Sustainable Labware: Glass vs Plastic for Eco-Friendly Science

Sustainability is becoming a top priority for laboratories across Australia. With growing awareness of plastic waste and carbon impact, many labs are re-evaluating their choice of consumables. Glassware and plasticware each play important roles, but understanding their environmental footprint, durability, and cost can help laboratories make responsible, eco-conscious decisions without compromising on safety or compliance.

Why Sustainability Matters in Labs

Laboratories are estimated to generate up to ten times more plastic waste than offices of similar size, with single-use plastics contributing significantly. Transitioning to reusable and recyclable materials not only reduces environmental impact but also aligns with university, government, and industry sustainability goals.

LabChoice Australia offers both BORO 3.3 borosilicate glassware and high-quality polypropylene (PP) plasticware, helping Australian labs choose the right option for each task while supporting long-term eco-conscious practices.

Glass vs Plastic Labware Comparison

When to Choose Glass vs Plastic

• Glassware (BORO 3.3): Best for heating, autoclaving, and long-term use. For example, a Melbourne QC lab switched to borosilicate beakers and flasks, reducing single-use plastic by 60% annually.
• Plasticware (PP, HDPE, PC): Suitable for disposable applications, teaching environments, or situations where impact resistance is key. A Brisbane school uses polypropylene wash bottles to safely reduce breakage in classrooms.

By balancing glass for durability with plastic for specific disposable needs, labs can minimise waste without sacrificing functionality.

Practical Steps for Sustainable Lab Practices

• Adopt Reusable BORO 3.3 Glassware: Replace single-use plastics where heating and storage allow.
• Recycle Correctly: Work with local waste management to recycle PP and HDPE plastics.
• Green Procurement Policies: Choose suppliers like LabChoice Australia committed to sustainable sourcing.
• Educate Staff and Students: Promote awareness about waste reduction and safe reuse practices.

FAQs

Is glass always better than plastic?
Not always. While glass reduces waste, plastic may be safer for transport or disposable experiments.

Can plasticware be autoclaved?
Polypropylene and polycarbonate items are autoclavable, but always check the manufacturer’s guidance.

Do Australian labs recycle plasticware?
Many do, but recycling depends on local facilities. Glass generally offers better reusability.

Is BORO 3.3 recyclable?
Yes, borosilicate glass can be recycled, though specialised recycling streams may be required.

📚 References

Standards & Specifications

1. ISO 3585:1998 – Borosilicate glass 3.3 — Properties. International Organization for Standardization.
   https://www.iso.org/standard/26264.html
2. ISO 1873-1:2015 – Plastics — Polypropylene (PP) moulding and extrusion materials — Part 1: Designation system and basis for specifications. International Organization for Standardization.
   https://www.iso.org/standard/60371.html
3. ISO 17855-1:2014 – Plastics — Polyethylene (PE) for moulding and extrusion — Part 1: Designation system and basis for specifications. International Organization for Standardization.
   https://www.iso.org/standard/61506.html

Academic & Sustainability Guides

Nature Research Editorial – The Growing Problem of Laboratory Plastic Waste. Nature, 2018.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-00652-5

American Chemical Society (ACS) – Sustainable Laboratory Practices: Reducing Plastic Waste in Research. ACS Green Chemistry Institute.
https://www.acs.org/greenchemistry

CSIRO – Sustainable Labs Initiative – Reducing Waste and Improving Sustainability in Australian Research Facilities. CSIRO, Australia.
https://www.csiro.au

University of New South Wales – Sustainability Program – Laboratory Waste Reduction and Recycling Guidelines. Sydney, Australia.