Pharmaceutical & Packaging Glass Types Guide
Learn the differences between each glass type used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, beverage, and essential oil industries. Find the right glass type for your product.
Why Does Glass Type Matter for Pharmaceutical Packaging?
Choosing the right glass type is a critical factor in the pharmaceutical and packaging industry. Each glass type has different chemical compositions, physical properties, and protection levels for the packaged product. Incorrect glass type selection can cause product degradation, pH changes, contamination, and reduced drug efficacy. Therefore, international regulations such as USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP (European Pharmacopoeia) establish strict classifications for pharmaceutical glass packaging.
In Indonesia, most pharmaceutical glass bottle packaging uses Type III (soda-lime glass) that meets BPOM and Indonesian Pharmacopoeia standards. This glass type offers an optimal balance between chemical resistance, ease of production, and cost efficiency. However, for specific products such as light-sensitive medications, essential oils, and premium serums, specialized glass color variants are needed such as amber, clear/flint, or cobalt blue.
As a cGMP and ISO 15378 certified glass bottle factory, Pharmaglass understands the importance of proper glass material selection. Our technical team is ready to help you determine the best glass type based on product characteristics, applicable regulations, and branding requirements. Below is a complete guide to each glass type we manufacture.
Glass Types Manufactured by Pharmaglass
Click on each glass type to learn about its chemical composition, properties, classification, and applications in detail.
Type III — Soda-Lime Glass
The most common glass type for pharmaceutical, beverage, and cosmetic packaging. Meets USP & EP standards with efficient production costs.
Learn MoreAmber Glass — UV Protection
Dark brown glass that blocks UV rays 290-450nm, ideal for medications and light-sensitive products.
Learn MoreClear/Flint Glass — Premium Transparency
Crystal-clear transparent glass without colorants for maximum product visibility, perfect for perfumes, serums, and premium beverages.
Learn MoreCobalt Blue Glass — Essential Oils
Premium blue glass containing cobalt oxide for UV protection and exclusive branding of essential oil and aromatherapy products.
Learn MorePharmaceutical Glass Types Comparison
| Property | Type III (Soda-Lime) | Amber | Clear/Flint | Cobalt Blue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV Protection | Medium | Very High | Low | High |
| Transparency | Varies | Low (dark) | Very High | Low (blue) |
| Chemical Resistance | Good (USP Type III) | Good (USP Type III) | Good (USP Type III) | Good (USP Type III) |
| Primary Applications | Syrups, beverages, cosmetics | Liquid meds, syrups, vitamins | Perfumes, serums, premium beverages | Essential oils, aromatherapy |
| Relative Price | Economical | Mid-range | Mid-range | Premium |
Glass Classification According to USP & EP
International standards USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP (European Pharmacopoeia) classify pharmaceutical packaging glass based on hydrolytic resistance — the ability of glass to withstand alkali ion release when in contact with water or solutions. This classification is important because ions released from glass can affect the stability, pH, and safety of pharmaceutical products.
Type I (Borosilicate) has the highest hydrolytic resistance due to its high boron oxide (B2O3) content. This type is used for injection (parenteral) drugs and highly sensitive products. Type II is soda-lime glass that has been surface-treated (dealkalization) to improve its surface chemical resistance. Type III is standard soda-lime glass, the most widely produced and used for syrups, oral medications, beverages, and cosmetics.
Pharmaglass, as a leading glass bottle manufacturer in Indonesia, produces Type III glass in various color variants. All our products are tested in our integrated QC laboratory to ensure compliance with USP <660>, EP 3.2.1, and Indonesian Pharmacopoeia standards. Each batch comes with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) covering hydrolytic test, dimensional, and visual results.
Pharmaglass Glass Bottle Products
Glass Syrup Bottles
Amber & clear glass bottles for pharmaceutical syrups, 60ml - 500ml
Glass Dropper Bottles
Eye, ear & nasal drop bottles with high dose precision
Essential Oil Bottles
Amber & cobalt blue glass bottles with euro-dropper
Beverage Glass Bottles
Food-grade glass bottles for herbal drinks, energy drinks & supplements
Cosmetic Glass Jars
Premium glass jars for skincare, creams & serums
Caps & Closures
Complete cap options: dropper, euro-dropper, screw cap
FAQ — Pharmaceutical & Packaging Glass Types
What are the USP and EP classifications for pharmaceutical glass packaging?
According to USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP (European Pharmacopoeia), glass for pharmaceutical packaging is classified into 4 types: Type I (borosilicate) with the highest chemical resistance, Type II (treated soda-lime) with surface treatment, Type III (soda-lime) which is most commonly used, and Type NP (non-parenteral) for non-injection packaging. Pharmaglass manufactures Type III glass, the standard for Indonesian pharmaceutical industry.
What is the main difference between amber glass and clear/flint glass bottles?
Amber glass bottles contain iron oxide and carbon that provide a dark brown color to block UV rays (290-450nm), protecting light-sensitive products like medications and essential oils. Clear/flint glass bottles are transparent without colorants, ideal for products requiring high visibility such as perfumes, premium serums, and beverage products. The choice depends on the product's light sensitivity.
Why are cobalt blue glass bottles popular for essential oils?
Cobalt blue glass bottles contain cobalt oxide that provides a distinctive blue color and higher UV blocking capability than clear glass. The premium blue color gives an exclusive branding impression for essential oil and aromatherapy products. Besides good light protection, cobalt blue glass is also resistant to chemical reactions with essential oils, maintaining product quality and purity.
What glass types does Pharmaglass manufacture?
Pharmaglass manufactures Type III (soda-lime glass), the most common type for pharmaceutical, beverage, and cosmetic packaging. We offer amber (UV protection), clear/flint (premium transparency), and cobalt blue (for essential oils) color variants. All products are manufactured in cGMP and ISO 15378 certified facilities with strict quality control standards.
Need Glass Type Consultation for Your Product?
Pharmaglass technical team is ready to help you choose the right glass type based on your product needs, regulations, and budget. Free consultation!