What are plastic or plastic glasses?

4 April 2024 - Reading time 6 min.

Products

You drop your glass at the outside café or at a party, but to your surprise, it does not break! How is that possible? When you pick up the glass from the floor you only feel it, it looks like a plastic glass.

On a pleasant summer evening, you accidentally drop your glass. Now it turns out that this one didn't break. How can that be? As soon as you pick up your glass, you notice that the glasses are made of plastic.

What are plastic glasses? These plastic glasses are made of plastics. Because of this, such a plastic glass is also called a plastic glass. The glass resembles a traditional glass, but they are more contemporary and practical. A good plastic glass is tremendously similar to a normal glass.

This blog will explain all about plastic glasses and you will find out why they are becoming increasingly popular for catering or other end users.

What should I look out for when buying plastic or plastic glasses?

When buying plastic glassware for your occasion, there are some specific things important to look out for. Here they are listed:

Does the plastic or plastic glass resemble real glass?

With the development in plastic glasses, the glasses not only look practical but have a realistic appearance. This look comes from developed manufacturing techniques and materials that resemble a normal glass. The way plastic glasses really feel goes beyond how they look. It is about the complete experience of the glass. From serving to holding and drinking. With most plastic glasses, durability and style go hand in hand. If you want to get more of a feel for the glass, it is wise to request a sample.

Can the plastic withstand heat?

Heat resistance in plastic glasses for hot drinks or cleaning is an important dealmaker or breaker. Most plastic glasses are heat-resistant, ideally!When buying glasses, do check if the heat resistance is listed.

What material is the plastic glass made of?

A plastic glass can be made of different materials. Each plastic has its own characteristics. Here they are listed:

Polycarbonate:

Polycarbonate has high impact resistance, is resistant to breakage, and is definitely heat-resistant. A polycarbonate glass is known for its sturdiness. At Riké, the festival glass is made of this plastic.

Acrylic (PMMA):

PMMA is known for its clarity and durability. This is often used as an alternative to glass. The glass is unbreakable and it can be moulded into different shapes.

Melamine:

Melamine is light and sturdy. It is often used for outdoor and camping glasses. The glass is unbreakable and scratch-resistant, making it long-lasting.Melamine is a popular material for plastic glasses because it is so durable.

How durable is a plastic or plastic glass?

The durability of a plastic glass depends on many different factors. Some factors include production, material, transport and final use. A plastic glass is generally better for the environment. See the explanation below:

Normal glass:

Production: Raw materials, such as sand, soda and limestone, are melted at high temperatures. This process can use a lot of energy and contribute to CO2 emissions.

Transport: Glass is heavier than plastic. This results in higher transport costs and CO2 emissions during transport and is therefore much worse for the environment.

Lifespan: Traditional glass breaks more quickly and has a shorter lifespan than plastic glass. As a result, glasses need to be replaced more often.

Plastic or plastic glass:

Production: The production of plastic glasses usually requires less energy than glass. This varies depending on the plastic material used.

Recyclability: Most plastics can be recycled. This reduces the carbon footprint.

Longevity: Plastic glass is sturdier, suitable for recycling and lasts longer. This is beneficial for the environment. You need to replace these much less often than glass!

Can I get information on plastic or plastic glasses?

Gone are the days when a glass breaks after you drop it. If you are also excited and would like to receive more information about plastic or plastic glasses, see our website for all types and sizes. Would you like to test a plastic glass? We can send you a sample of most glasses. Feel free to ask about the possibilities or request a quotation or digital proof!