Glass & Ceramics
Glass
100% recyclable, endlessly reusable
Glass is made from naturally abundant silica, soda ash, and lime. It is completely inert, meaning it won't leach chemicals into food or drinks. Borosilicate glass adds thermal shock resistance, making it ideal for kitchenware. Recycled glass is used in up to 90% of new glass containers.
Sustainability benefits
- 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without losing properties
- Inert and non-leaching — safe for all food and drink contact
- Made from naturally occurring, plentiful raw materials
- Borosilicate variant is thermal shock resistant and extremely durable
Drawbacks to consider
- Heavy and fragile compared to alternatives
- Energy-intensive manufacturing process
- Only ~31% recycling rate in the US despite being fully recyclable
What to look for
Choose borosilicate glass for kitchenware (more durable). Avoid lead glass or lead crystal, which can leach toxic lead into food and beverages.
How glass affects a product's score
Glass is classified as a natural low-impact material, scoring 3/5 on materials. Its infinite recyclability earns 4/5 on end of life — one of the highest scores possible without a certification. Packaging made from glass also scores well.
Scores are computed from four dimensions: materials, durability, end of life, and packaging. Each is scored 1–5 using transparent, open-source rules.