Plastics, the environment and human health
The Chemicals We Can’t See: Why “Mostly Plastic-Free" Still Fails the Health Test
At no pls., we’ve always said that our mission is about the plastic you can see—and the stuff you can’t. While we often talk about physical plastic waste, there is a hidden side to the story that is just as important: chemical leaching.
New research highlights that the problem isn't just the plastic itself, but the toxic additives mixed into it to make it flexible, durable, or colourful.
The science of leaching
Plastic polymers are rarely used alone. They are mixed with additives like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. Here is the problem: these chemicals aren't always permanently bound to the plastic. Over time—and especially with wear and tear—they can leach out into your water, your food, and ultimately, your body.
Research shows that for some people, the daily intake of these chemicals from common plastic items can actually exceed levels considered "safe" by international standards.
Why we focus on the details
You might wonder why we are so obsessed with a steel lid or a silicone O-ring. It’s because the science shows that the most common way humans are exposed to these toxins is through the things we use every single day—like food packaging and drink containers.
Phthalates: Often used in PVC, these can make up a substantial portion of a product's weight and are known to interfere with hormone function.
BPA: A building block of polycarbonate plastics, BPA has been linked in studies to cardiovascular concerns and other health abnormalities.
A legacy that lasts centuries
The issue isn't just what happens while you’re using the bottle; it’s what happens after. Our current global use of plastic is simply not sustainable.
Over a third of all plastic produced is used for items that are discarded almost immediately, yet that plastic will persist in the environment for hundreds of years. In fact, an albatross was recently found to have ingested debris from an aeroplane that crashed 60 years ago. The plastic outlived the plane, and unfortunately, it outlived the bird.
Taking the next step
We don't expect you to be a scientist or a perfect environmentalist. We just want to offer a product that takes the guesswork out of your health.
By choosing materials like SUS 304 food-grade stainless steel and Borosilicate glass, we aren't just making a "reusable" bottle. We are making a commitment to a world where your daily hydration doesn't come with a chemical footnote.