The date we find on plastic or glass bottles should not mislead us: those numbers do not indicate the “expiry date” of the water but rather the period of time within which it is preferable to consume it, the so-called “Minimum shelf life”. What changes? The acronym TMC allows us to know the date within which, if stored correctly, the water maintains all its organoleptic characteristics intact: our attention should not be focused on the water, but on the bottles that can deteriorate, especially the plastic ones, recognizable by the acronym PET.
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Water packaged in plastic bottles should be stored no later than two years after bottling, three years for glass: after this time, the plastic could release traces of acetaldehyde or polyethylene terephthalate into the water, a synthetic material belonging to the polyester family that in the long term can be harmful to our health. And glass? Although it is “safer” than plastic, glass can also alter and release harmful substances: for this reason it is essential to learn how to store bottles correctly, whatever the material they are made of.
How to store and recycle mineral water bottles correctly
Glass and plastic – or rather PET, the material used to produce more than 70% of the bottles we find on the market – are materials suitable for storing water because they are impermeable to gases and microorganisms: but the stability of the materials depends on how we use and store them. To ensure that the water maintains all its organoleptic characteristics, it is important to store the bottles in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and sunlight; once opened, it is advisable to consume the water within one or two days, always making sure to close the cap.
What happens if PET changes and releases harmful substances? As it deteriorates, PET releases acetaldehyde, a substance that makes the water slightly sweet: this is the sign that the bottles have not been stored correctly. And once the water is finished? In this case, the difference between glass and plastic is not insignificant: glass can easily be reused and can contain water or other drinks again, while plastic should absolutely not be reused but disposed of in the appropriate container.
How to correctly put plastic bottles in the recycling bin? Squeeze them on the long side, like a slice of cheese: this way, the machines that work to recycle the plastic can accommodate more of it and thus be more efficient. A little tip to remember that doesn’t matter to you but, considering the billions of bottles that Italy consumes every year, it is important for the volumes of recycled plastic.
