A recent study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis has analyzed the content of microplastics in a wide range of drinks sold in France. The study has revealed a particularly significant fact for the world of wine: Wines bottled with cork stoppers are the best alternative to prevent the migration of microplastics, especially when compared to screw caps..

The study clearly identifies the screw cap as the main source of contamination in beverages packaged in glass bottles. The microplastics found shared color and composition with the exterior paint of the screw cap, often made with polyester resins. This contamination, according to the authors, originates during the mass storage of the caps, where friction and abrasion between capsules cause the loss of microparticles that can end up in the beverage at the time of capping.

This finding is worrying, not only due to the presence of microplastics, but also due to the possible release of chemical additives present in the decorative paints of the capsules. In fact, wine bottled in bric-a-brac, which often contain plastic or metalized elements inside, presented higher levels of microplastics.

On the other hand, the natural cork stopper, of vegetable origin, biodegradable and free of industrial paints, does not contribute contaminating particles to the wine. This scientific evidence adds to the multiple benefits of cork: sustainability, excellent aging behavior, and now also, a lower risk of microplastic contamination.

In a context where consumer health and respect for the environment are key, The cork stopper is positioned as the best option to guarantee a clean, safe wine that is aligned with the values of the conscious consumer..

Study reference:

Chaïb, I., Doyen, P., Merveillie, P., Dehaut, A., & Duflos, G. (2025). Microplastic contaminations in a set of beverages sold in France. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 144, 107719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2025.107719