Statistics cited by FEVE remark on the increasing number of consumers aware of their carbon footprint, and more than half of them opt for glass over plastic for all kinds of beverages. A recent survey conducted by the same organization concludes over 11% of the consumers engaged in the recommendation of glass packaging to acquaintances. From a business perspective, choosing the right packaging material for juices requires an in-depth analysis of beverage trends and innovation.
Glass juice bottles are every juice owner’s first choice when it comes to storage, and there are several reasons to back that up. Their ease of maintenance and inert nature prevents any odor-induced reaction with the juice contents, making them extremely versatile and environmentally friendly. Borosilicate and lead-free glasses are perfectly durable for glasses. Plastic bottles, on the other hand, are less expensive and lighter. While it is environmentally detrimental, contemporary plastic bottles are food-safe and BPA-free. Overwhelmed with making a choice yet? In this blog, we have compiled an objective comparison between glass and plastic bottles for juicing, along with certain considerations to analyze:
Glass Juice Bottles
Glass bottles for juicing are manufactured from high-quality raw natural materials, including soda ash, limestone, liquefied sand, and other lead-based additives. Old glass juice bottles and jars are also broken down to manufacture the bottle. These materials are mixed and melted at extremely high temperatures and are incorporated into different shapes through glass blowing. Limestone is a major player in glass bottle manufacturing by preventing weathering and shape retention. The use of limestone, however, is extremely dangerous from an environmental viewpoint. The mining process is life-threatening and causes water damage, sinkholes, and landscape pollution for natural habitats.
Pros Of Using Glass Juice Bottles
- 100% Recyclability
Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) states the complete ability of glass to recycle and turn into new products without compromising the quality or purity of the material. Glass bottle and jar manufacturers break down regular glass to manufacture new ones with due regard to quality standards and customization prospects. Not only is this eco-friendly, but it also reduces the energy consumption in the furnace due to repetitive heating. They are also easy to sterilize and reuse for a plethora of applications like beverage storage, lotions, fuel, and cosmetics.
In fact, only 9% of plastic is recycled, and the rest ends up in landfills, breaking the vulnerable ecosystems with over 25 million tons of wasted plastic. Glass, on the other hand, is recycled at a rate of 26.6%, resulting in only about 7 million tons of waste.
- Aesthetic Value
Glass does an excellent job of showcasing the color of the juice to enhance its premium appeal to its customers. From the marketing perspective, juice producers prefer glass for its transparency, elegant colors, and styles. Glass bottles from reliable manufacturers range from matte-black bottles to designer brown bottles and green hand of god glass bottles. This is one aspect that no other material can mimic, promising a top-notch experience and seamless weight while drinking.
- Airtight Hermetic
From a producer’s perspective, an hermetically sealed container with intrinsic properties can store the juices efficiently. Juices can be preserved for an extended period with glass providing an optimized storage environment. Fruit juices are susceptible to oxidation, which can make them deteriorate over time. The airtight nature and anti-permeability of glass over other packaging materials like bag-in-a-box and plastic-based packaging give a great competitive edge. A quality glass bottle manufacturer plays a major role in the food and beverage industry by providing FDA-certified and 100% naturally sustainable glass products. They are sturdy enough to tolerate a warmer climate and will not distort when pasteurized.
- BPA-Free
Bisphenol-A, commonly referred to as BPA, is a common compound in plastic manufacturing materials and resins. It is used in making polycarbonate plastic in food containers, infant bottles, tableware, and other beverage storage materials. BPA is a terrifying chemical that can interfere with the endocrine system and hinder the production of sex hormones. As such, BPA-induced materials can cause breast cancer and congenital disabilities. The good news is that glass is completely BPA-free and does not contain lead materials. While acclaimed BPA-free juice bottles made of plastic are an acceptable choice, the inner lining is often made of BPA and is harmful to some extent.
- Sustainable Choice
Contemporary glass manufacturing methods established through substantial research innovation and developments have reduced energy consumption, even during transportation and distribution. Glass is made of all-natural products that do not react with the contents and are 100% recyclable, making them the best bottles for juicing. Contemporary research and developments have promised the glass industry and glass-packaging businesses sustainable choices for packing juices. Glass bottles are superior to plastic in terms of bulk transportation over the nations. Thus, it prevents a whopping 90,000 tonnes worth of carbon emissions during production.
- Durability Prospects
This aspect greatly concerns production, storage, and consumption methods. An average glass bottle can last a lifetime, creating a huge potential for reusability. Tempering is a thermal procedure that increases the strength of glass to around four times that of untempered glass. When tempered glass breaks, it breaks into small, spherical fragments rather than sharp shards. The contemporary turnkey decoration and labeling prospects further make it a juice producer’s favorite.
Cons Of Using Glass Juice Bottles
- Commute Limitations
Glass juice bottles are heavier and bulkier with regardplastic vs glass bottles to transport compared to plastic or paper-based bottles. About 67% of the carbon footprint generated in the glass bottle manufacturing process is attributable to transportation emissions. However, recent developments aimed at reducing its weight by 30% without sacrificing the sturdiness of the bottle itself.
- Extraction Inefficiency
Glass jars and juice bottles are manufactured from mining materials like limestone, soda ash, sand materials, and recyclable glass. Limestone is a major player in the glass-blowing industry, but the quarrying procedure destroys animal habitats and also causes visual pollution. Limestone is also responsible for water pollution and deterioration.
- Expensive
A common question asked around is “how much do glass bottles cost?”, and the answer to that is that they are relatively more expensive than plastic bottles. Glass is an energy-intensive material, which means a large amount of heat is utilized in manufacturing. A high temperature is utilized to melt glass to the required molten state. This means that output will expand in order to obtain sufficient energy (natural gas). However, they take the first spot in terms of sustainability concerns.
Plastic Juice Bottles
Plastic juice bottles are created using Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). It is a type of beverage packaging that is also widely used in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries. PETs are extremely sturdy while exhibiting lightweight characteristics, which can be attributed to the polymer derived from petroleum hydrocarbons. While they have the potential to be recycled, they can degrade with time, with significant loss of quality and purity. Plastic is, therefore, mixed into other materials like synthetic clothing or carpets (called downcycling).
Pros Of Using Plastic Juice Bottles
- No Breakage And Ease Of Use
Unlike most glass bottles, a salient feature of plastic bottles is the zero possibility of breakage. While glass is durable and sturdier than the alternative packing methods, they are subjected to breakage and can be dangerous. Plastic bottles are preferable in terms of comfort as they can incorporate better grip while sipping the juice.
- Cheaper Alternative
From a business perspective, plastic is a much cheaper investment to order in bulk and can significantly save on expenses. Moreover, the contemporary industrial investment for manufacturing plastic bottles utilizes innovative techniques to reduce production costs, fetching a great bargain for budgeted entrepreneurs. Their energy requirements are also on the lower side, thus making plastic molding easier.
- Transportation Cost-Effectiveness
Plastic is extremely light and durable, making them perfect for efficient shipping and transportation. Glass pharmacy jars, on the other hand, can be a hassle to deal with because of the breakage aspect during the commute.
Cons Of Using Plastic Juice Bottles
- Low Aesthetics
Glass is second to none as far as aesthetics are concerned. Although plastic bottle manufacturers are incorporating sophisticated and decorative designs for an enhanced appeal, glass bottles are much better cut out for the job due to their versatility. Reliable glass manufacturers can also provide customization options to incorporate a brand image and increase awareness of the juice company. All-in-all, glass is the first on the list for high-end positioning brands.
- Weaker Material
The inability of the material to survive extreme circumstances is a serious drawback. When it reaches the dump, it is five to six times weaker due to the substantial material loss and durability caused by the recycling process. This means that for events and travel, plastic-based packaging is not an option. Moreover, the taste of the juice stored in plastic containers is much different than the juice sold in glass bottles.
- Potential Oxidation
Unlike glass, plastic is not all-pervasive when it comes to permeability. This means that juices can be highly subjected to the external environment and oxidation process, changing the taste of tropical fruit juice entirely. As such, it is best to opt for juice bottles.
- Recyclability
Plastics are unreliable, keeping sustainability in mind. Only 9% of the plastic is subjected to recycling, and the rest ends up in landfills, breaking the vulnerable ecosystems. Glass coffee jars, on the other hand, can be recycled 100% with the same level of quality and purity.
- Less Resistance To Chemicals
Plastics are made of dense materials like PET, PP, and HDPE, making them reactive to contents it circumscribes. Plastics are less resistant to chemicals and cannot withstand harsh conditions and chemicals. Amber glass can withstand UV rays, while plastic cannot tolerate high temperatures.
- Toxic Characteristics
All kinds of plastic, BPA-free or otherwise, are extremely toxic to hold food items within. They have the tendency to induce harmful chemicals in the contents, especially in a thermal medium.
Plastic Vs. Glass Bottles For Juice Packaging
Like most people judge the book by its cover, customers judge the product by its packaging. A detrimental choice can hinder the first impression of the product and can put it in serious competition among others on the shelf. Clear glasses, mason jars, and jugs are common juice containers, and plastic is inexpensive and light. Given below are certain considerations to make when making a choice:
- Perceived Quality
Consumers have a keen eye on the quality of materials, and glass gives them a higher degree of perceived luxurious decoration and labeling, as well as prestige than plastic-based packaging. Although on the expensive side, they promise customers an opulent experience. However, glasses can be dangerous in terms of breakage. Plastics are immune to breakage, durable, and extremely easy to use. They are also less slippery and can be handled easily through ergonomic finger molds. However, considering the growing environmental concern, plastic is highly disregarded as beverage packaging.
- Characteristics & Chemical Compatibility
Both packaging materials are characterized by different chemical and physical properties. For instance, glass is the top choice for chemical inertness and impermeability for wine and spirits, alcoholic drinks, and flavored beverages. Its airtight property protects the contents from co2 and o2 contact, keeping fizzy drinks long-lasting. They are also immune to pasteurization, making them perfect for food storage. Plastic is characterized by versatility, and they are available in different forms, each with a unique set of chemical properties, compatibility, temperature, resistance, etc. hence, it is much more flexible and suitable for business needs.
- Bulk Shipping
Shipping is expensive if we are talking about glass, not only because it is prone to fragile breaking but also because they are much heavier than plastic. An average plastic bottle for juice weighs about .023 pounds, while a 2 oz glass bottle weighs .177 pounds. When ordered in bulk, it can significantly impact the profit margin. Plastic requires less transportation energy, leaving behind a negligible carbon footprint.
- Cost-Effectiveness
Glasses are expensive due to their high energy consumption and the bulk of materials.
Not only is glass more expensive to ship, but it also costs more to produce, primarily due to the heat required during production. According to an Energy Information Administration (EIA) analysis of the manufacturing industries, glass manufacturing consumes 1% of total industrial energy. The majority of this energy is generated by natural gas.
Plastic has a lower melting point, and contemporary industrial development and innovative practice optimized plastic molding to consume less energy, making them more affordable for businesses.
- Environmental Factors
As noted earlier, glass is the only beverage packaging material that can be recycled through and through without sacrificing quality and sturdiness. They are also subjected to ease of maintenance and sterilization, making them suitable for odor-induced food items, beverages, mocktails, and alcoholic drinks, soda glass bottles. Although plastic is recyclable, they are prone to degradation. They end up in landfills, contributing to about 87% of the pollution in developed countries. The growing awareness on the consumer’s behalf created a critical environment for businesses to display their social and ethical behavior and make them consistent with today’s needs.
- Health Considerations
Lastly, it becomes imperative to prioritize health when manufacturing drinks that promote the same. Comparatively speaking, glass is non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals. They are impermeable and have a high degree of resistance to leaching. Although not framed for BPA, plastic has earned a negative eye for its toxicity and leaching characteristics. They can harm the health of users in the sanitary and medicine industry, especially under improper storage precautions.
Roetell -Reliable Glass Juice Bottle Manufacturer In China
Beverage manufacturers, in general, look for outstandingly designed glass bottles to showcase their brand image and welcome customers wholeheartedly. This is where Roetell comes into the picture.
Our product line specializations are diversified to serve some top-notch glass jars, mason jars, and glass juice bottles with elegant carving and customization training. Starting from 100ml, businesses can avail of a personalized volume line for juices that best fits their needs. Our bottles are airtight hermetic with different sealing mason jar caps made from a broad array of durable materials like wood, aluminum, cork, and polymer. Glass bottles are free from lead materials, overcoming all the shortcomings concerning food safety, expensiveness, and transportation.
All our merchandise is produced with professional administration in FDA-certified plants, ensuring we adhere to health and safety standards. From sizes to colors to shapes, closure styles, neck designs, and finish options, clients are free to showcase their customized bottle packaging designs in a manner that’s best for them. Our job is to line up our 3 decades’ worth of experience and professional design team to bring ideas to life. Our ISO-certified facilities incorporate modern technologies and techniques to meet the highest standards at competitive prices. The bottles are compatible with automated filling lines that require special heat and pressure resistance, aligned with ease of pressure washing. To top it off, glass materials are 100% BPA-free, with customized designs and cutting-edge innovation.
With more than 8 robust production lines and 3 million square feet of an ultra-modern facility run by 100 certified professionals, our juice bottle manufacturing process is optimized to deliver nothing less than quality products. Our experts can also help in building custom glass juice bottles. Just help us with the details!
Conclusion
What makes the difference for the product is a major deciding element between glass and plastic. If you’re serving a spirited beverage or a liquor where maintaining effervescence is critical, the glass may be the best option. Shampoos and lotions, for example, are frequently packaged in plastic bottles that may be squeezed to distribute the product. On that note, glass is arguably the best option for storing and packaging juices.
This puts an end to the plastic vs. glass bottles war for juicing companies. Roetell has been serving the industry for as long as we remember, thoroughly researching and understanding the robust glass market. Our wholesale glass bottles tightly seal cold-pressed juices to retain freshness all-round. We are committed to delivering new and improved bottle shapes and styles for juices, (Which is better? Round or Square Juice Packaging), condiments, in-house refreshments, decorations, and other beverages. Contact us and request a quote today!
