A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Glass-axy: Types of Glass Packaging Available on the Market

Glass is one of the most commonly used materials in current times. Its different forms are used as containers for a wide variety of products, like drinks, medicines, and cosmetics. According to the EPA, around 11.5 million tons of glass is manufactured in the US annually.

If you’re an entrepreneur who’s planning on launching a product that needs glass packaging, you should start by understanding the different types of glass. Only then can you decide what kind of glass packaging will be the best for your product.

Different Types of Glass

Different glass compositions are available in the market that have different chemical, physical and optical properties. Their production processes are different and so are their uses. The following are the three most common types of glass available in the market:

Soda Lime Glass

Soda lime glass is the most common type of glass around the world and accounts for around 90% of all glass manufactured. The reasons for its prevalence include the inexpensiveness of the raw materials required, a relatively easier production process, and widespread need for it. Its manufacturing has become easier because of a century of focused improvements.

Soda lime glass is used in food and beverage packaging, decoration pieces, and windows, among many other use cases.

Borosilicate Glass

Despite its many uses, soda lime glass is not that durable. For harsher, more demanding applications, borosilicate glass is used. This type of glass is able to resist thermal shocks and has the ability to withstand thermal cycling.

Borosilicate glass is used for experimentations in labs and for baking at home. It can transition from the coldest of temperatures to the hottest without any damage.

Borosilicate glass also has the ability to withstand abrasive environments and persistently resists chemicals and moisture. This makes it a prime solution in the storage of harsh chemicals like acids, saline solutions, fuels, etc.

Phosphate Glass

Phosphate glass is well-suited for doping with colorants, including rare Earth oxides and metal ions. This colored glass has a niche in many industries, and is used in military, scientific, and medical applications.

What’s The Best for Your Product?

Knowing which glass is the best for your product requires special research. Look around the internet and consult some specialists before deciding. But no matter what type of glass you decide upon, but the packaging containers from Premium Vials.

Premium Vials has years of experience in providing packaging solutions to entrepreneurs across many industries. If you need any kind of bottles, jars, sprays or any packaging material for that matter, Premium Vials has got you covered. Visit their website now to have a look at the product range.