Are Glass Bottles better than Plastic Bottles?
Sometimes choosing between two similar objects that serve the same purpose becomes impossible. But some research and personal knowledge beforehand can save a lot of time in making a perfect choice. One such dilemma we face in our daily lives is choosing between glass and plastic bottles. While one of them surely holds the upper hand, the common myth is that both are the same since they both serve the same purpose. The usage of both types of bottles is our necessity and it’s mostly a debate about the environment rather than the user preference. One thing that cannot be refuted is both have their own pros and cons but our consumption of liquid beverages will not slow down their production and value. Following are some points to consider when using or buying glass and plastic bottles:
Raw Material
Both glass and plastic bottles are made of entirely different materials. This is also the biggest difference and often a point of debate for environmentalists. Glass is entirely made out of natural materials; if sand or limestone is heated enough at a favorable temperature, it will become glass. While plastic is made up entirely using petroleum-based products. While being converted in to a bottle, glass goes through further purification. In contrast, plastic goes through more chemical reactions to make a bottle. Since glass is more purified, it is associated with fewer health risks as opposed to plastic, which contains chemicals and can be harmful over a period of time. Glass bottles are also reusable and have zero impact on the environment.
Recycling
Today’s world is more aware of the things that destroy our environment; therefore the manufacturers of such products are increasingly finding ways to make them more environmentally friendly and recyclable. Since glass is all-natural, if it’s recycled, it will make more glass. There is no other product that can be made from it. Whereas plastic cannot be recycled back into plastic, it gives off a bi-product used in the carpet industry. One factor that makes glass more ecofriendly is that even if it’s not recycled it will not cause serious issues to the atmosphere as compared to an unused plastic bottle. Plastic doesn’t decompose; that is, it stays in the environment in its original form.
Affordability
Glass bottles need a proper factory setting to manufacture, so it can be a little expensive as compared to plastic bottles that don’t need a big furnace or a proper workforce to make. Making a glass bottle usually requires a blast furnace, an assembly line, and skilled workers to mold it into shape. So usually, setting up a glass bottle factory costs more hence affecting the pricing of the final product. Plastic bottles just need to be molded into shape by cooling its liquid form in pre-designed shapes, making it a cheaper option for buyers.
Durability and Portability
One advantage that plastic bottles have over glass bottles is durability and portability. Glass bottles are notoriously fragile and can break either when transporting or by accident. Plastic bottles don’t suffer from such issues; they will only break under very tough conditions and hence can be reliable over a period of time. Since glass is an all-natural and reliable product, it naturally weighs much more than a plastic bottle, holding the same volume of liquid. This is also one of the factors that make plastic bottles a bit more attractive option commercially.
Usability
While everyone has their own preference, it all comes down to practicality. It’s commonly thought that glass bottles are often long-lasting, can be kept clean, and are generally better protected against germs. However, plastic bottles are not long-lasting; they come with an expiry date and will cause serious health issues for anyone using them. Besides, glass bottles do generally keep the liquid more fresh and healthy. Another important factor that makes glass bottles a better option is its reusability. Plastic bottles often have a single usage and after using them, they are mostly discarded, whereas glass bottles can be used repeatedly for different purposes.
Conclusion
While the war between glass and plastic bottles will always continue unless a better alternative comes along, the fact that both these products are an essential part of the food and beverage industry cannot be ignored. But considering health and environmental issues, using a product made from raw materials and not cooked up in a lab seems a more rational and logical choice. Glass bottles might be expensive and a bit to manage as well but compromising on health is never a smart idea. Unless a more purified alternative to plastic is not invented, it will remain inferior to any glass product.