This is too good so it deserves its own thread 
Microplastic Contamination: SodaStream vs. Canned Sparkling Water
Microplastics in Sparkling Water – Recent Studies
Recent research shows that microplastic particles are common in bottled and canned beverages:
• Bottled water contamination: A 2018 analysis found microplastics in 93% of bottled water samples (259 bottles from 11 brands) . On average, hundreds of plastic particles per liter were present, with one study reporting about 325 particles/L in bottled waters . More recent high-sensitivity tests detected even greater numbers (on the order of 10^5 particles per liter, mostly microscopic “nanoplastics”) in single-use bottled water .
• Soft drinks and other beverages: Microplastic contamination isn’t limited to plain water. A 2023 study of non-alcoholic beverages in Italy (sodas and teas) found an average of ~9 microplastic pieces per liter . Nearly all beverage samples tested (of various brands) contained some microplastics . Most of the particles found were tiny fibers.
• Tap water vs. packaged water: Studies suggest that packaged waters tend to contain far more microplastics than tap water. For example, one report notes bottled water has about 60× higher microplastic levels than typical tap water . Researchers have even observed that microplastic fiber levels in many bottled brands were twice as high as those in tap water from the same regions . This difference is attributed to the packaging and bottling process itself, as well as the plastic caps.
In short, virtually all commercially sold sparkling waters tested to date — whether in plastic bottles, cans, or other packaging — show some degree of microplastic contamination. The amount can range from a few particles per liter up to many thousands, depending on the product and testing method .
SodaStream: Microplastic Considerations
Using a SodaStream (especially with glass carafes) can significantly reduce exposure to plastic, but there are still some factors to consider regarding microplastics:
• Minimal plastic contact: SodaStream’s Aqua Fizz and similar models use glass bottles, which eliminates the continuous contact with plastic that you get in plastic bottled water . By carbonating water in glass, you avoid leaching or shedding from plastic bottle walls. This already gives SodaStream an advantage in lowering microplastic contamination. Any microplastics present would mainly come from the source water or small device components, not from a large plastic container.
• Plastic components in the device: SodaStream machines do have some plastic parts that touch the water, notably the carbonation nozzle/tube (often a white plastic mechanism) and bottle caps or seals. These parts are durable, food-grade plastics, but over time and repeated use they can experience slight wear. Mechanical friction or stress on plastic can release microplastic fragments – for instance, each twist of a plastic cap on a bottle can shed an estimated 500 microplastic particles into the water . In the SodaStream context, the threaded bottle cap (if you store fizzy water) or the act of screwing a bottle into the machine could similarly generate tiny plastic debris. The good news is that SodaStream glass carafes often use a lever lock instead of screw threads, reducing this source of abrasion.
• Bottle replacement and safety: SodaStream’s reusable bottles (if plastic) come with expiration dates. This isn’t just for pressure safety – it’s also because the plastic can fatigue and start to degrade after years of repeated carbonation cycles. Old, scratched bottles are more prone to shedding microplastics. Replacing bottles as recommended and using glass where possible keeps microplastic release to a minimum. One study confirmed that reusing the same plastic bottle over and over leads to increased microplastic shedding from the bottle’s neck and cap, even if the bottle walls themselves don’t significantly shed . This underlines why switching to glass bottles or timely bottle replacement is wise.
• Source water quality: The water you put into a SodaStream can contain microplastics on its own (tap water isn’t completely free of them, and unfiltered tap can have some micros). Using a good water filter (e.g. carbon block or reverse osmosis) can help. Consumer advocates point out that using filtered tap water for drinking (and carbonation) drastically lowers ingestion of microplastics compared to buying pre-bottled drinks . In essence, a SodaStream lets you control water quality – if you start with water that’s been filtered to remove particles, your sparkling water will have correspondingly fewer contaminants.
Bottom line: A SodaStream with a glass carafe and filtered water offers a way to enjoy sparkling water with minimal microplastic contamination. There may be a small contribution from the device’s plastic fittings, but this is likely negligible compared to the hundreds or thousands of particles that could be present in single-use packaged drinks. Regularly checking and cleaning the SodaStream components (and replacing any worn parts) can mitigate any minor shedding that does occur.
Canned Sparkling Water: Microplastic Sources
Popular sparkling water brands like LaCroix, Kirkland Signature, Polar, Spindrift, and Canada Dry are typically sold in aluminum cans. At first glance, cans seem to avoid plastic – but in reality, aluminum beverage cans are lined with a thin plastic resin coating on the inside . This liner is critical to prevent the carbonated water (especially if it’s flavored or acidic) from corroding the metal can or picking up a metallic taste. However, the presence of this liner means canned sparkling water is not entirely free of plastic contact:
• Plastic liner and seals: Every aluminum can has an inner epoxy or polymer lining . While it’s bonded to the metal, small fragments of this lining could potentially break off, especially if there are imperfections or if the can is subjected to temperature changes. Additionally, the can’s lid often includes a plastic sealing ring. When you pop open a can, the force might dislodge tiny pieces of that seal or lining. This is a possible source of microplastics in canned drinks (albeit on a much smaller scale than in a fully plastic bottle).
• Manufacturing and filling process: Microplastics can infiltrate beverages during production. Factories have ambient microplastic fibers in the air (from dust, machinery, workers’ clothing, etc.), which can settle into the liquid. Also, the water used by manufacturers could contain microplastics if not highly filtered. One study noted that microplastic contamination in beverages can come from wash-down water, factory air, or equipment, meaning the issue isn’t just the packaging itself . Thus, even drinks in cans or glass can have some micros from processing.
• Findings in canned beverages: There is limited public data specifically breaking out microplastic levels by can-packaged seltzers vs. others. However, given that virtually all brands tested in studies showed some microplastics , it’s reasonable to assume canned sparkling waters have a comparable order of magnitude of contamination as other packaged drinks (probably on the order of a few to a few dozen particles per liter in typical situations, based on studies of mineral water). Notably, a German study found microplastics in mineral waters bottled in glass and cans as well – even those containers had fibers likely from caps or filters. So none of the major brands (LaCroix, Polar, Spindrift, Canada Dry, etc.) are likely completely free of microplastics, although their levels may be lower than found in plastic bottled water.
• Comparison to SodaStream scenario: Unlike a reusable bottle, a single-use can isn’t opened and closed repeatedly by the consumer (which is a major source of microplastic shedding in bottles ). That works in cans’ favor – you’re not grinding plastic threads against each other over multiple uses. However, the can’s one-time opening and the constant contact of liquid with the can’s liner throughout its shelf life still introduce some microplastic risk. In contrast, SodaStream water made in glass only contacts plastic briefly (during carbonation) and is usually consumed soon after, rather than sitting in packaging for months.
In summary, canned sparkling waters do contain small amounts of microplastic, arising from their plastic linings, sealing gaskets, and general production environment. While cans eliminate large plastic bottles, they don’t completely eliminate microplastic exposure. That’s why some experts suggest favoring drinks packaged in glass when buying commercial beverages, or better yet, making your own sparkling water at home .
Industry Insights on Reducing Microplastic Exposure
Home carbonation vs. store-bought: Health and sustainability experts often promote using home carbonation systems (like SodaStream) as a way to minimize microplastic intake and reduce plastic waste. By carbonating at home, you have total control over the water source and avoid single-use packaging. For example, Food & Wine magazine noted that you can’t control what’s in bottled water, but “purifying and carbonating your water at home may be the safest and healthiest option” for sparkling water lovers . The Center for Environmental Health likewise recommends DIY sparkling water with devices that use glass bottles to “avoid plastic bottles as much as possible” (both for health and environmental reasons). These industry and advocacy viewpoints highlight that fewer plastic contacts = fewer microplastics.
Plastic component safety: The beverage industry generally maintains that the microplastic levels found so far in drinks are low and not yet proven to harm health. For instance, a study on microplastics in mineral water concluded the amounts present “are not considered a safety concern” at current exposure levels . That said, scientists are calling for more research on potential long-term health effects of consuming microplastics . Manufacturers like SodaStream emphasize that their products are food-safe, and the plastics used (e.g., in carbonation mechanisms or bottle caps) meet regulatory standards. Still, as a precaution, SodaStream provides expiration dates on bottles and care instructions to prevent degradation. The fact that SodaStream bottles eliminate thousands of single-use bottles or cans per household is a major environmental benefit , indirectly helping reduce the overall microplastic pollution in ecosystems as well.
Filtering and material choices: Another insight from water quality experts is to filter your water and use inert containers. If you’re especially concerned about microplastics, using a high-quality filter for your tap water can remove some particles before carbonation. Some companies (and even SodaStream’s own marketing) suggest that using glass or stainless steel for storage and drinking is preferable to plastic, to avoid any leaching or particle shedding . Competing home carbonation devices like Aarke have highlighted their metal construction as a selling point (no plastic nozzle in contact with water), reflecting a growing consumer interest in microplastic-free design. The industry is aware of these concerns and we may see more “microplastic-free” branding in the future as a response.
In essence, both industry professionals and health advocates agree on one thing: reducing contact between beverages and plastic surfaces is key. Home carbonation in glass and choosing products packaged in glass (or at least cans over plastic bottles) are frequently cited steps to achieve this.
Summary of Findings
• Microplastic contamination is widespread in commercially bottled and canned sparkling waters. Studies found microplastic particles in the vast majority of bottled waters , and measurable levels have also been detected in sodas, teas, and likely canned seltzers. Even cans, which are metal, have a plastic liner that can introduce microplastics .
• SodaStream with glass carafes tends to have lower microplastic levels because the water isn’t stored in plastic. By using filtered tap water and a glass bottle, you avoid many of the contamination sources inherent in factory-bottled drinks. The only plastic exposure is from small components (like the carbonation nozzle and seals), which contribute far fewer particles than a single-use plastic bottle would.
• SodaStream’s plastic parts can release some microplastics over time, but this is minimal if the equipment is maintained. Research shows that repeated mechanical stress (such as twisting caps on/off) does create microplastic fragments , which is why SodaStream bottles shouldn’t be used beyond their recommended lifespan. Using the glass carbonation bottle and limiting how often you twist/turn any plastic caps further cuts down this risk.
• Canned sparkling water brands (LaCroix, Kirkland, Polar, Spindrift, Canada Dry, etc.) are not immune to microplastics, despite avoiding large plastic bottles. Their drinks contact plastic linings and go through industrial processes that can introduce microplastics. While the levels in a can of seltzer might be lower than in water from a cheap plastic bottle, you’re still likely ingesting some microscopic plastic with each can .
• Experts recommend home-carbonation and glass containers to reduce microplastic exposure. By “making your own bubbles,” you sidestep the numerous opportunities for plastics to shed into your drink during mass production and packaging . If you do buy packaged sparkling water, glass-bottled options (or cans, if glass isn’t available) are preferable over plastic bottles . And in all cases, filtering your water is a smart step since even tap water can have some microplastic content.
Overall, the evidence suggests that SodaStream (with glass bottles) offers a cleaner alternative with regard to microplastic contamination when compared to typical canned sparkling water. It allows you to enjoy the fizz while significantly cutting down on the tiny plastic extras that might come with store-bought bubbly water .
Sources: Recent studies and reports on microplastics in beverages and packaging , as well as expert commentary on home carbonation and packaging impacts . Each citation above corresponds to a source backing the statements made.
Microplastic Contamination in SodaStream vs Bottled vs Canned Sparkling Water
Microplastics in Sparkling Water: An Overview
Recent studies show that microplastic particles are pervasive in drinking water – including sparkling waters. A 2018 global test of 259 bottled waters (11 brands in 9 countries) found 93% of samples contained microplastics . On average, bottled water had roughly twice as many plastic particles (>100 µm) as tap water . Counts varied widely – one bottle had over 10,000 microplastic particles per liter , while some had none. Smaller particles (<100 µm) were also detected in many samples, likely plastic or other human-made debris . Another recent study using advanced imaging (including nanoplastics) found an average of about 240,000 plastic fragments per liter in bottled water (90% were nano-sized) . These fragments were mainly polyamide (nylon) – often from filtration processes – and PET from the bottles themselves . In soft drinks (sodas and seltzers), researchers in Turkey found about 9 microplastic particles per liter on average , though methods and size ranges differ across studies. Overall, it’s clear that most commercially packaged drinks – even “pure” sparkling waters – contain at least trace microplastics from various sources.
Key Sources of Contamination: Experts believe microplastics in beverages come from multiple points: the water source (environmental contamination), packaging materials, and industrial bottling processes . Packaging is a major factor – plastic bottles can shed particles, bottle caps/liners contribute bits of polypropylene, and even glass bottling lines may introduce plastics via filters or coatings . The degree of carbonation and handling can also play a role: one study found highly carbonated water in plastic bottles had significantly more microplastic fragments (~99/L) than still water (~12/L) from the same bottles . This suggests carbonation (and the pressure changes it causes) can accelerate the release of microplastics from plastic packaging. Repeated opening and reuse of containers amplifies this effect – for example, a French test with soda bottles found microplastic counts jumped from ~4 particles/L after the first opening to 62/L after 20 openings, as the PET bottle underwent wear and tear . With this context in mind, we can compare SodaStream home-carbonated water to commercial products like San Pellegrino (glass bottle) and popular canned seltzers.
SodaStream Sparkling Water (Glass Carafes)
Using a SodaStream with glass carafes can significantly limit microplastic contamination. In this setup, tap or filtered water is carbonated in a glass bottle, avoiding contact with disposable plastics. Glass is inert and does not shed microplastics the way plastic bottles do. Any microplastics in SodaStream water would mostly come from the source water itself or minor elements like the machine’s seals or the bottle cap. Municipal tap water generally contains far fewer microplastics than bottled water – studies have found tap water samples with about half the microplastic count of bottled water on average . (One analysis detected an average ~50 particles/L in tap water versus higher levels in many packaged waters .) If you use a good home water filter (e.g. carbon block or reverse osmosis) before carbonating, you can reduce this even further, as some filters are certified to remove microplastics.
Importantly, the SodaStream carbonation process itself is not a significant source of microplastics. The CO₂ gas comes from a metal cylinder, and when using a glass carafe, the carbonated water has minimal contact with plastic components. (Some SodaStream models have a plastic nozzle or internal parts, but the exposure is brief and not known to shed notable debris.) In contrast, SodaStream’s plastic bottles (for models that use BPA-free PET bottles) do have a limited lifespan and expiration date, partly because repeated pressurization can cause material fatigue. Over time, tiny cracks or abrasion in a plastic carbonating bottle could release microplastic shavings – which is why the company advises replacing plastic bottles every 2–4 years . By using the glass carafe model (e.g. SodaStream Aqua Fizz), you avoid that issue entirely. Environmental health advocates specifically recommend glass for homemade carbonated water to “play it safe and avoid plastic bottles”, noting that microplastics were found in 93% of plastic water bottles tested . In fact, making your own sparkling water at home with glass bottles gives you total control over water quality and greatly minimizes plastic exposure .
Overall, SodaStream water with a glass carafe is expected to have very low microplastic levels – likely on par with or slightly above your tap water’s baseline. You’re essentially eliminating the contamination that would be introduced by single-use packaging. Even industry sources concede that a large share of microplastic in beverages comes from packaging and bottling, not the water itself . As Food & Wine put it, “You can’t control what’s in your bottled water, but purifying and carbonating your water at home may be the safest and healthiest option for sparkling water lovers.” This suggests that a SodaStream (especially used with filtered water and glass) carries minimal microplastic risk compared to pre-bottled or canned drinks.
San Pellegrino (Glass Bottle) Sparkling Water
San Pellegrino is a premium sparkling mineral water often sold in 33.8 fl oz (1 L) glass bottles. Intuitively, one might expect water in glass to be microplastic-free, since the container isn’t plastic. Indeed, glass eliminates direct shedding of PET or other plastics into the water. However, studies show that even glass-bottled waters are not completely free of microplastic contamination. In the Orb Media investigation, San Pellegrino (owned by Nestlé) was one of the brands tested . The results indicated that microplastics were present, though levels were lower than in plastic bottles of comparable water . (Orb’s data suggested packaging was a partial source, since the plastic bottled samples had more particles than glass samples from the same water source .)
A 2017 study in Water Research specifically compared mineral waters in different packaging and found an average of 50 ± 52 microplastic particles per liter in glass-bottled waters . Interestingly, this was higher than what they found in single-use plastic bottles (~14 ± 14 per L) in that particular study . Why would glass containers show any plastics? Researchers suspect secondary sources of contamination: one is the bottle cap and seal (usually plastic or with plastic liner). San Pellegrino’s glass bottles use a metal crown cap with a plastic liner and a tamper-evident plastic film over the cap’s exterior. Tiny fragments from the cap/liner could fall in when the bottle is opened. In the German study, however, polypropylene (common in caps) accounted for only a small fraction of particles found in glass-packaged water . The authors pointed to the bottling process itself as another source. For instance, glass bottles are often coated with a microscopic polyethylene spray on the production line to reduce scratching and breakage . Such coatings (called “cold-end” coatings) or other machinery parts could shed minuscule plastic particles into the water during filling . Additionally, any filtration used at the source can introduce microplastics – remember the bottled water study above found nylon fibers from filters in many samples .
San Pellegrino is drawn from a natural spring in Italy, so environmental microplastics (like airborne fibers or particles in source water) might also be present. Many microplastics found in bottled waters are fibers of polyester or cellulose, likely from air contamination in the bottling facility or clothing of workers . In one analysis of various bottled waters, cellulose fibers (from cotton or paper) made up 68% of particles – not technically plastic, but often counted in microplastic studies as anthropogenic fibers. The presence of these in glass-bottled water suggests that no packaging type is immune to contamination from the ambient environment.
In summary, San Pellegrino in glass bottles contains fewer microplastics than the same water in plastic bottles, and far fewer than the amounts seen in cheap plastic bottled waters . But it is not completely free of microplastics. Expect on the order of tens of particles per liter (possibly more if considering nano-sized pieces). The sources likely include the plastic cap/liner, filtration fibers, or incidental plastics from the bottling line . The good news is that by choosing glass over plastic, you avoid ingesting the hundreds or thousands of PET shards that can shed from disposable plastic bottles . Industry experts and environmental health groups generally consider glass packaging a safer choice for minimizing microplastic exposure . Just be aware it’s not a perfect solution – even a glass-bottled sparkling water will have some microscopic debris from processing.
Canned Sparkling Water (LaCroix, Kirkland, Polar, Spindrift, Canada Dry)
Aluminum cans are a popular container for sparkling water – all the brands mentioned (LaCroix, Kirkland Signature, Polar, Spindrift, Canada Dry) sell carbonated water in cans. On the surface, cans seem unrelated to “plastic,” but virtually all beverage cans have an inner plastic lining. This lining (often an epoxy resin or polymer blend) is critical to prevent the liquid from corroding the metal and to avoid a metallic taste . However, it means canned drinks are in continuous contact with a thin layer of plastic. Over time, and especially with carbonation, these liners can leach microplastic particles into the beverage . Modern can linings may be epoxy-based or use alternatives like acrylic, polyester, or polypropylene coatings – none of which are completely immune from shedding tiny fragments .
While specific data on microplastic counts in canned sparkling water is limited, experts believe the levels could be comparable to or higher than those in bottled drinks. One analysis noted that “hundreds of thousands of particles could be ingested with every serving” of canned food or drink due to liner shedding . This ballpark estimate is in line with the high counts found in bottled water when very small particles are included (on the order of 10^5 per liter) . The longer a carbonated water sits in the can, the more microplastics may migrate from the lining . Factors like acidity and carbonation can accelerate this process: acidic beverages (e.g. soda with citric/phosphoric acid) are known to cause more leaching than neutral water . Plain seltzer is less aggressive than soda, but the carbonic acid and CO₂ pressure still contribute over time.
Beyond the liner itself, other plastic elements in cans include the pull-tab and seal on the top. When you pop a can, the motion might dislodge small bits of the lining or plastic gasket. Also, like any factory-sealed product, microplastics can come from processing aids. For example, if the water or flavorings are filtered through plastic membranes, or if any plastic tubing is used in the filling machinery, that could introduce particles (similar to the nylon filter fibers in bottled water) . The brands listed likely use municipal or spring water sources that are filtered and UV-treated; without specific tests, we can assume all will have some baseline microplastic content from water and very fine plastic dust from the canning environment. A 2022 review on microplastics in beverages emphasized that packaging is a major entry route and pointed out that even beer and soda in cans contain microplastics from their liners and processing .
It’s worth noting that canned sparkling waters avoid the larger plastic fragments (like the visible flakes sometimes found in plastic bottles) but may instead contribute more nanoplastics or microscopic particles from the can lining. Because these particles are tiny, consumers won’t see them – but they have been detected with advanced techniques. In summary, canned sparkling waters are not microplastic-free. They likely contain a similar magnitude of microplastic contamination as bottled water, stemming from the can’s interior plastic coating. For example, one materials science writer flatly stated: “Aluminum and tin cans… can leach microplastic particles. Beverages stored in cans, like sodas, beers, seltzers, and even canned water, also have these linings – the longer the liquids are stored, the more microplastics are released” . If minimizing microplastic ingestion is a priority, some experts advise to limit consumption of canned drinks or opt for those packaged in glass instead . In the context of our comparison: LaCroix, Kirkland, Polar, Spindrift, and Canada Dry (when canned) all share this packaging-related risk. Without lab results differentiating the brands, it’s reasonable to treat them as roughly equivalent in microplastic contamination – any small differences would come from their water source and manufacturing practices, rather than the brand name.
How Packaging Materials Influence Microplastic Levels
Packaging plays a pivotal role in how many microplastics end up in your sparkling water. Here’s a breakdown of common packaging types and their impact:
• Plastic Bottles (PET) – Tend to shed microplastics, especially when reused or exposed to heat and pressure. Each re-opening or squeezing of a PET bottle can scrape off tiny plastic fragments. Studies found PET bottles often introduce polypropylene (from caps) and PET shards into water . A new, unopened single-use plastic bottle might only add a few particles (in one controlled study, single-use bottles had ~14 particles/L, similar to background levels ). But with handling and time, this can spike. For instance, Coca-Cola in PET showed a jump from 4 to 62 particles/L after 20 cap twists . On the extreme end, including nano-sized debris, a plastic bottle can contain 110,000–370,000 plastic bits per liter . Bottom line: plastic bottles are a significant source of microplastic ingestion .
• Reusable Plastic Bottles (e.g. SodaStream PET) – These are made of thicker PET and designed for multiple uses, but over dozens or hundreds of carbonation cycles, they can wear out. The highest microplastic counts in one study were from refillable plastic bottles (avg. 118 ± 88 particles/L), far exceeding single-use bottles . Tiny cracks or abrasions from repeated pressurization act as sources of plastic dust . This is why SodaStream expires its plastic bottles after a set period. If using a home carbonation system, it’s safer to switch to glass bottles to avoid this wear-related shedding .
• Glass Bottles – Glass itself doesn’t contribute microplastics, but indirectly there can be contamination. Plastic caps/lids on glass bottles can shed a bit of polypropylene or polyethylene. Moreover, industrial bottling lines for glass often use plastic coatings or equipment (conveyor belts, filters) that introduce particles . In tests, glass-bottled water showed tens of microplastics per liter, sometimes more than plastic, likely due to these secondary sources . Still, glass eliminates the major source (the bottle walls), so overall it’s considered cleaner than plastic. Ensuring glass bottles are single-use (to avoid scuffing and re-use contamination) and having good quality control in the plant can minimize microplastics. San Pellegrino’s use of glass is a positive in this regard, though not a total guarantee of zero plastics.
• Aluminum Cans (with liners) – Every aluminum can holding a beverage has a micro-thin polymer liner. Common liner materials (epoxy, BPA-NI replacements, acrylic, polyester, etc.) can all shed microscopic bits into liquids over time . Because the liner coats the entire interior, the contact area is large. Think of it as a very thin plastic bottle inside the can. As a result, canned drinks can contain microplastics from the moment of filling, and the count increases with storage duration . There’s less data publicly available on microplastic counts for cans, but cautionary reports suggest levels comparable to bottled water. Unlike a PET bottle, an aluminum can isn’t usually reused by the consumer, so you won’t get wear from handling – but the initial filling and sealing process might generate particles, and any solvent residues in the liner can slowly release solids. In short, cans reduce large plastic pieces, but not micro/nano plastic leaching.
• Others (Cartons/Paper) – Not directly asked, but for completeness: Beverage cartons (like Tetrapak for water or juice) have plastic layers too. One study found similar microplastic levels in water from cartons as in plastic bottles (~11 particles/L) . These were mainly larger cellulose fibers (>100 µm) from the paper, showing that even “paper” packages aren’t immune . However, since the user’s focus is on glass vs aluminum vs SodaStream, cartons are less relevant here.
In summary, packaging material strongly correlates with microplastic contamination. Plastic packaging (especially reused) is the biggest contributor. Glass minimizes direct leaching but can still pick up stray plastic from caps or processing. Aluminum cans have hidden plastics that can leach particles as well. This understanding aligns with recommendations from health advocates: choose glass over plastic, and be mindful that even cans are lined with plastic . By contrast, home carbonation in glass effectively sidesteps most packaging issues, leaving just the tap water quality to consider.
Industry Insights: Home Carbonation vs Commercial Bottled/Canned
The rise of microplastic awareness has not gone unnoticed in the beverage industry. However, official stances often reassure consumers. The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) responded to the Orb Media findings by calling them “alarmist” and emphasized that the study was not peer-reviewed . Industry representatives note that microplastic particles are ubiquitous in the environment (in air, soil, etc.), implying that bottled water is being unfairly singled out . They stress that there is no current evidence of health risk at the levels detected, and that bottled water is still safe by regulatory standards . In short, the bottled water industry’s position is that any microplastics present are at trace levels and likely come from general environmental exposure during manufacturing. (Regulators have yet to set specific microplastic limits in drinking water, partly due to unresolved questions about health impact.)
On the other hand, many experts and consumer advocates are urging proactive measures. Scientists behind these studies suggest that packaging and processes be improved to reduce microplastic contamination . For example, using higher quality filters that don’t shed fibers, avoiding excessive reuse of plastic bottles, or exploring alternative inert liners for cans. There’s also a push for more research into potential health effects, since microplastics could act as carriers for chemicals or bacteria and possibly trigger inflammation when ingested . As a precaution, organizations like the Center for Environmental Health recommend avoiding plastic packaging when possible (since we already know plastic can leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals and shed particles) . Their advice for sparkling water lovers: “Reducing plastic use is even more important for environmental health… Your choice of carbonated beverage is that much better when it doesn’t come with plastic!” . Glass bottles or making your own fizz are touted as safer options in this regard .
Home carbonation systems like SodaStream have been highlighted as a way to take control. Not only can you use filtered tap water (cutting out contaminants like PFAS and heavy metals if your filter is good ), but you also eliminate the unknowns of factory bottling. Food & Wine noted that by using a countertop soda maker, you can ensure your water is purified and then carbonate it, bypassing the plastic packaging entirely . This resonates with environmentally conscious consumers who are worried about both their health and the planet (SodaStream markets itself as reducing single-use plastic waste). From an industry perspective, while SodaStream is actually owned by PepsiCo, it represents a different model – selling CO₂ and equipment rather than bottled product. Traditional beverage companies are also exploring alternatives like canned water (e.g., PepsiCo’s Aquafina in aluminum bottles/cans) and glass packaging for premium lines, partly in response to consumer concerns about plastic.
One interesting industry insight is that some contamination may come from processing aids that are unexpected. For instance, that Columbia University study (PNAS 2024) found nylon and polystyrene fragments, which likely come from water treatment steps (membrane filters, etc.) . This means even if a company moved to all-glass bottles, if they use plastic filters, microplastics could still end up in the drink. A truly holistic solution might involve overhauling parts of the production process (e.g., switching to stainless steel or ceramic filters where possible).
For now, many experts conclude that “the safest course for consumers is to minimize drinking water from plastic or lined containers when alternatives are available.” In practice:
• Use a home filter and drink tap or home-carbonated water in glass, to drastically cut down microplastic and chemical exposures .
• If buying packaged sparkling water, choose glass bottles over plastic or cans whenever feasible . (For example, Perrier or San Pellegrino in glass would be preferable to plastic bottles of seltzer or canned seltzers from a microplastic standpoint.)
• Don’t reuse single-use plastic bottles for long, and replace reusable plastic bottles as recommended to avoid wear-related shedding .
• Recognize that even the best options still have some microplastics – it’s virtually impossible to avoid them entirely in modern processed foods and drinks.
In summary, home carbonation systems (like SodaStream) offer a compelling way to reduce microplastic intake compared to commercial bottled or canned sparkling waters. The trade industry might not openly advertise that “our cans and bottles contain microplastics,” but the science is increasingly clear that they do. So, taking matters into your own hands – filtering your water and using glass – is seen as a prudent choice by many researchers and health advocates . On the other side, the beverage industry is beginning to innovate in response to plastic pollution concerns, but for now, if microplastic exposure is a major worry, your own kitchen might be the safest source of fizz.
Summary of Findings
• SodaStream with Glass Carafes: Home-carbonated water contains only the microplastics present in the source water (tap) and negligible added contamination from equipment. Tap water generally has lower microplastic levels than bottled water . Using glass bottles means no PET shedding, so SodaStream in glass likely yields very low microplastic counts (on the order of a few to a few dozen per liter at most). This is supported by advice to avoid plastic bottles and make your own sparkling water to minimize microplastic exposure .
• San Pellegrino (Glass Bottle): Even in glass, this mineral water can have some microplastics due to caps and bottling processes. Studies detected roughly tens of particles per liter in glass-bottled waters . San Pellegrino in Orb’s study had microplastic contamination (as did 93% of bottled waters) but plastic bottles showed higher levels than glass . Likely sources are the plastic cap/liner and any filtration fibers . Overall contamination is moderate – far less than plastic-bottled water, but not zero.
• Canned Sparkling Waters (LaCroix, Kirkland, Polar, Spindrift, Canada Dry): All aluminum cans are lined with plastic that can leach microplastics into the drink . No public lab tests are available for these specific brands’ microplastic content, but by analogy to other beverages, canned seltzers are expected to contain microplastic fragments from the liner and production. The levels could be comparable to bottled water. Extended storage and carbonation can increase shedding from the liner . In short, canned sparkling waters do contain microplastics, despite the metal can – they are not immune to plastic contamination due to that inner coating.
• Packaging Impact: Packaging material is a driving factor in microplastic levels. Plastic bottles (especially reused) are the worst offenders, adding significant microplastic debris . Glass bottles eliminate direct plastic leaching but can still have contaminants from caps or machinery . Aluminum cans have hidden plastic linings that contribute microplastics over time . Thus, the rank from lowest to highest contamination risk (in general) would be: home-filtered water in glass (best) < glass-bottled water < aluminum canned water < plastic-bottled water (worst) – acknowledging there is overlap and all can contain some microplastics .
• Industry vs. Consumer Approaches: Bottled water companies maintain that their products are safe and that microplastic levels are too low to harm, though they agree more research is needed . Independent researchers and health organizations advise consumers to take precautions now – by reducing reliance on single-use plastics, opting for glass or DIY carbonation, and pushing for better standards. Home carbonation systems are often highlighted as a way to enjoy sparkling water with minimal plastic contamination . In essence, greater control over your water and packaging = fewer microplastics in your drink.
Sources: Recent studies and analyses have informed these findings, including Orb Media’s bottled water investigation , peer-reviewed research on microplastics in bottled vs. tap water , industry commentary , and expert advice on packaging choices . Each point above is supported by the referenced research or reports, underscoring the importance of packaging material and handling in microplastic contamination levels. Enjoy your bubbles – and choosing the right container can help keep them as clean as possible.