Shatter-resistant, portable glass containers have increased in popularity as consumers call for environmentally sound products that reduce waste and do not contain harmful chemicals like the ones found in some plastics. The only major drawback to glass is its tendency to shatter; this is where borosilicate glass comes in. Unlike traditional soda-lime glass, borosilicate is resistant to thermal shock, meaning it can go from hot to cold and back without expanding or breaking the way other glass would.
Borosilicate’s composition of silica and boron trioxide is what gives it its unique ability to withstand extreme temperatures without expanding and causing breakage. Even on the rare occasions when borosilicate does break it tends to crack into large pieces not numerous tiny ones, making it easier and safer to clean up. This attribute alone makes it ideal for cookware, drinkware and other kitchen and serving items. Durability along with cost and other factors also make borosilicate an integral part of many other industries with nearly all modern glass laboratory equipment employing this type of glass.
Along with being reusable, borosilicate glass is a naturally derived product. Glass, unlike PVC and other food packaging materials, is the only material “Generally Recognized as Safe” by the FDA for storage of edible products. Offering this type of packaging with its safety and environmental benefits helps add value to products by differentiating from competition and showing professional ethics.
Quartzware offers an even stronger, more thermal resistant option, however, it is far harder to work with and is significantly more expensive making borosilicate a reasonable compromise between quality and cost. Importing borosilicate glass products from China is a great way to keep your costs low.
If you have a glassware product or component you need manufactured, we can help you through the entire process, from engineering and prototyping to production.