Why borosilicate glass is the ideal material for water bottles and flasks
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Tired of leaking bottles, water bottles that scratch at the slightest impact, or worse still, bottles that leave a plastic taste in your water? Well, welcome to the future of hydration ! Imagine a bottle made from a type of glass so strong that it could survive a fall from your rucksack, with no aftertaste and, to top it all off, very elegant. No, this isn't science fiction, is borosilicate glass !
In this article, we're going to delve (no pun intended) into the world of borosilicate glass. Why has it become the material of choice for top-of-the-range bottles and water bottles? What are its manufacturing secrets? And above all, why should you consider swapping your old plastic bottle for this technological marvel?
What is borosilicate glass?
Definition: So what is this famous borosilicate glass that is so different from conventional glass? Imagine a glass that doesn't break at the first opportunity, that withstands temperatures worthy of a pizza ovenand remains as transparent as on the first day. Magical, isn't it? Well, it's not magic, it's science! Borosilicate glass is made up of silica and boronThis gives it exceptional properties. It is manufactured by a high-temperature fusion process in which silica and boron are mixed together, creating an ultra-resistant and incredibly durable material.
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History: Borosilicate glass has not always been the darling of water bottles and gourds. Its history dates back to the late 19ᵉ century, when a German chemist called Otto Schottdeveloped this material. Initially used in laboratories for its stable chemical properties, it quickly conquered other sectors. From kitchen utensils to telescopes and high-security glazing, borosilicate glass has proved its worth everywhere. The Pyrex brand has been using it for these products since 1915.
The advantages of borosilicate glass
Heat resistance : Have you ever tried pouring boiling tea into a plastic bottle? Bad idea, isn't it? With borosilicate glass, you can say goodbye to this kind of mishap. This material has a low coefficient of expansion and can therefore withstand extreme temperatures. Whether you're a fan of iced drinks or hot teas, your borosilicate glass bottle will follow you everywhere, without cracking or warping.
Durability and impact resistance : So yes, it's still glass, and glass breaks... We're not going to lie to you when we talk about unbreakable glass. Nevertheless, this glass is much more resistant to knocks and scratches than ordinary glass and will survive most accidental everyday drops.
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Purity and food safety : Nobody likes drinking water that tastes of plastic, metal or anything that isn't water. Borosilicate glass doesn't react with chemicals, which means your water will stay crystal-clear for years to come. pure and freshwithout any unwanted taste. Your drinks will always taste the way they're supposed to, and nothing else.
Thanks to its inert composition, this material does not release any chemicals into your water, even after hours of soaking. Say goodbye to strange tastes and odours in your water!
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Transparency : Finally, let's talk about an important aesthetic advantage. Borosilicate glass is renowned for its exceptional clarity. It remains transparent, even after years of use. You'll always be able to see the clarity of your water or the bright colour of your juice, which is not only pretty, but also handy for checking cleanliness and remaining quantity.
Comparison with other materials
Plastic : Ah, plastic. Practical and lightweight, but at what price? Plastic can release chemicals into your water, such as BPAespecially if exposed to heat. There's nothing like a little taste of bisphenol to spoil your day! What's more, plastic is a environmental disaster. It often ends up in our oceans, creating islands of waste and affecting marine wildlife. In a nutshell, plastic isn't always fantastic.
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Stainless steel : It's true that stainless steel is strong and durable. But when it comes to transparency, not so much. You can't tell at a glance how much water is left. And when it comes to taste, it can sometimes give a slight metallic flavour to your drink.
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Aluminium :
Aluminium is another serious contender in the world of bottles and water bottles. Lightweight, robust and corrosion-resistant, it has many trump cards up its sleeve. But it also has its drawbacks. First of all, aluminium can react with certain acidic liquids, which can affect the taste of your drink. To avoid this, it is often covered with an internal layer of plastic or resin, which brings us back to the potential problems of chemical leaching (a dirty word to describe the process by which chemical substances are transferred from a material - such as plastic or metal - to the food or drink it contains).
And what about transparency? Don't count on it. As with stainless steel, you'll never know if your water bottle is really clean inside or how much water you have left until you open it.
Borosilicate glass, on the other hand, remains inert to all types of liquids, does not react or corrode, and needs no internal coating. What's more, it offers crystal-clear clarity so you can always keep an eye on your hydration.
Environmental impact
Durability and longevity : When you invest in a borosilicate glass bottle, you are choosing the longevity. Unlike single-use plastic bottles, a borosilicate glass bottle can last you for years. Less waste, less pollutionAnd a planet that says thank you. What's more, your wallet will also appreciate this sustainable solution in the long term.
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Recyclability : And when your trusty borosilicate glass bottle finally reaches the end of its life (in a long, long time), don't panic. Borosilicate glass is fully recyclable. It can be melted down and reused to create new products, closing the loop in an eco-responsible way.
Glass sports bottles: a good idea?
You think a glass water bottle is perfect for the home, but a little too fragile for sport? Think again! As we've seen, these bottles are designed to withstand shocks and extreme temperatures. But very often (like LAVIE glass bottles), they are fitted with non-slip neoprene covers to protect them from the little disasters of everyday life.
Whether you're in the middle gym session, hiking or simply on the move, these water bottles combine durability and safety. You benefit from the purity and transparency of glass without sacrificing practicality. No more excuses, it's time to adopt borosilicate glass everywhere, even for sport !
In a nutshell...
In conclusion, borosilicate glass is the champion of materials for bottles and flasks. It withstands heat like no other, stands up to shocks with bravery, keeps your pure, tasty waterIt remains transparent and elegant in all circumstances. What's more, it's durable and environmentally friendlymaking it a winning choice on all fronts.
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So why continue to use plastic or stainless steel bottles when you can have the best of both worlds with borosilicate glass? Explore its many benefits and make the choice for superior hydration. You'll see, once you've tried it, you won't be able to go back!
LAVIE bottles and flasks
It's time to take action! You deserve to drink your water at its best. Try a borosilicate glass bottle or flask that accompany our LAVIE tap water purifier and see for yourself all the benefits we've talked about. A better water qualitya elegant designand a exceptional durability are waiting for you. Don't miss this chance to improve your hydration experience over time.
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Article written on 5/09/2024 by Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.
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