and Acidity

The strength and acidity of the alcohol play a crucial role in its interaction with plastic. Alcohol is a solvent that can dissolve other substances, raising concerns about whether it can dissolve the plastic in the bottle. While whiskey, for example, is not a strong enough solvent to eat away at the plastic, prolonged exposure to stronger alcohols may lead to the leaching of chemicals from the plastic into the drink. Additionally, acidic drinks can accelerate the degradation of PET plastic.

Duration of Storage

The duration for which alcohol is stored in plastic also matters. Short-term use of alcohol in plastic containers is generally considered safer, while long-term storage may lead to the leaching of chemicals, altering the taste and potentially the safety of the beverage.

In summary, the interaction between plastics and alcohol is a multifaceted topic that requires consideration of the specific type of plastic, the characteristics of the alcohol, and the duration of storage. While some plastics are suitable for casual, short-term use with alcohol, prolonged storage or the use of certain types of plastics may result in chemical leaching, potentially impacting the flavour and safety of the beverage.

Plastic's impact on alcohol taste

The impact of plastics on alcohol taste is a complex topic and depends on various factors, including the type of plastic, the strength and acidity of the alcohol, and the duration of storage.

Firstly, let's consider the type of plastic. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) is commonly used in beverage containers and is suitable for short-term storage of lower-alcohol drinks like beer and wine. However, PET plastic may degrade over time when exposed to strong or acidic alcohol. On the other hand, Polypropylene (PP) plastic is known for its durability and alcohol resistance, making it a better choice for stronger or more acidic wines and mixed drinks.

The strength and acidity of the alcohol also play a role in its interaction with plastic. High-proof alcohols, such as whiskey, rum, or tequila, can be harsher on plastic, potentially causing chemical leaching if exposed for prolonged periods. Similarly, strong or acidic wines can degrade PET plastic over time.

The duration of storage is another critical factor. While PET plastic may be suitable for short-term use, it is not recommended for long-term storage as it can degrade and affect the taste of the alcohol. Additionally, alcohol stored in plastic bottles for extended periods may lose carbonation, impacting the overall taste experience.

The quality of the plastic is also worth considering. Sturdier plastics, such as those used in liquor bottles, are likely to be better at handling alcohol than flimsy disposable water bottles. Therefore, opting for a higher-quality plastic can potentially reduce the risk of altering the flavour of the alcohol.

Lastly, it's important to note that the taste of alcohol is influenced by factors beyond the container, such as sunlight, temperature, and exposure to air. These external factors can interact with the properties of the plastic, further impacting the taste experience.

In conclusion, the impact of plastics on alcohol taste is multifaceted and depends on the specific characteristics of both the plastic and the alcohol. While some plastics may be suitable for short-term storage or casual drinking, prolonged exposure or certain types of alcohol can lead to flavour alterations and potential health risks. Therefore, it is generally recommended to opt for glass or durable plastic alternatives when storing alcohol to maintain its optimal taste and quality.

Alcohol's impact on plastic bottles

The impact of storing alcohol in a plastic bottle depends on several factors, including the type of plastic, the strength of the alcohol, and the duration of storage.

Firstly, it is important to note that "plastic" encompasses a wide range of materials, some of which are better suited for alcohol storage than others. For instance, the plastic used for whiskey bottles is generally sturdier than that of disposable water bottles. Therefore, opting for a more durable type of plastic, such as polycarbonate, HDPE, LDPE, or PP, can reduce the risk of negative interactions.

Alcohol is a solvent, capable of dissolving other substances. Higher-proof spirits can quickly dissolve certain plastics, releasing potentially harmful chemicals like BPA and DEHP, which are known carcinogens. Additionally, alcohol can absorb undesirable flavours from the plastic, negatively impacting its taste. This is a primary concern for those storing alcohol in plastic containers.

The duration of storage also matters. Short-term storage, such as for a day or to sneak alcohol into an event, is generally considered safer than long-term storage. However, some recommend avoiding plastic bottles altogether, especially for storage exceeding one year.

While glass is often recommended as the safest option for storing alcohol, it is not always practical or preferred by individuals. If plastic must be used, it is advisable to choose a sturdier plastic and limit storage to low-proof alcohol (40% alcohol or less) for a short duration.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the health risks associated with plastic storage are not significantly worse for your health than the alcohol itself. However, it is essential to consider the potential impact on the flavour and quality of the alcohol.

Short-term vs. long-term storage

The suitability of storing alcohol in a plastic bottle depends on various factors, including the type of plastic, the duration of storage, and the specific alcohol's characteristics. While some types of plastics are considered safe for short-term storage, long-term storage may pose health and quality risks.

Short-term storage:

When it comes to short-term storage, such as sneaking alcohol into an event, using a plastic bottle may be practical. Certain types of plastics commonly used in beverage bottling, labelled as PET or PETE, are generally considered safe for temporary storage. These plastics are designed to prevent significant leaching of chemicals, ensuring the alcohol remains safe to consume. Additionally, some people suggest that alcohol stored in plastic bottles for a short period, such as a day or two, is acceptable, although there may be a slight alteration in taste.

Long-term storage:

For long-term storage, it is generally recommended to avoid using plastic bottles. Alcohol is a solvent, and there is a concern that it can dissolve the plastic over time, leading to the release of harmful chemicals into the liquid. This can potentially result in adverse health effects, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or even poisoning. The risk of chemical leaching increases with longer storage durations, making it unsafe to consume. Additionally, plastic is more porous than most people realise, and alcohol can accelerate the leaching process compared to water. Therefore, glass, stainless steel, or other non-reactive materials are strongly preferred for long-term storage to maintain the quality and safety of the alcohol.

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