What is Tritan? How Does it Compare to Other Plastics ?

It’s nearly impossible to avoid plastics. To tell the truth, plastic is not only more affordable than its ‘environmentally friendly’ alternatives, but it also tends to endure longer. The fact that plastic can be recycled and reused is a major plus. There are now a wide variety of plastics available for a wide range of applications. Tritan is a highly regarded material. You may be familiar with the term but have no idea that it refers to a specific sort of plastic.

In 2008, the Eastman Company released Tritan as a replacement for BPA plastics. Since then, its use in beverage containers and other household items has skyrocketed. It’s packed with impressive features. But how does Tritan stack up against competing polymers on the market? Is it true that Tritan water bottles are superior to the competition? We’ve done the legwork so you can determine for yourself if Tritan is the right plastic for you.

To Begin, What Is Tritan?

You can think of Tritan as a copolyester. This indicates that the primary plastic has been modified by the addition of diacids and/or diols (acids and compounds). The new material is robust, transparent, and resistant to heat and chemical deterioration thanks to the incorporation of these additives.

Tritan is widely used for food and drink containers due to its durability, transparency, and the other qualities discussed below. It can be found everywhere, and beverage bottles are a common application of it in the promotional goods industry.

It has the appearance and clarity of glass, but Eastman claims that Tritan will not break if you drop it or if it falls to the bottom of your rucksack. It’s sturdy enough to withstand the normal wear and tear of daily life, as well as a few less common types of pressure. Users have reported that it has held up well on hikes and “even a few really long falls.”

These assertions are supported by third-party and laboratory testing. A Tritan water bottle may, therefore, be relied upon to withstand the rigors of any endeavor.

Who are some of Tritan’s main rivals?

Tritan’s primary rivals are polycarbonate (PC) and styrene acrylonitrile (SAN). PC and SAN are both transparent, stiff polymers that find widespread use as tableware. They’re a more cost-effective, lightweight, and heat-resistant alternative to traditional glassware, making them ideal for heavy usage in commercial kitchens.

PC

PC is well-known for its rigid but understandable framework. It’s used in a wide variety of products, from glasses to machine guards to LED light pipes. PC is favored by manufacturers because of its adaptability and versatility. At room temperature, it can be molded without breaking or cracking. Polycarbonate has been shown to be eight times stronger than PET and four times stronger than acrylic in a variety of strength comparison tests. It can be manufactured to withstand bullets with no problem at all.

SAN first appeared around the ’50s. You might have found some of its earliest iterations, in the form of food containers, stashed away in your grandmother’s kitchen cabinets. Its durability against heat and cleaning solvents makes it ideal for storing and preparing leftovers. It is used in practically everything nowadays, from printer housings and cosmetics packaging to pens and thermal drinkware. SAN generates vibrant colors and crisp, long-lasting prints, making it a popular choice for promotional products.

The Plastics PET and PP

Other prevalent polymers include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP). They’re perfect for consumer products and bottles because they’re cheap and lightweight. PET’s food safety and recyclable qualities make it a popular choice in the food and hospitality industries. Polyester PET can be easily repurposed into new garments or even a new toque. We welcome your questions concerning our eco-friendly PET clothing.

PP can also be recycled, however it can’t be done with curbside service. Its key useful properties are its resistance to both impact and moisture. Film for wrapping candies and garments (called polybags) are also made from PP.

BPA-Free Tritan

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a chemical used to strengthen plastics and resins and prevent them from breaking down over time. BPA becomes a problem when it leaches into consumables kept in BPA-coated containers. The health of a developing child’s brain and prostate has been shown to be negatively impacted by BPA, according to extensive study.

Health experts around the world, however, say that our typical exposure poses no serious risks. Nonetheless, Australia’s federal government has been working to eliminate BPA from infant goods since 2010.

Durable Tritan

Tritan can withstand high temperatures, chemicals, and impact. Therefore, it holds up really well in the dishwasher. That’s crucial for the people who will be using your branded Tritan items on a regular basis, whether it’s employees or customers.

• Recent developments have boosted Tritan’s cycle life to well over a thousand.
• SAN is as long-lasting as Tritan in the dishwasher, withstanding more than a thousand cycles. SAN (and PC) is not scratch- or impact-resistant, though. When dropped on a hard floor, it tends to break. Drink bottles are easily knocked over and broken during activity, but this is fine for crockery that is handled carefully.

Read more: Understanding Tritan Plastic : The Safest Available Plastic

Tritan is Totally Transparent

Clear Tritan is essential as a glass replacement. While certain polymers may fade or get cloudy after repeated washings and use, Tritan maintains its “outstanding gloss” even after extensive wear and tear. The transparency of Tritan is due to the high levels of light transmission and reflection it provides. This produces a crystalline luster. Cloudiness and staining are problems that have been observed with both PC and SAN.

Video 01: What Is Bisphenol A (BPA) & How To Reduce Exposure To It? – Dr.Berg