Types of pharmaceutical glass: a guide to choosing the right ... - SFAM

The packaging of a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical formula is a major step in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The choice of materials for pharmaceutical packaging is crucial to ensure the protection and effectiveness of active ingredients throughout the product’s lifecycle.

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Thanks to its unique qualities, glass has established itself as a reference in regard to pharmaceutical material: chemical inertia, thermal resistance, and a barrier against external agents. However, there are different qualities of pharmaceutical glass, each with its characteristics and uses.

In this article, we examine two types of pharmaceutical glass used in pharmaceutical packaging: Type I glass and Type III glass.

1. What is Type I pharmaceutical glass?

a. Definition and composition of type I glass

Type I pharmaceutical glass (also known as neutral glass or borosilicate glass) is made from a mixture of silica, boron, alkali oxides, and alumina.

This composition gives it superior chemical and thermal properties, making it suitable for the highest demands of the pharmaceutical industry.

There are two manufacturing processes for this type of glass: molded glass and drawn glass.

b. The advantages of type I glass

Type I glass is characterised by:

• Its high chemical inertness: its interaction with the substances it contains is almost nonexistent. Type I glass is therefore suitable for sensitive formulations.
• Its thermal resistance: Type I glass withstands extreme temperatures, particularly during sterilization or lyophilization processes.
• Its exceptional purity: it is ideal for sensitive formulations, such as injectable solutions and vaccines.

4. Types of glass used for glass ampoules: a strategic choice

Widely favored for the production of dietary supplements and liquid pharmaceutical products, double-ended glass ampoules must provide safe, durable, and protective packaging. Therefore, the choice of glass type is a key quality consideration:

• Type I glass is ideal for sensitive formulations or products rich in active vitamins and minerals.
• Type III glass is suitable for stable products, such as standard solutions or traditional dietary supplements.

For its double-tip glass ampoules, SFAM uses the patented FIOLAX® (Type I) and ILLAX® (Type III) glass, developed by the global leader Schott.

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Beyond this strategic choice, SFAM’s double-tip glass ampoules also stand out for their pre-scoring and DRB. Based on a patented process, the Double Ring Break (DRB), this exclusive feature ensures easy and clean opening, free of glass particles. A guarantee of high safety for the consumer.

Explanation of Types of Glass Containers and When They are Required.

Pharmaceutical Glass is designated a particular Type if it complies with the requirements of a specific pharmacopoeia, e.g. EP (European Pharmocopoeia), USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) and JP (Japanese Pharmacopoeia). All pharmaceutical glass vials will be manufactured in-line with the below information.

Pharmaceutical Glass Types

TYPE I GLASS / TYPE 1

Also known as "neutral," type 1 is a borosilicate glass with good chemical resistance. It is used for pharmaceuticals requiring the least reactive containers.

Typical Type I products

• tubular glass vials
• pre-fillable syringes
• cartridges
• ampoules
• Small volume parenterals and diagnostic reagents.

TYPE II GLASS / TYPE 2

A treatment applied to the internal surface of the glass reduces ion exchange, making this category suitable for solutions administered intravenously.

Typical Type II products

• moulded glass infusion bottles

TYPE III GLASS / TYPE 3

This is a soda-lime glass and is the type most commonly manufactured.

Typical Type III products

• moulded glass syrup bottles
• tablet containers

Still unsure which types of glass containers you need? Contact us and we'll help you to define the correct container and closure combination for your specific product and application.

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