A polycarbonate bottle is a shatter-resistant container that weighs less, but is more durable, than a glass bottle. Polycarbonate bottles are made of a hard polymer substance known as Bisphenol A (BPA). Many people use bottles made of polycarbonate for portable water containers that are lightweight and unbreakable, as well as reusable. The polycarbonate bottle is a familiar sight around gyms, offices, pools and homes with young children.
Also known as sport bottles, polycarbonate bottles have gained favor with consumers who are concerned with reducing waste. Unlike disposable plastic bottles that can harm the environment, containers made of polycarbonates offer a long lasting, recyclable canteen for thirsty people. Many bicycling enthusiasts, joggers, campers, and even urban dwellers, think the polycarbonate bottle is a good way to stay green while staying hydrated.
Around the home, polycarbonate glassware can be a safe alternative to breakable glassware. Polycarbonate baby bottles and sippy cups have been around for quite awhile. They provide an unbreakable way to deliver liquid to a small child, while preserving the beauty of fine glassware for another occasion. Tumblers, rocks glasses, and wine glasses can also be made of polycarbonate. The polycarbonate drinkware is created by pouring the BPA mixture into a mold, and the resulting product perfectly matches the desired shape, down to the finest texture.
Most office water coolers feature a hard plastic water jug made of polycarbonates. The polymer material used to manufacture these giant water bottles is designed to be lightweight and break-resistant. Though quite large, the polycarbonate bottle itself adds little to the overall weight of the water, making it easier to heft the jugs when full.
There has been some concern about toxic chemicals leaching into food when polycarbonate bottles are heated, as when warming a baby’s formula. A heated polycarbonate bottle will release BPA molecules to a very slight degree; however, scientists have concluded that the amount of toxic chemical that is expelled during heating is well below unsafe levels. Additionally, some people have expressed concern about scuffed or scratched bottles leaching BPA into food or beverages, but these concerns have also been proven unfounded.
Polycarbonate is a versatile and amazing substance, and the polycarbonate bottle is on a long list of products made of BPA. The benefit of using polymer materials is especially apparent in areas of safety. For example, polycarbonate can be as clear as glass and completely impervious to bullet fire, the perfect material for a bulletproof window. And, polycarbonate safety glasses offer excellent clarity as well as improved eye protection.