Polycarbonate Glassware Options for your Bar
Summer is nearly here and with the looming seasonal change comes the hope of better weather and the potential for outdoor drinking. The pastime of enjoying a drink outside may be one which pub goers relish, for owners however it is fraught with the possibility of glassware breakages. Not only is it further for glassware to be carried to and from the bar, but paved and stone outdoor areas are not as forgiving on items dropped on it.
Understandably, most glassware manufacturers who cater to the hospitality industry offer toughened options to meet the standards of commercial glassware needs. Sometimes however, this is just not enough. As a result, in recent years polycarbonate glassware (or as it is also commonly known, plastic glassware) has become a popular alternative to combat breakages.
Polycarbonate – What Is It?
As a material, polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic mainly used for electronic applications due to its collective safety features. As manufacturing techniques advanced it found additional uses within the construction industry and then catering by way of injection moulding. Initially, this was met with concern surrounding the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) for food contact products which led to the development of BPA-free polycarbonate.
But why would you want to replace traditional glassware with polycarbonate alternatives?
The main reasons are the additional benefits afforded by polycarbonate as a material, these include:
- Impact Resistance – Polycarbonate is near unbreakable, especially when compared like for like with glass. Meaning they can be dropped repeatedly without chipping, marking or shattering.
- Longer Product Life – Glassware has a notably long life but with age, glass thins at the top which can leave it prone to chipping. Polycarbonate however, due to its chemical make-up has a longer life whereby it doesn’t change in its structural integrity.
- Heat Resistance – Due to polycarbonates high glass transition temperature (the temperature at which a solid becomes amorphous and begins to take on liquid properties) of approximately 147°C it means it can withstand high temperatures for several hours without it compromising its structural integrity or shape.
- Greater Insulation – The structure of polycarbonate aids in the stabilisation of the thermal value of the liquids they hold. As such, polycarbonate glassware is great at keeping cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot.
Range Options – What’s Available
Lucent
Lucent by Utopia provides both decadence and refinement visually matching that of traditional glassware whilst delivering the safety benefits polycarbonate offers. The premium option will give your establishment a feeling of luxury, mixed with unbreakable durability meaning even younger generations can enjoy a more adult looking option. A final benefit from the range is they are glasswasher safe too meaning no need to separate from your glassware ranges whilst cleaning.
Aspen
Aspen offers users a fantastically sleek design with a distinct shape making the drinking experience one to savour. The range is split into Aspen Diamond which includes two stackable tumblers which are perfect for large service establishments or venues which serve breakfasts. The Aspen Summit selection has a variety of wine glasses perfect for dining service.
Pentagon Polycarbonate
The polycarbonate version of pentagon is another range of well-designed and aesthetically pleasing drinkware promoting a pleasant shape and style. As with all other polycarbonate ranges it benefits from high durability, being glasswasher safe and having clarity comparable with glass.
Ultimately, most venues should still stock and carry a wide collection of glassware, but their polycarbonate offering should be increasing. Not only does it look the same as its glass counterpart, but it also performs better. Peruse Alliance Online’s polycarbonate offering to select a durable, yet still clear range which can reduce your breakage costs and restocking fees where drinkware is concerned.
