An Instagram influencer, also known as a yoga and nutrition coach, has brought attention to a lesser-known aspect of beverage consumption by sharing a revealing video showcasing the concealed plastic layer inside steel and aluminum cans. Despite the practice existing for decades, many consumers are unaware of the hidden material nestled within the metal cylinders.
In the video, Adithya Nataraj demonstrates the process by using sandpaper to remove the outer paint of a Coke can before submerging it in a beaker containing a heavy-duty drain cleaner. Within minutes, the can dissolves entirely, leaving behind only the transparent plastic coating visible upon removal from the container..
Accompanying the video, Nataraj emphasizes the presence of a thin layer of plastic in soft drink cans, intended to protect the container from the beverage inside. He warns against consuming such drinks, citing concerns over the potential leaching of microplastics and other toxic substances from the plastic lining into the drink.
Explaining the scientific phenomenon, Nataraj elucidates that soft drink cans, typically made from an aluminum alloy, react with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) present in the drain cleaner. This reaction, characterized by the production of significant heat, solely dissolves the aluminum while leaving the plastic layer unaffected. Hence, NaOH is commonly stored in plastic containers due to this selective reactivity.
Internally coating aluminum beverage cans with plastic serves multiple purposes, including preventing acidic drinks from corroding the aluminum, as well as safeguarding against leakage and drink contamination.
While scientists and industry insiders have long been aware of this practice, it remains relatively unknown to the general public, prompting discussions about transparency and consumer awareness in the beverage industry.