"Incomparable" Levels of Microplastics Found in Contrex and Hépar Bottled Water, Reveals Investigation

• What Did the Investigation Reveal?
• How Do Microplastics End Up in Bottled Water?
• Which Brands Are Affected?
• What Are the Health Implications?
• How Does This Compare to Tap Water?
• What’s Being Done About It?
• Can Consumers Protect Themselves?
• FAQs

Hold onto your water bottles, folks—turns out your "pure" mineral water might come with an unexpected side of plastic. A recent investigation uncovered shockingly high levels of microplastics in popular bottled water brands Contrex and Hépar, raising serious questions about what we’re really drinking. Below, we dive into the gritty details, the science behind the findings, and what this means for consumers.

What Did the Investigation Reveal?

The study detected what researchers described as "incomparable" concentrations of microplastics in samples of Contrex and Hépar bottled water. These tiny plastic particles, often invisible to the naked eye, are increasingly found in food and water supplies worldwide. While the health impacts are still being studied, the sheer volume found here is alarming.

How Do Microplastics End Up in Bottled Water?

Microplastics can infiltrate water sources through multiple pathways: degradation of larger plastic waste, synthetic fibers from clothing, or even the bottling process itself. Some studies suggest that the act of opening and closing a plastic bottle can release additional particles into the water. It’s a vicious cycle—plastic bottles contributing to the very problem they’re meant to solve.

Which Brands Are Affected?

The investigation specifically flagged Contrex and Hépar, both owned by Nestlé Waters, as containing unusually high microplastic levels. These brands are marketed as premium mineral waters, often chosen for their purported purity. The findings challenge that narrative head-on.

What Are the Health Implications?

While research is ongoing, microplastics have been linked to potential endocrine disruption, inflammation, and even cellular damage. The World Health Organization has called for more studies, but one thing’s clear: we’re ingesting far more plastic than we realize. As one scientist put it, "We’re conducting an uncontrolled experiment on ourselves."

How Does This Compare to Tap Water?

Surprisingly, some studies suggest tap water may contain fewer microplastics than bottled varieties—especially if filtered. Of course, this varies by location, but it’s a stark reminder that "natural" claims on labels don’t always reflect reality.

What’s Being Done About It?

Regulators in the EU and U.S. are slowly introducing measures to monitor microplastics, but enforcement remains patchy. Nestlé has stated they comply with all safety standards, but critics argue those standards are outdated given the new findings.

Can Consumers Protect Themselves?

Switching to glass or stainless-steel containers, using certified filters, and supporting stricter industry regulations are practical steps. As for these two brands? You might want to rethink that next purchase.

FAQs

How were the microplastics in Contrex and Hépar detected?

Researchers used advanced spectrometry to identify and quantify plastic particles as small as a few micrometers.

Are other bottled water brands affected?

While this study focused on Contrex and Hépar, prior research has found microplastics in 93% of bottled water tested globally.

Does boiling water remove microplastics?

No—heat can break plastics into smaller particles but doesn’t eliminate them. Filtration is more effective.