Picking the right material for your first aid box affects durability, portability, maintenance and cost. Below we compare metal and plastic so you can choose the best option for your environment.

TC-611 Plastic First Aid Box
Metal First Aid Boxes — Pros & Cons
- Pros: Very sturdy, secure, and often lockable.
- Cons: Heavier, may rust if not treated, usually more expensive.
Plastic (ABS) First Aid Boxes — Pros & Cons
- Pros: Lightweight, rust-free, cost-effective, easy to clean.
- Cons: Can crack under extreme impact, but high-quality ABS is quite durable.
For most schools, offices and clinics, a high-quality ABS plastic first aid box is the most practical choice.
Which to Choose — By Environment
- Hospitals & clinics: Both can work; plastics are easier to disinfect.
- Factories & outdoor sites: Consider metal if security and impact resistance are top priorities, otherwise rugged ABS works well.
- Schools & offices: ABS is lightweight and affordable — typically the best fit.