Is Glass Packaging A Clear Health Choice?

Glass. Is it the clear choice for your health?

Plastic is a large part of our lives, and with plastic bottles still being widely used, it can be hard to avoid. It is estimated that UK households throw away roughly 1.7 billion pieces of plastic a week. Plastic waste often does not decompose and therefore builds up in landfill. Many studies are also showing the impact of microplastics on our health.

But what can we do?

Looking at where we can reduce waste is key to becoming more environmentally conscious. For brands, this starts with choosing the right material to balance costs with your values.

What about glass? Is it just an alternative to plastic?

There are advantages and disadvantages to each material, which brands should consider when choosing packaging for their products. As the knowledge about microplastics, harmful chemicals and their impact on health leads to changes in consumer choices and a more health-conscious society overall, glass can offer value for your brand. Glass’ inert nature means it doesn’t contaminate products with chemicals, which can impact health and quality. 

1. Natural raw materials. We often hear about avoiding food products with a long list of chemicals in. Why should our packaging be any different? Glass is made from natural raw materials rather than synthetic chemicals.

2. Strong protection. In addition to there being fewer chemicals in glass, it is also an inert material, meaning it does not leach chemicals into the products it contains. Glass is non-porous, so it doesn’t allow liquids or other materials to leak out or in.

3. Stability against heat. Research has shown that materials such as plastic, when exposed to hot conditions, can release more chemicals, whereas glass does not.

4. Easy to reuse. Glass can be washed out easily and hygienically, and reused.

5. Taste. Glass ensures the flavour of the product inside stays the same, which is why it is commonly used for quality beverages such as wine and spirits. Options for air-tight closures keep liquids fresh too.

6. Colour options. The choice of different coloured glass, such as green and amber, can provide extra protection from light and ensure quality.

7. Environmental positives. By using glass, you are reducing waste and therefore helping your health in the long run. Glass reduces waste compared to single-use plastic, which can take centuries to decompose, and reusable glass can cut carbon emissions.

8. Less risk of allergic reactions. Glass’ inert nature can protect against contamination with traces of allergens, which is often key for food producers.

9. Transparency. Choosing clear glass can allow food and drinks producers to see their products, which can help with ensuring quality and monitoring the production process.

10. Medical use. Glass is a packaging solution for pharmaceutical products as it meets safety standards which can protect medicines and ultimately keep people healthier. 

Overall, glass is often chosen as packaging for its health benefits and environmental positives. Glass does not contain chemicals which can damage your health and keeps products fresh and high-quality.

The long-term pay off from choosing glass can be greater for food and drinks producers, as you don’t have to keep rebuying materials which are not as sustainable or durable.

At Rawlings, we believe in the value of glass packaging for your brand, your customers, and the planet. There is a reason why glass has been chosen for centuries as a reliable and durable packaging material.

Looking to switch to glass? Get in contact. We can provide bespoke glass packaging for your brand.