Type III (Soda-Lime) vs Type I (Borosilicate) Glass: Complete Comparison Guide
Detailed comparison between Type III (soda-lime) and Type I (borosilicate) pharmaceutical glass in terms of chemical resistance, temperature resistance, cost, weight, applications, and pharmacopeia compliance.
Understanding Type III and Type I Glass Differences for Pharmaceutical Packaging
In the pharmaceutical packaging industry, glass type selection is not merely a preference -- but a technical decision governed by strict regulations. The two most commonly used glass types are Type III (soda-lime) and Type I (borosilicate), each with vastly different chemical and physical characteristics.
Type III (soda-lime) glass is the most common and economical glass type. Made from a mixture of silica (SiO2), soda ash (Na2CO3), and limestone (CaCO3), this glass has hydrolytic class HGA 3, meaning there is a certain level of interaction between the glass surface and container contents. However, for oral and topical preparations, this interaction level is still within safe limits set by international pharmacopeias.
Type I (borosilicate) glass contains at least 5% boron trioxide (B2O3) in its composition, providing far superior chemical and thermal resistance. With hydrolytic class HGA 1, borosilicate glass has almost no interaction with container contents, making it mandatory for parenteral preparations, vaccines, and sensitive formulations.
As a cGMP and ISO 15378 certified glass bottle factory, Pharmaglass produces both glass types with the highest quality standards. This guide helps you choose the right glass type based on your specific pharmaceutical product needs in accordance with USP <660> and EP 3.2.1 standards.
Type III vs Type I Glass Comparison Table
| Criteria | Type III (Soda-Lime) | Type I (Borosilicate) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Resistance (Hydrolytic Class) | HGA 3 (Moderate) | HGA 1 (Very High) |
| Temperature Resistance | Up to ~500°C | Up to ~800°C |
| Cost | More Economical | 30-50% More Expensive |
| Weight | Standard | Lighter (Lower Density) |
| Primary Applications | Syrups, drops, oral OTC medicines | Injectables, infusions, vaccines, sensitive formulations |
| Pharmacopeia Compliance | USP <660> / EP 3.2.1 | USP <660> / EP 3.2.1 |
| Light Transmission | Standard (~90% visible) | Superior (~92% visible) |
| Availability | Very Widely Available | Limited (Specialized) |
When to Use Type III (Soda-Lime) Glass?
Type III (soda-lime) glass is the most economical and practical choice for most pharmaceutical products that do not require the highest chemical resistance. Here are product categories suitable for Type III glass:
- Medicine syrups and supplements: Cough syrups, multivitamin syrups, and liquid supplements generally have neutral to slightly acidic pH compatible with soda-lime glass. Minimal interaction and shelf life is maintained.
- Drops (eye, ear, nasal): OTC drop preparations in small volumes (5-30ml) are suitable for Type III glass bottles. Short contact time and controlled pH minimize leaching risk.
- OTC oral liquid medicines: Antacids, oral solutions, and suspensions for short-term use. Type III glass provides a safe and economical barrier for these products.
- Herbal and traditional products: Liquid herbal medicines, herbal extracts, and herbal tinctures are suitable for Type III glass bottles, providing adequate protection at efficient cost.
When to Use Type I (Borosilicate) Glass?
Type I (borosilicate) glass must be used when products require the highest level of purity and stability. International pharmacopeia regulations explicitly mandate Type I glass for the following categories:
- Parenteral preparations (injectables): Vials, ampoules, and cartridges for injectable drugs MUST use Type I glass. Parenteral drugs enter the bloodstream directly, so even the smallest contamination from the container must be avoided.
- Infusion solutions: Glass infusion bottles for NaCl, Ringer's Lactate, Dextrose, and other infusion fluids require borosilicate glass to ensure sterility and stability during storage.
- Vaccines and biologics: Vaccines are extremely sensitive to pH changes and contaminants. Type I glass with hydrolytic class HGA 1 ensures no alkali ions leach into vaccine formulations.
- pH-sensitive formulations: Medications with very low or high pH, as well as formulations containing chelating agents, require the superior chemical resistance of borosilicate glass.
Pharmacopeia Standards and Quality Testing at Pharmaglass
Pharmaglass produces Type III and Type I glass bottles meeting strict USP <660> (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP 3.2.1 (European Pharmacopoeia) standards. Every production batch undergoes a series of quality tests at our integrated QC laboratory, including hydrolytic resistance testing (grain test), acid resistance testing, and spectrophotometric testing to ensure light transmission meets specifications.
For Type I glass, we perform additional testing including thermal shock resistance and stricter chemical durability tests. Our borosilicate glass thermal expansion coefficient (3.3 x 10^-6/K) ensures resistance to sudden temperature changes during autoclave sterilization, a critical requirement for parenteral packaging.
Our Type III glass is produced with strict batch composition control to ensure quality consistency. We apply surface treatment testing to minimize glass surface interaction with products, especially for pharmaceutical applications requiring long shelf life. All our products are cGMP, ISO 15378 certified, and registered with BPOM.
FAQ: Type III vs Type I Glass
What is the main difference between Type III and Type I glass for pharmaceutical bottles?
The main difference lies in chemical composition and resistance. Type I (borosilicate) glass contains boron trioxide (B2O3) providing superior chemical and thermal resistance, suitable for parenteral/injectable preparations. Type III (soda-lime) glass is more economical and suitable for oral preparations such as syrups and drops. Both types meet USP <660> and EP 3.2.1 standards, but for different applications.
When should Type I (borosilicate) glass be used for pharmaceutical packaging?
Type I glass must be used for parenteral preparations (injections/infusions), vaccines, and sensitive formulations requiring high chemical resistance. Borosilicate glass has hydrolytic class HGA 1, meaning minimal interaction between glass and product contents. This is critical for maintaining stability and purity of injectable drugs that enter the bloodstream directly.
Is Type III (soda-lime) glass safe for pharmaceutical products?
Yes, Type III glass is very safe and the standard choice for most oral and topical pharmaceutical products. Type III meets USP <660> and EP 3.2.1 standards for pharmaceutical packaging. Widely used for syrups, oral suspensions, eye/ear drops, and OTC products. Pharmaglass produces Type III glass with cGMP and ISO 15378 certification.
What is the price difference between Type I and Type III glass bottles?
Type I (borosilicate) glass bottles are generally 30-50% more expensive than Type III (soda-lime) due to higher melting temperatures and more expensive raw materials. However, for applications requiring Type I (parenteral), this investment is mandatory and cannot be compromised. At Pharmaglass, we offer both types at competitive factory-direct pricing with MOQ starting from 10,000 pcs.
Need Pharmaceutical Glass Type Selection Consultation?
Contact the Pharmaglass team for free technical consultation, product samples, and direct factory pricing for Type III and Type I glass bottles.