Plastic drinkware has the look of glass, without the risk of breakage. Photo courtesy of Libbey Foodservice.

With summer upon us it’s time to think about poolside and outdoor dining.  When the weather turns nice, guests like to be outside soaking up the warmth and sunshine.  How do you give them a great outdoor dining experience while simultaneously maintaining the standards of your restaurant and making safety your first priority?  The answer is the plastic drinkware from the Libbey Foodservice® Infinium™ line.  Elegance is not lost by serving beverages in plastic when you make Infinium™ your go-to summertime glassware.

Made from Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, Infinium™ “mimics the clarity of glass, is virtually unbreakable and retains its beauty longer than other plastic substrates,” according to Pitch Engine, which touts the Libbey Foodservice® line as an industry leader in durability.

Eastman Tritan™ is a BPA-free material that has been approved for use in food contact applications.  Because the safety of plastic drinkware has long been a concern, Eastman has conducted comprehensive testing on their Tritan™ plastic, using independent parties to ensure the safety of the product.  The results confirmed there is no risk of potential estrogenic or adrogenic activity, a considerable risk of many plastics used with food.

In addition to its incredible safety record, Eastman Tritan™ boasts the following quality features:

• Dishwasher durability
• Lasting clarity
• Long product life
• Retention of color and gloss
• Sustainability
• Shelf appeal

The new Libbey Foodservice® Infinium™ line made with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester has a lot to offer:  the look and feel of glass, durability, long life, and many other great characteristics.  Check out a couple of the other plastic drinkware options:

Polycarbonate is a great alternative to glass: it isn’t as delicate, and won’t break when dropped on a hard surface.  Polycarbonate, though, is prone to scratching, and cleaning solvents are hard on the surface—therefore, glassware comprised of polycarbonate should only be washed by hand with a non-abrasive brush or sponge and gentle liquid detergent.  Be sure to look for polycarbonate glasses that are BPA-free, as the toxin can leach into drinkware after a time.

Acrylic is easy to mold into distinct shapes and sizes and is often a favored alternative to glassware, especially for outdoor use.  Because it is available in many shapes, sizes, and colors, acrylic drinkware is a popular choice for those planning to add décor to a party or celebration.  Acrylic is generally shatter-resistant but it is prone to scratching, so use care when washing—use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge for optimal results.

Finally, SAN drinkware is a slightly less expensive alternative to glass or other plastics.  It is durable, will hold up through multiple cycles in the dishwasher, and is BPA-free and scratch-resistant.  SAN plastics can be made from fully recyclable materials is, therefore, an environmentally-friendly option.

There are many options available to operators wishing to be safe and economical during the outdoor dining season.  It is also a safer alternative to glass for poolside service.  Do you use plastic drinkware in your establishment?  Do you have a go-to plastic that you prefer?

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