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If you've previously dismissed reusable plastic drinkware as low-end or poor quality, it's time to rethink your perspective. Modern advancements in materials and manufacturing have transformed reusable plastic cups into a durable and practical option for foodservice operators. Unlike disposable cups, reusable plastic cups are meant to be washed and used again without cracking or breaking. This can be a game-changer for busy bars and restaurants that experience frequent glassware breakage. Keep reading to learn more about plastic cups that are washable, reusable, and even look similar to real glass.
Shop Reusable Plastic Drinkware
Benefits of Reusable Plastic Cups
Check out these benefits of reusable plastic drinkware to find out if it's the right option for your business:
- Offers the look of glass without the risk of breakage: Reusable plastic cups provide the appearance of glassware without the worry of breakage, making them a safe and practical choice for poolside bars and outdoor events where broken glass can be a safety hazard. If your bar has a lively atmosphere with games or dancing, plastic reusable cups can help keep the floor safe and clean.
- Cost-effective alternative glass: Investing in reusable plastic cups can save your business money in the long run compared to the cost of replacing disposable cups or broken glassware. Busy, high-volume eateries with a casual environment can benefit from reusable drinkware that's suitable for commercial dishwashers.
- Light weight and easy to carry: Reusable plastic cups are light weight, which makes them easy to carry or transport to off-site events. For caterers, switching to reusable plastic barware can make setting up and breaking down a less grueling task.
- Environmental impact: Unlike disposable cups that contribute to waste, reusable plastic cups can be washed and used multiple times, reducing environmental impact. By opting for reusable plastic cups, you are making a sustainable choice that helps reduce the amount of disposable cups ending up in landfills.
Types of Reusable Plastic Beverageware
From shatter-proof champagne flutes to kid-friendly plastic mugs, we'll walk you through the different types of plastic drinkware and explain its benefits:
1. Tritan™ Plastic Cups
Tritan™ plastic is a trademarked copolyester material (strong, clear plastic) that is manufactured by the Eastman Chemical Company. One of the key benefits of Tritan™ plastic drinkware is its exceptional strength. This material is often referred to as shatter-proof, or virtually unbreakable, making it ideal for high-traffic environments such as restaurants, bars, and catering events. With Tritan™ plastic, you can say goodbye to the worry of breakage or cracking, providing a reliable solution for serving drinks to your customers.
Tritan™ cups have the look and feel of glass, providing a premium presentation for your beverages. This clarity not only enhances the visual appeal of your drinks but also allows customers to see the contents clearly, making Tritan™ cups ideal for showcasing colorful cocktails, smoothies, and other beverages. While Tritan™ plastic is considered one of the safest and highest quality plastics, it's also the most expensive.
- Types of Drinkware: Tumblers, cocktail glasses, wine glasses, beer glasses, shot glasses, mason jars
- Benefits of Tritan™ Plastic: Dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, scratch-resistant, impact-resistant, shatter-proof, stain-resistant
- BPA-Free? Yes
2. SAN Plastic Cups
SAN plastic (styrene-acrylonitrile) is a sturdy and impact-resistant material that is often used to make reusable drinkware such as cups, tumblers, and pitchers. Its high clarity gives it a glass-like appearance, making it an attractive choice for serving beverages in bars, restaurants, and catering events. SAN plastic drinkware is also lightweight and easy to handle, making it a practical option for busy foodservice environments. A standout feature of SAN plastic is that it holds up well to repeated use in a commercial dishwasher, thanks to heat- and chemical-resistant properties.
In comparison to Tritan™ plastic, SAN plastic is more affordable, making it a cost-effective option for businesses on a budget. While Tritan™ plastic is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to cracking and breaking, SAN plastic offers a balance of durability and affordability that makes it a popular choice for commercial use.
- Types of Drinkware: Tumblers, cocktail glasses, wine glasses, beer glasses, shot glasses
- Benefits of San Plastic: Economical, great clarity, heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe, durable
- BPA-Free? Yes
3. Polycarbonate Cups
Polycarbonate is another type of clear plastic with excellent durability. Drinkware made from polycarbonate is exceptionally strong and offers greater impact-resistance compared to SAN plastic. This makes is a smart choice for applications where you expect glasses to be dropped, like children's parties or outdoor events. Polycarbonate cups also have exceptional clarity, which makes them suitable for environments where the aesthetic of your tabletop items is a priority.
While polycarbonate cups offer durability when it comes to impacts or dropping, they are not as resistant to surface scratches. Polycarbonate can also be affected by crazing, which looks like many fine-lines or cracks throughout the material. Crazing occurs due to the high temperatures and chemical exposure of commercial dishwashing.
- Types of Drinkware: Tumblers, cocktail glasses, wine glasses, beer glasses, shot glasses, mason jars
- Benefits of Polycarbonate: Great clarity, impact-resistant, shatter-proof, chip-resistant
- BPA-Free? No
Plastic Drinkware Uses
Plastic drinkware is a worthwhile investment for many different types of establishments and events, from outdoor facilities to high-volume restaurants. Whether you need margarita glasses for an outside cabana or coffee mugs for a busy breakfast buffet, reusable plastic drinkware can be a safe and affordable solution. If you're still not sure if reusable plastic beverageware is right for you, check out these examples of environments where break-resistant, reusable drinkware may come in handy:
- Outdoor Dining and Events: Poolside bars, resorts, outdoor weddings, cruise ships and yachts, decks and patios, beer gardens, pop-up wine tastings
- High-Volume Establishments: School cafeterias, hospitals, nursing homes, workplace cafeterias, institutions
- Kid-Friendly Foodservice: Snackshops, diners, daycares, pre-schools, amusement parks
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Glassware Inventory Guide
Whether you run a bustling restaurant, a busy bar, or a catering service , having a well-organized and efficient glassware inventory is crucial for smooth operations and customer satisfaction. Your inventory can include various types of drinkware such as wine glasses, beer mugs, and cocktail glasses. Proper inventory management helps prevent shortages during peak hours, reduces breakage and loss, and ensures that your establishment is always ready to serve customers with the right glassware for every occasion. Shop All Glass Racks Use the links to learn about glassware inventory: How to Calculate Glassware Inventory Glassware Inventory Calculator Restaurant Drinkware Inventory Considerations Glassware Inventory FAQs
Types of Wine Glasses
Whether sweet or dry, white or red, robust or light, wine requires precise serving procedures to reach its full flavor potential. Mastering the art of serving and pouring wine and holding the glass correctly creates a positive experience for wine enthusiasts and first-time wine tasters alike. In addition to proper serving temperatures, each type of wine requires a specific style of glass for service to best enhance the aromas, flavors, and overall experience of the wine. To best enjoy your wine collection, browse through the links below to choose the ideal wine glass for your needs. Shop All Wine Glasses Use the following links to learn more about different types of wine glasses: Red Wine Glasses White Wine Glasses Red Wine Glasses Burgundy
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