Glass vs. Plastic in Education Labs: What to Use, When, and Why

New to science classrooms? Let’s talk about balancing safety, performance, and budget in school science classrooms

In every science classroom, the decision between glass and plastic labware is more than a question of preference. It directly impacts safety, durability, learning outcomes, and long-term cost. While both materials are staples in educational labs, understanding when and why to use each is essential for building an effective, sustainable science program.

Teachers and lab managers often ask the same question: should we invest in lab glassware, opt for plastic, or use a mix of both? The answer depends on the grade level, the types of science experiments being conducted, the available budget, and how the equipment will be handled. Below is a breakdown of the key considerations that should guide your choices.

When Glass Is the Better Option

Glass has been a foundation of scientific labs for generations, and many of its advantages remain unmatched. Borosilicate 3.3 glass is heat resistant, chemically stable, and allows for high-precision measurements. In educational labs, glass is particularly valuable in upper-level chemistry and biology courses, where accuracy and thermal stability are more critical than durability.

Key advantages of glass labware include:

• Thermal resistance: Borosilicate 3.3 glass can be safely heated (Working temperature: up to ~500°C for continuous use) without warping, cracking, or releasing chemicals. This makes it ideal for tasks involving open flames, hot plates, or autoclaving.

• Chemical compatibility: Boro 3.3 glass is inert in most chemical reactions, making it less likely to interact with reagents or contaminate results.

• Reusability and Recyclability: With proper care, glass labware can last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment in schools with consistent science programs. However, in case of breakages in labs, glassware can also be recycled. 

When to use glass in education labs:

• When performing science experiments that require heating, such as boiling, distillation, or sterilization.

• When chemical resistance is essential, especially in reactions involving strong acids or organic solvents.

• When precise measurements are required, such as in volumetric flasks, burettes, or graduated cylinders in AP or honors-level labs.

• When teaching students proper handling of professional-grade lab equipment in preparation for college or laboratory careers.

That said, glass does have its limitations in school environments, particularly when younger or less experienced students are involved.

When Plastic Makes More Sense

Plastic labware has grown in popularity in classrooms for good reason. It is more affordable, less fragile, and easier to store and clean. In settings where breakage is a concern, such as middle schools or general science labs, plastic often provides the safest and most practical option.

Advantages of plastic labware include:

• Durability: Plastic is far more resistant to shattering. If dropped, it is more likely to bounce than break, which improves safety and lowers replacement costs.

• Light weight: Easier for younger students to handle, plastic items reduce the risk of accidents during setup and cleanup.

• Cost effectiveness: Plastic laboratory equipment generally comes at a lower upfront cost and is ideal for stocking multiple classroom sets or larger educational labs.

• Variety: Available in many types, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, plastic labware can be selected based on specific resistance to certain chemicals or conditions.

When to use plastic in education labs:

• In middle school and introductory high school classes where the focus is on concepts rather than lab technique.

• In activities that involve basic measurements, mixing, or sample storage that do not require heating or high precision.

• When working with younger students or in outreach programs, camps, or traveling science kits, where portability and safety are top priorities.

• When lab budgets are limited and replacing broken glassware regularly is not feasible.

While plastic is a strong choice for safety and cost, it does come with limitations, especially regarding chemical compatibility and heat resistance. Some plastics can warp or degrade over time, particularly when exposed to solvents, UV light, or high temperatures.

Understanding the Trade-Offs

Choosing between glass and plastic is not always about which is better, but rather which is better suited to the activity. Each material serves a purpose, and knowing the context is key. For instance, a plastic beaker may be perfect for demonstrating density layering with water and oil, but it is not appropriate for heating sodium hydroxide or performing flame tests.

Another factor to consider is student experience. Introducing glass gradually as students develop stronger lab skills can build confidence and prepare them for more advanced coursework. Conversely, giving inexperienced students fragile equipment too early can increase the risk of accidents and discourage participation.

There is also the question of sustainability. Glass can be washed and reused for years, while some plastic items, especially single-use disposables, contribute to classroom waste. Schools concerned with environmental impact should weigh this consideration carefully and seek out recyclable or reusable plastic where possible.

A Mixed Approach Often Works Best

In many academic science labs, the most effective strategy is to maintain a mix of lab glass and plastic. Use glass where accuracy, heat, or chemical compatibility demands it, and rely on plastic for lower-risk activities, bulk storage, or student-heavy classrooms.

For example:

• Use glass test tubes for flame-based experiments, but plastic test tubes for simple sample sorting or cold liquids.

• Choose glass graduated cylinders for volumetric labs in chemistry, but plastic measuring cups for classroom demos or rough measurements.

• Stock plastic petri dishes for general microbiology demonstrations, but use glass ones for autoclaving or higher-grade research-style procedures.

Having both options readily available allows educators to adapt their lab materials to different student groups, lab experiment types, and budgetary cycles.

How can we help?

For many educators, the challenge isn’t choosing only glass or only plastic, but finding the right balance for their classrooms. Durable plastics can make everyday lessons safer and more accessible, while precision glassware supports advanced experiments where accuracy and heat resistance matter. Together, both materials create a well-rounded portfolio that adapts to different ages, activities, and learning goals.

Every classroom, lab, and project is unique—and we’re here to make sure you find the right fit. Whether it’s exploring different material options, ensuring compliance, or simplifying procurement, our mission is to deliver tools that make science easier and more engaging.