What Is Soda Lime Glass? Composition, Pros & Cons, Uses, and Why We Chose It for Aqua Soul

What Is Soda Lime Glass?

Soda lime glass is the most widely used type of glass in the world — and there’s a good chance you’ve already used it today.

From the drinking glass on your kitchen table to the windows in your home, soda lime glass is everywhere. In fact, it accounts for approximately 90% of all glass products globally. Its versatility, affordability, and workability have made it the default choice for countless everyday items: bottles, jars, containers, windowpanes, and tableware, just to name a few.

But soda lime glass isn’t just functional. When designed with care, it can be beautiful, too.

That’s exactly why we chose it for Aqua Soul — our collection of thoughtfully crafted glassware. While we’ll explore the details of its composition, pros and cons, and how it compares to other types of glass throughout this article, let’s start with the basics.

What Is Soda Lime Glass Made Of?

Soda lime glass might look simple, but its recipe is surprisingly precise. Every piece starts with a carefully measured blend of raw materials, each serving a specific purpose in the final product.

Here’s the basic composition:

• ~70% silica (silicon dioxide): This is the backbone of the glass — it gives soda lime its strength and rigidity. Think of it as the structural framework that holds everything together.
• ~15% soda (sodium oxide): This ingredient lowers the melting point of the silica, making it easier and more energy-efficient to shape during production.
• ~9% lime (calcium oxide): Lime helps stabilize the glass, preventing it from dissolving in water or reacting with other materials over time.
• ~6% trace elements: These include small amounts of aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, and others. They fine-tune the glass’s properties, improving durability, clarity, or color depending on the desired result.

For Aqua Soul, we use a low-iron soda lime glass formula to achieve exceptional clarity and brightness.

This ultra-clear glass is ideal for items where visual purity matters most, such as our glass decanters, spice jars, and storage canisters, where clean lines and true color visibility enhance both form and function.

Our formula is also completely lead-free, ensuring each product meets the highest standards for food safety and environmental responsibility.

Why Soda Lime Glass Works So Well

Soda lime glass isn’t just the most common type of glass in the world — it’s also one of the most practical, versatile, and sustainable materials available. There’s a reason we chose it as the foundation for every Aqua Soul product.

Let’s look at what makes it so valuable:

1. Clear and brilliant

Soda lime glass offers excellent optical clarity. Especially when made with a low-iron formula, like ours, it removes the greenish tint you see in standard glass — letting light and color shine through. That’s what gives Aqua Soul’s decanters and jars their clean, bright look.

2. Chemically stable and non-toxic

This glass doesn’t react with food or drink. It’s chemically inert, meaning it won’t leach, corrode, or change taste — even after repeated use. Whether you’re storing tea, oil, or herbs, it stays safe and neutral.

3. Lead-free and food-safe

Our soda lime glass contains zero lead, meeting international safety standards for both food and beverage use. You can use it daily with confidence.

4. Easily recyclable

Soda lime glass can be recycled endlessly without losing quality. That means fewer raw materials used and less waste created. Every bottle or container can become something new — again and again.

5. Efficient to produce at scale

It melts at lower temperatures than some specialty glasses (like borosilicate), requiring less energy to manufacture. That makes it both cost-effective and more eco-friendly — especially important for brands looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

6. Flexible for design and shaping

Because it softens easily, soda lime glass can be molded, pressed, or blown into a wide range of shapes and sizes. From our slim water bottles to wide-mouth storage jars, it gives us creative freedom without compromising strength.

Limitations of Soda Lime Glass (and How We Address Them)

No material is perfect — and soda lime glass is no exception. As much as we love its clarity, versatility, and sustainability, it does come with a few trade-offs. We believe in being upfront about those, and more importantly, in showing how we’ve designed Aqua Soul products to work around them.

Here’s what you should know:

1. Thermal shock sensitivity

Soda lime glass can crack or shatter when exposed to sudden temperature changes. For example, pouring boiling water into a glass just pulled from the freezer isn’t a good idea. Unlike borosilicate glass, which is built for lab-level heat resistance, soda lime is better suited for gradual temperature shifts.

2. Lower impact resistance

Compared to borosilicate, soda lime glass is slightly more prone to breakage if dropped — especially if it hits a hard surface at the wrong angle. It's durable for everyday use, but like all glass, it appreciates a little care.

3. Greenish tint in standard versions

Traditional soda lime glass often carries a subtle green hue, especially around the edges. This comes from the natural iron content in the raw materials.

How Aqua Soul Designs Around These Limitations

We’ve taken steps to ensure that every Aqua Soul product is not just beautiful, but also practical and reliable for real life.

• Thicker bases, better balance
  Our glassware features thick, reinforced bases to improve stability and reduce the risk of cracking from everyday knocks. This also gives each piece a satisfying, weighted feel in the hand.
• Low-iron formula = crystal clarity
  By using a low-iron soda lime glass, we eliminate that greenish tint. The result is glass that’s clear, clean, and showcases whatever’s inside — whether it’s herbal tea, infused water, or fresh ingredients.
• Tempered glass options
  For select pieces, we offer tempered soda lime glass, which is up to 4x stronger than non-tempered glass and more resistant to both heat and impact. Ideal for high-traffic or commercial environments.
• Simple usage guidelines
  To keep your glass in top shape:
  • Avoid pouring boiling liquids into frozen or chilled glass
  • Let hot glassware cool before placing it in cold water
  • Wash with warm water or in the dishwasher (top rack recommended)

With these design choices and care tips, soda lime glass becomes a reliable, everyday material — one that blends form, function, and sustainability beautifully.

What Is Soda Lime Glass Used For?

Soda lime glass is one of the most versatile materials in daily life and product manufacturing. Its clarity, safety, and cost-efficiency make it a popular choice across both home use and business applications .

For Everyday Use 

You’ll find soda lime glass in:

• Drinkware – water glasses, wine tumblers, pitchers
• Storage jars – ideal for spices, grains, and leftovers
• Kitchen tools – oil dispensers, measuring cups, mixing bowls
• Home décor – vases, candle holders, clear display jars

At Aqua Soul, we use soda lime glass to create decanters, spice jars, and carafes that bring clarity, calm, and quality into everyday rituals.

For Brands & Businesses 

Soda lime glass is trusted by brands across:

• Food & beverage packaging – olive oil, sauces, kombucha
• Cosmetics & skincare – serums, essential oils, lotions
• Hospitality tableware – stylish and durable drinkware for cafés and restaurants
• Private label manufacturing – custom bottles and containers tailored to your brand

At Hwa Shia Glass, we offer custom sourcing solutions for brands seeking clean, functional, and sustainable packaging options.

Soda Lime Glass vs. Borosilicate

Not all glass is created equal. While soda lime glass is the most commonly used type worldwide, it’s not the only option. In some cases — like extreme heat or chemical exposure — you might come across borosilicate glass as an alternative.

So, what’s the difference? And when should you choose one over the other?

What Is Borosilicate Glass?

Borosilicate glass is a special type of glass made with boron trioxide, which gives it an incredibly low coefficient of thermal expansion. In plain terms: it’s built to handle sudden temperature changes without cracking.

You’ll find borosilicate in laboratory beakers, high-end cookware (like measuring cups or French presses), and some medical equipment. It’s tough, stable under heat, and highly resistant to chemicals — but it also takes more energy to produce and comes at a higher price.

Soda Lime Glass vs. Borosilicate Comparison

Head-to-Head Comparison

Here's how soda lime and borosilicate glass compare across the factors that matter most:

Q: Which melts at a lower temperature: soda-lime glass or borosilicate glass ?

Soda lime glass. It softens at around 700°C, while borosilicate needs closer to 820–850°C.

Q: Which is more durable: soda-lime glass or borosilicate glass?

Borosilicate. It handles rapid temperature changes better and resists breakage from heat.

That said, soda lime is more than durable enough for everyday use — and far more eco- and budget-friendly for packaging and drinkware.

Which Glass Should You Choose?

• Go with borosilicate if you're working with high heat, rapid temperature shifts, or need a lab-grade material.
• Choose soda lime if you want clarity, food safety, and everyday strength — at a lower cost and carbon footprint.

Why We Chose Soda Lime Glass for Aqua Soul

At Aqua Soul, we believe everyday glassware should be both beautiful and meaningful. Rooted in Hwa Hsia’s century-long glassmaking legacy, we combine craftsmanship with modern design to elevate daily rituals.

Simplicity with Purpose

Our designs focus on clean lines, calm aesthetics, and sustainability. Soda lime glass reflects these values — it’s clear, durable, recyclable, and ideal for both home and commercial use.

Our Material Difference

We use a low-iron, lead-free soda lime formula. This eliminates the green tint seen in standard glass, delivering exceptional clarity and a safer, more refined finish.

Made to Last

From sketch to shelf, every Aqua Soul piece is built with form and function in mind. Products like the SoulOne decanter balance visual appeal with everyday practicality.

Built on Trust

We uphold strict quality standards and certifications, and partner with clients who share our commitment to design, safety, and sustainability.

Choosing Aqua Soul means more than selecting a product — it means embracing thoughtful design, responsible materials, and timeless glassware that feels just right.

FAQs

Is soda lime glass safe?

Yes — it’s chemically stable, non-toxic, and 100% lead-free. That means it won’t react with food or drink, making it perfectly safe for daily use.

What is soda lime glass used for?

You’ll find it in everyday drinkware, food storage containers, kitchen jars, and even in labware and product packaging. It’s one of the most versatile materials in the glass world.

What are the disadvantages of soda lime glass?

It’s less resistant to sudden temperature changes and impact compared to borosilicate glass. But it’s also more affordable, widely recyclable, and ideal for most day-to-day uses.

Is soda lime glass good quality?

Absolutely. For most applications — especially home use, hospitality, and product packaging — soda lime glass offers excellent clarity, durability, and function at a great value.

What’s the difference between soda lime glass and regular glass?

Actually, soda lime glass is the most common form of “regular” glass — it makes up about 90% of all glass products. However, not all general-use glass is made to the same safety or quality standards.