Pharmaceutical Glass Vials - The Types

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.

Get in touch

Adelphi Healthcare Packaging
Olympus House, Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath
RH16 1XQ, UK

T: +44 (0)1444 472300
F: +44 (0)1444 472329

E: sales@adelphi-hp.com

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