Glass, plastic, aluminium or stainless steel water bottles: which to choose?

We can't say it often enough, but you need to drink water regularlyDrink plenty of water throughout the day to stay fit and keep your body efficiently supplied with this precious liquid. Water is your ally for health, beauty and well-being!

The best way to stay properly hydrated is to always have a water bottle on hand. water bottleWhether you're at home, in the office, at the gym, doing yoga or hiking!

Read also: When should you drink water to enjoy all its benefits?

But which water bottle to choose? There's a choice of plastic, aluminium, stainless steel and glass water bottles!

In this article, we'll take a look at the different types of water bottles according to their advantages and disadvantages and tell you why we believe that glass bottles offer the best quality for you and the environment.

The different types of water bottles

You'll find a plethora of bottle types on the market, with different brands, prices, colours and designs. But let's look at the main factor that we believe differentiates one water bottle from another: the material used in its design.

Here are some of the most common materials used for this type of bottle.

Don't use plastic!

Plastic water bottles are lightweight and often inexpensive, but they can contain harmful chemicals.

Bisphenol A and phthalates

Some plastic water bottles made from poor quality plastic can contaminate the water and contain endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These chemicals can migrate from plastic to waterThis is particularly true when exposed to heat, wear or chemicals such as detergents, or even acids such as soft drinks or sparkling water.

Bisphenol A and phthalates are endocrine disruptors which can disrupt the functioning of the hormonal control system. They can be associated with a variety of health problems, such as reproductive problems, metabolic disorders and cancer.

If you choose a plastic bottle, it's important to choose a plastic bottle that is food quality and no bisphenol A, phthalates or other chemicals potentially harmful to health.

Plastics and degradation

Food-grade plastic bottles are designed to resist leaks and water contamination, and are often made from plastic that is free from harmful chemicals.

However, it is important to clean plastic bottles regularly to eliminate any build-up of dirt. germs and bacteria. We recommend that you wash them in hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly before reusing them.

What's more, plastic is a material that can deteriorate over time and can retain odours and flavours from previous drinks.

So we can clearly see the limits of a plastic bottle. And to conclude on this subject, don't you think it's urgent to stop producing plastic objects that cannot be recycled and that will end up being used for other purposes? pollute our environment?

Read also: What are the environmental impacts of plastic water bottles and how can they be avoided?

Aluminium

The aluminium bottles are lightweight, durable and practical for outdoor activities because of their high strength, but they can also contain harmful chemicals, such as BPA. What's more, aluminium can react with certain types of beverage, which can alter their taste.
Indeed, it is not uncommon for them to give a slight metallic flavour in water.

Finally, and without going into too much detail, it is worth noting that the products contained in dishwasher tablets can alter aluminiumThis reduces the lifespan of the bottle.

Stainless steel

Bottles in stainless steel or in stainless steel are durable, hard-wearing and easy to clean. They are also often insulating, which can keep drinks hot or cold for longer.

However, they can be heavier than other materials, which can make them less practical for travelling. And here again, as with aluminium water bottles, the taste of your drinks may be affected by stainless steelAnd not everyone likes the feel of stainless steel against their lips!

Read also: The most common water filtration methods: advantages and disadvantages

Is the glass bottle the best bottle?

Glass bottles are an excellent choice healthy and safe for food and drink, as they contain no harmful chemicals. They are also easy to clean and sterilised, guaranteeing optimum hygiene for your drinking water.

However, glass is a fragile material which can break more easily than other materials. But we'll come back to that later!

In the meantime, here are the results of our comparison in table form:

	The Plus	The -
Stainless steel bottle	Solid, odourless, harmless to health, durable, scratch-resistant	Heavier, more expensive, not isothermal, avoid the dishwasher
Plastic bottle	economical, Light	Sometimes toxic (BPA), bad taste, partially recyclable, poor insulator
Aluminium bottle	Lightweight, sturdy, insulated, recyclable	Sometimes toxic (BPA), metallic taste in water, dishwasher-safe
Glass Bottle	Recyclable, safe, easy to clean, contamination-free, does not alter the taste of the water	Slightly heavier, more fragile, average insulation

As you can see, we're leaning towards the glass bottles for the reasons we've already discussed, but let's develop its advantages a little further!

Read also: Glass bottles for your drinks: the obvious choice

The advantages of glass bottles

As we have seen, the most common materials used for water bottles are plastic, l'aluminium, l'stainless steel and the glass. However, glass bottles have a number of advantages over other materials.

The durability of the glass flask

In our quest to reduce plastic wasteGlass bottles have become an important ally.

Glass bottles are an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic bottles. Plastic is a non-biodegradable material that can take hundreds of years to decompose in the environment.

Glass, on the other hand, is a infinitely recyclable materialThis means it can be reused several times without losing its quality. By using a glass bottle, you're opting for a more environmentally friendly choice. ecological gourd (because it's reusable, recyclable and BPA-free). So you can help reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment by producing less waste.

Read also:
It's confirmed: bottled water represents a real health hazard in plastic.

Glass: a hygienic material

Glass water bottles are more hygienic than plastic bottles, in particular because glass is naturally non-porous. This means that germs and bacteria cannot penetrate the material, which makes glass water bottles easier to clean and keep them clean.

La glass transparency also ensures better hygiene for your glass bottle. By being transparent, the glass makes it easy to see whether the bottle is dirty or not, and whether it needs cleaning. This can help prevent the proliferation of bacteria and germs that can accumulate in an uncleaned bottle.

What's more, glass bottles don't retain the odours and flavours of previous drinks, so you can enjoy your favourite beverage to the full.

It's good for your health!

Glass water bottles are a healthy alternative plastic bottles. As we have seen, plastic and sometimes even aluminium bottles can contain harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) which can be dangerous to health.

Glass is a non-toxic material which does not release chemicals into the drinks it contains. By using a glass bottle, you can drink pure, healthy water without worrying about toxic chemicals.

Fragile, really?

So yes, glass breaks more easily than other materials, there's no doubt about that. But in order to enjoy all the advantages mentioned above, there had to be a drawback! So even if you can't find an unbreakable glass bottle, rest assured, because all the best glass bottles are made in borosilicate glass.

Firstly, the borosilicate glass is stronger than conventional glass due to its composition, which includes borosilicate.

This material gives the glass a increased resistance borosilicate glass is also more resistant to scratches and stains than conventional glass. What's more, borosilicate glass is also more resistant to scratches and stains than conventional glass. This makes it ideal for use in applications where durability is important, such as laboratory glassware and heat-resistant kitchenware.

What's more, a good borosilicate glass flask will be accompanied by accessories like protective silicone cover or other impact-resistant material such as neoprene to protect your water bottle as well as possible.

Read also: Water purifier: the complete guide

Test LaVie glass bottles

In conclusion, using a glass bottle is a wise choice for your health and the environment. Glass bottles are safe, durable, versatile and environmentally friendly. By choosing a high-quality bottle with a leak-proof cap and sufficient capacity, you can ensure that you have a healthy, environmentally-friendly and practical source of hydration at your fingertips!

If you're convinced that you want a glass gourdWe invite you to discover the mobile version of our water purifier. LaVie 2GO or the 1l glass bottle or its version 500ml bottle.

FAQ about water bottles

Why choose a glass bottle rather than a plastic, aluminium or stainless steel bottle?

Glass bottles offer a number of advantages over other materials, including the absence of harmful chemicals such as BPA, better preservation of the taste of the water, and they are fully recyclable, making them a greener choice.

Are glass bottles really more fragile?

Although glass is naturally more fragile than steel or plastic, many glass bottles are made from impact-resistant borosilicate glass. What's more, they are often wrapped in a silicone or neoprene sheath for extra protection against impact.

How do I clean my glass flask?

Maintaining a glass bottle is simple: it can be washed by hand in hot soapy water or placed in the dishwasher (if the manufacturer indicates that it is compatible). Avoid using harsh chemicals to preserve its quality and durability.

Are glass bottles expensive?

The price of glass bottles can vary depending on the brand, the quality of the glass (such as borosilicate glass) and the accessories included. However, investing in a quality glass bottle is worthwhile in the long term, because of its durability and the savings you make by not buying disposable plastic bottles.

Can drinks other than water be put in a glass flask?

Absolutely, glass bottles can hold all kinds of drinks. Their resistance to contamination and odours ensures that the taste of your drink remains pure and fresh. However, it is advisable to check whether your bottle is designed to hold hot or acidic drinks, to avoid any risk of spoilage.

What's the best water bottle for sport?

For sports, a glass water bottle with a protective silicone sheath is an excellent choice. The sheath ensures a good grip and protects against shocks. Some brands also offer stoppers specially designed for easy drinking on the move. However, for very dynamic activities, you could also consider stainless steel water bottles, which are lighter and unbreakable.

Are glass bottles suitable for hot drinks?

Yes, some glass bottles are suitable for hot drinks, but it's important to check the product specifications. Borosilicate glass, for example, is known to withstand high temperatures. However, it is always advisable to use heat protection, such as a silicone sheath.

Where can I buy a LaVie glass bottle?

LaVie glass bottles are available at our website and a number of authorised dealers.

Is borosilicate glass toxic?

No! borosilicate glass is not toxic. In fact, it is considered one of the safest materials for making food containers, including flasks, bottles and kitchen utensils.

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.

Article written on 13/03/2023 and updated on 11/08/2024