Recycling of plastic waste has become more active in the last decade. However, while economically developed countries manage to recycle local waste and even buy it from neighboring nations, the situation in Ukraine is much worse. Over 93% of waste is sent to landfills or illegal dumps.

Thanks to modern technologies, every person can reduce the amount of polymer waste. Reusable bottles and water filters can help — whether at home, in the office, at the gym, or using purified water vending machines and kiosks on the streets. Today, we will explore the types of reusable water bottles, the materials they are made from, and potential risks associated with their use.

Types of water bottles

Modern stores offer a wide variety of water bottles to suit every taste. The main options include:

• Wide-mouth bottles with a latch or screw-on lid
• Bottles with a built-in straw, ideal for children, ensuring spill-proof use
• Bottles with a valve that opens when suction is applied, ensuring maximum leak protection

However, the most important factors regarding the safety of water containers will be discussed below.

What are water bottles made of?

Single-use bottles are mainly made from polyethylene. They are intended for single use only and should not be washed with aggressive detergents or heated above 70°C. Polyethylene is an inexpensive polymer produced in massive quantities worldwide. Research has shown that 90% of bottled water samples contain microplastics. While microplastics are not as toxic as heavy metals or industrial organic compounds and are not carcinogenic like chlorinated organics, they are still foreign to the human body.

An alternative to traditional disposable bottles is reusable water bottles made from:

• Various plastics
• Glass
• Metal

Below, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of each material to help you navigate the market.

Plastic water bottles

This is perhaps the most common type of reusable water container, so let's start here. Various plastics are used for production, and it's crucial to know what material the bottle is made from, as not all manufacturers undergo full certification processes to ensure product safety.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is the cheapest yet safe plastic for food containers. It withstands temperatures of 80-96°C, dishwasher washing, and microwave heating. However, a reusable polypropylene water bottle should not be used for more than a year, as scratches on the surface can harbor microorganisms.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is used for sports water bottles, 19-liter jugs, and baby bottles. The maximum heating temperature for polycarbonate products is 100°C, and they are dishwasher safe. However, an important concern is the release of toxic bisphenol A. Studies in Austria confirmed BPA presence in 4 out of 30 baby bottle samples. When buying a polycarbonate bottle, you must rely on the manufacturer's integrity and follow the usage instructions carefully.

Tritan

Tritan is considered the best food-grade plastic as it does not contain bisphenol A or any other toxic phenolic compounds, as confirmed by scientific studies. It is the most expensive food-grade polymer used for producing tableware, baby bottles, and water containers.

Glass water bottles

Glass is one of the oldest and safest food materials, as it does not release harmful substances and is highly durable. Therefore, glass water bottles and food containers are very popular. When choosing a glass bottle, pay attention to the plastic components such as caps and dispensers—refer to the previous section to evaluate their safety.

Additionally, the quality and thickness of the glass are crucial. If the bottle is unevenly molded or has thin walls, it is more likely to break from even a minor impact.

Metal water bottles

Recently, metal bottles and thermoses have become increasingly popular. Their main advantages include durability, longevity, and the ability to incorporate insulation between double walls to keep drinks cold or hot.

The primary material for food and water containers is stainless steel. There are also aluminum and copper water bottles available.

High-quality food-grade stainless steel is an inert material that can last for decades, especially if the bottle does not contain plastic parts. Stainless steel does not release toxic compounds and does not pose health risks. Its smooth surface resists scratches, preventing bacterial growth.

There are many debates about whether copper and aluminum bottles can release metal ions into water.

• Copper naturally forms an oxide layer that is resistant to food products, with the exception of acidic drinks at high temperatures. However, copper has excellent bactericidal properties, rivaling silver, as microorganisms struggle to grow on its surface.
• Aluminum has raised more concerns. Studies show that cooking and storing acidic foods (like tomato sauce) in aluminum containers can release some metal ions into the food. However, with water bottles, this risk is lower, as they typically do not store acidic liquids, and modern aluminum processing ensures high inertness. The real drawback of aluminum bottles is their softness, making them prone to dents, but they are very lightweight.

Water bottle comparison

To help you make an informed choice, here is a comparison table:

By understanding the characteristics of different materials, you can choose the most suitable reusable water bottle that meets your needs while contributing to environmental sustainability.