BOTTLES AND VIALS

Laboratory bottles and vials

Laboratory bottles are essential for the safe storage, handling and transport of samples, reagents, solutions and other chemical or biological substances. Choosing the correct bottle is important not only for protecting its contents, but also for maintaining sample integrity and ensuring safe laboratory procedures.

Different applications require different materials, capacities, neck designs and closures. At Pobel, you can find laboratory bottles and vials for research, industrial, educational and quality-control laboratories, including glass, plastic, amber and ISO bottles, as well as gas washing bottles and laboratory vials.

Materials used for laboratory bottles

The material of a laboratory bottle should be selected according to the substance being stored, the working temperature and the required chemical resistance.

Borosilicate glass

Borosilicate glass laboratory bottles offer excellent resistance to thermal shock and many chemicals. Their low thermal expansion makes them particularly suitable for laboratory applications involving temperature changes, while clear glass allows the contents to be easily inspected.

They are widely used for storing reagents, solutions, samples and other laboratory preparations.

Plastic

Plastic laboratory bottles provide a lightweight and break-resistant alternative to glass. Depending on the polymer used, they can offer good chemical resistance and are particularly practical for storage, transport and applications where reducing the risk of breakage is important.

Chemical compatibility should always be checked before selecting a plastic bottle for a particular reagent or solvent.

Amber glass

Amber laboratory bottles are designed for substances that may be affected by exposure to light. Amber glass reduces the transmission of ultraviolet and visible light, helping to protect photosensitive reagents, solutions and samples during storage.

Choosing the right material is the first step towards ensuring quality and safety in the laboratory. An incorrect choice can compromise results or even create safety risks. For precise liquid handling, it is also essential to use suitable equipment alongside laboratory bottles.

Types of laboratory bottles and their applications

There are many different types of lab bottles, each designed for particular storage, handling or analytical requirements.

Laboratory glass bottles

Glass bottles are commonly used for storing chemicals, reagents, solutions and samples. Depending on the application, they may be manufactured from borosilicate or soda-lime glass and supplied with different types of necks, screw threads and closures.

Plastic laboratory bottles

Plastic bottles are suitable for applications where low weight and resistance to breakage are important. Pobel offers bottles manufactured from materials such as LDPE, HDPE and polypropylene for different laboratory uses.

Amber laboratory bottles

Amber bottles provide additional protection for light-sensitive substances. They are commonly used for reagents and preparations that may degrade or change when exposed to light.

ISO laboratory bottles

ISO laboratory bottles are designed around standardised dimensions and closures, allowing compatibility with suitable caps, pouring rings and other accessories. They are a practical option for laboratories that require standardised equipment and interchangeable components.

Gas washing bottles

Gas washing bottles are used to pass gases through liquids for washing, absorption, humidification or other laboratory processes. They are commonly found in chemical analysis, gas treatment and experimental laboratory setups.

Laboratory vials

Laboratory vials are small containers designed for storing and handling limited volumes of samples or liquids. Depending on their design, they can be used for sample preparation, instrumental analysis, chromatography and laboratory storage.

Bottle necks and closures

The neck and closure of a laboratory bottle can be just as important as the bottle material itself.

Wide-mouth bottles make filling, emptying and accessing solid materials, powders or viscous substances easier. They can also simplify cleaning.

Narrow-mouth bottles are particularly suitable for liquids, as the smaller opening allows better control during pouring and can reduce the risk of spills.

Depending on the bottle, closures may include screw caps, ground-glass stoppers and standard GL threaded caps. The closure material should always be compatible with the substance stored inside the bottle.

The role of laboratory bottles in safety

Laboratory safety depends heavily on selecting the right container for each substance, correct labelling and appropriate storage conditions. Strong acids, bases and other corrosive substances should be stored in bottles designed to provide suitable chemical resistance, while volatile solvents require appropriate closures to minimise vapour release.

Safe laboratory work also depends on precise liquid handling. Equipment such as pipettes allows liquids to be measured and transferred accurately, helping to reduce the risk of spills. Bottle-top dispensers are also commonly used to dispense reagents directly from laboratory bottles in a controlled and repeatable manner.

How to choose the right laboratory bottle

Before selecting a bottle, consider:

• the chemical compatibility of the bottle and closure material;
• whether the substance is sensitive to light;
• the required capacity;
• whether the bottle will be exposed to heating, cooling or sterilisation;
• whether a wide or narrow mouth is more suitable;
• the type of cap, stopper or thread required;
• and whether standardised ISO or GL components are needed.

Selecting the appropriate laboratory container helps protect samples and reagents, simplifies handling and contributes to safer and more reliable laboratory work.

The evolution of laboratory bottles

Although laboratory bottles may appear to be relatively simple pieces of equipment, their materials and designs have continued to evolve. High-density plastic containers, for example, have become increasingly common thanks to their durability and chemical resistance.

Despite advances in laboratory technology, laboratory bottles and vials remain fundamental pieces of equipment in research, industrial and analytical laboratories.

Looking for high-quality laboratory bottles?

Choosing suitable laboratory bottles is an investment in the safety and reliability of your work. If you need help selecting the right material, capacity or closure for your application, Pobel can provide technical advice.

Contact us for further information and help finding the most suitable laboratory bottles for your requirements.