Buying guide for plastic cups

When it comes to high-volume restaurants, caterers, hotels and other busy spaces, disposable and reusable plastic cups are a must!

We guide you through the different types of plastic on the market so you can choose the perfect cup to meet your business needs.

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Disposable plastic cups
- PS Crystal Cups
- PLA corn starch biodegradable cups
Reusable plastic cups
Uses for plastic cups
Cup accessories
- Plastic ice buckets

Disposable plastic cups

PS Crystal Cups

These cups are made of polystyrene, a homopolymer obtained from the polymerisation of pure styrene. Highly rigid and resistant, the PS crystal cups are characterised by a high transparency, shine and quality that resembles traditional glass.

✔️ High quality material.

✔️ Disposable, making it a practical and hygienic choice.

✔️ Safer than glass cups, as breakage does not cause cuts.

✔️ Not suitable for microwave.

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PLA corn starch biodegradable cups

The cups made from PLA corn starch, a thermoplastic obtained from this plant, are characterised by their transparency.

It should be added that they are safe for use by people who are allergic to corn starch and its derivatives. Other qualities include:

✔️ Highly resistant.

✔️ Disposable and practical.

✔️ Biodegradable and compostable, so it is nature-friendly.

✔️ Suitable for cold drinks such as champagne, cava and many more.

✔️ Elegant glass with a crystal appearance.

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Reusable plastic cups

San cups

San (styrene acrylonitrile) is a type of plastic usually containing about 70% styrene and 30% acrylonitrile. It is often used in place of polystyrene because it provides greater strength, stiffness and chemical resistance than polystyrene. It is also resistant to boiling water. Although San items are considered dishwasher safe, when tested over 100 cycles, the plastic showed slight edge roughness. Below are some of the characteristics of San plastic:

✔️ Tear resistant.

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✔️ BPA free.

✔️ Dishwasher safe (top rack only).

✔️ Microwave safe (reheating or heating only).

✔️ Good scratch resistance.

✔️ Clarity similar to glass.

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PC Cups

Polycarbonate is a type of plastic that has very high impact resistance and exceptional clarity. It is often used for applications such as bulletproof windows and shatter resistant lenses. Although polycarbonate has high impact resistance, it has low scratch resistance and is prone to cracking. It also contains BPA. Below are some of the characteristics of polycarbonate cups:

✔️ Virtually unbreakable.

✔️ Contains BPA.

✔️ Dishwasher safe (top rack only).

✔️ Microwave safe (reheating or heating only).

✔️ Better scratch resistance than San.

✔️ Better glass clarity than the San.

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Tritan glasses

Tritan plastic has similar properties to polycarbonate, but has a chemical resistance that maintains its integrity in environments where others may degrade. Products made from Tritan can have the appearance of glass but with greater impact strength, tear resistance and sustainability. Tritan plastics have a wide range of temperature limits, and most can handle beverages up to 82ºC, and even up to 100ºC. Although Tritan plastic is considered the safest and highest quality plastic, it is also the most expensive. Below are some of the features of tritan cups:

✔️ Practically unbreakable

✔️ BPA Free

✔️ Dishwasher safe

✔️ Microwave safe

✔️ Best scratch resistance

✔️ Best glass clarity

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Uses for plastic cups

Plastic cups are a worthwhile investment for any type of establishment and event, from outdoor facilities to high-volume restaurants. Whether you need wine glasses for a venue’s food service or gin and tonic glasses for an open bar at a wedding, reusable plastic cups are a great solution for many occasions. Here are some other common uses for plastic cups:

Outdoor uses

Swimming pool
Covered terraces and patios
Open-air dining rooms and bars
Pop-up restaurants

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Since many outdoor facilities include food and beverage service, it is important to keep breakable glassware away from pools and other outdoor areas. Glassware is usually not allowed near swimming pools to avoid breakage in the water and possible injury. To get around this rule, many outdoor areas and poolside venues resort to plastic cups. From margarita to martini glasses, there is a wide variety of drinkware to keep all types of outdoor establishments safe and injury-free.

Large capacity establishments

Health facilities
School cafeterias
Workplace cafés
Institutions

When it comes to large capacity establishments such as school cafeterias, hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities, reusable plastic cups are ideal. When dishwasher use and breakage resistance is a must, cups and mugs that have extremely high impact resistance (such as polycarbonate) are very beneficial.

Family establishments

Day centres
Restaurants
Amusement parks

Some reusable plastic drinks are BPA-free and virtually unbreakable. For this reason, many establishments that cater to families and children will opt for a health-conscious option that will stand up to wear and tear.

Cup accessories

Plastic ice buckets

Enjoy a cold drink thanks to the plastic ice buckets, made of acrylonitrile styrene, a thermoplastic polymer that maintains the ideal temperature for liquids. The ice buckets are also shock-resistant and have an attractive design, so there’s no way you can stop the party!

There are no more excuses to enjoy an event with these glasses and accessories. Choose the ones that best match the tableware and decoration of the venue, ready to surprise your guests?