Glass vs. Plastic Water Bottle: Which Is Best for Drinking?
Updated February 12, 2024.
Billions of single-use plastic bottles are manufactured every year, and only a small number of them are actually recycled. The contents of plastic bottles are typically filtered water, mineral water, or spring water. However, chemicals from the plastic leach into the water.
But by opting for a glass bottle over a plastic bottle, you avoid this negative effect in addition to reducing pollution in the ocean and gaining financial benefit from carrying a reusable bottle.
Let’s Talk Glass Bottles
Sustainability
When it comes to the sustainability of glass vs plastic bottles, glass is 100% recyclable and reusable. It can be reused infinitely without losing quality, and it can take as little as a month for a bottle to be back on the shelves.
Chemicals
Glass is the safest reusable water bottle material because it's chemical-free, made from natural materials, and dishwasher safe. Glass water bottles don't leach harmful chemicals into your water and are another way to reduce or avoid microplastics. Research has shown that bottled water contains about 50% more microplastics than tap water.
Hygiene
While glass water bottles should still be washed frequently, they carry fewer germs and bacteria because glass is less porous than plastic and metal. It's also easier to see the inside of a glass water bottle to see if it’s clean.
Taste
Glass is a more inert material, so it’s less likely to affect the flavor and odor of your water.
Cost
The initial purchase of a glass bottle will cost more than a plastic bottle. However, in the longer run, it will end up saving you a lot more money.
Borosilicate glass is a popular choice for glass bottle production. Borosilicate glass is made with boron trioxide, which means this glass is heat resistant and will not crack under extreme temperature changes. This type of glass is strong and very durable, making it less likely to shatter.
The Downsides of Plastic Bottles
Sustainability
The UN Environment Programme’s recent report shows that the current 11 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean every year will triple by 2040.
Of the 7 billion metric tons of plastic waste generated globally so far, less than 10 percent has been recycled. Plastic waste is an increasing problem, and one of the biggest challenges is single-use plastic because it ends up in landfills and the ocean.
Chemicals
Disposable plastic bottles can lead to chemical leaching and toxicity. Chemical leaching occurs when heat or damage (like denting the bottle) causes toxic chemicals from the plastic to be released into the water.
Hygiene
Wear and tear on the bottle from reusing it can create cracks and scratches on the surface where bacteria grow. It's more difficult to clean the bacteria out because it grows inside the tiny cracks.
Taste
Drinking from a plastic water bottle could lead to your water tasting like plastic, especially if the chemicals from the plastic are leaching into the water.
Cost
Plastic water bottles can cost anywhere from $1 to $3. If you're drinking 5 bottles a day, the cost adds up very quickly.
» Discover why not all water is equal
So, Which Bottle Should You Choose?
Glass is more sustainable than plastic because it can be endlessly reused and recycled. There are many advantages of borosilicate glass in particular, and when cared for, a glass bottle can last you many years, making it a sustainable option for your drinking water.
The dangers of plastic water bottles are gradually increasing. In an attempt to cut down on single-use plastic, people are reusing these water bottles. However, as already discussed, there are many disadvantages to doing reusing plastic bottles. It's better to skip the plastic bottle altogether and invest in a good-quality glass bottle.
A decent glass bottle will last you a lifetime. They're easy to clean, durable, don't leach harmful chemicals, are less of a viable environment for bacteria growth, and have less impact on the environment. Mayu Water’s glass bottles are a great way to cut down on plastic bottles and enjoy the wonderful tasting, chemical-free water.
