1. What are the benefits of glass? Why should I buy a glass bottle over a plastic or metal one?

Glass has been a trusted material for centuries. It is one of the greenest materials on the planet and it is 100% recyclable and safe. Unlike plastic, glass is not made out of BPA and other harmful chemicals, which can leach into your drink. Moreover, water and beverages will taste better coming out of a glass bottle– no unpleasant plastic or metallic taste.

Those are the benefits to you, but using a LifeFactory reusable glass bottle also benefits the environment. Plastic water bottles create enormous quantities of waste. You'll save money and Earth's resources if you don't buy bottled water.

The sleeves are made of silicone, which is non-toxic and has been strength-tested for durability. Silicone is made from silica, the most common constituent of sand. It is a great alternative to plastics, which can leach chemicals, and to rubber or latex, which some people are allergic to.

The patent-pending silicone sleeves were designed not only to look stylish but also to protect the bottles and help prevent them from breaking. The material combined with the design improves the bottle's tactile quality and grip, which prevents bottles from becoming slick with condensation (or sweat, for athletes) and reduces the potential for breakage.

LifeFactory beverage bottles are custom-made in France. The silicone sleeves are made in the United States, and the polypropylene plastic caps are made in Poland. All components are FDA-approved and are compliant with US, Canadian, and European safety standards. The glass and plastic parts are recyclable. The silicone can be sent back to LifeFactory, where it can be re-ground to make outdoor playground mats or mats for barn animals.

A LifeFactory bottle is the combination of a glass bottle and complementary silicone sleeve designed in tandem. It is only sold as a complete package to ensure the sleeve fits perfectly.

All components of every LifeFactory bottle (the glass bottle itself, the sleeve, and cap or nipple) are dishwasher-safe or can be hand-washed.

No, you can leave the sleeve on the bottle and wash the whole thing in the dishwasher. If you wish to remove the sleeve, it comes off best in warm, soapy water.

First and foremost, it is glass, which means it's free of BPA, phthalate, PVC, and polycarbonate-nothing can leach into your water or other beverages in a glass bottle. Glass is also taste-neutral; no plastic or metallic taste will affect your beverage. The patent-pending silicone sleeve adds a distinctive touch to each bottle, and makes the bottle easier to grip and helps protect it from breakage. The silicone sleeve is also non-toxic and plastic-free. Finally, the wide-mouth design makes it easy to fill (add your own ice, citrus slices, tea bags, etc.), easy to drink from, and easy to clean.