Drinkware Knowledge Center

Drinkware 101

Insulation

Refers to how the materials and construction prevent temperature change or the ability to keep a beverage at its original temperature, regardless of environmental conditions.

  • Air between inner and outer walls.
  • Rating: Good
  • Performance: Hot - 2 hours. Cold - 4 hours
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  • No air between inner and outer walls.
  • Rating: Best
  • Performance: Hot – 5 hours. Cold – 15 hours.
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  • No air between inner and outer walls. Copper-plated inner wall.
  • Rating: Superior
  • Performance: Hot – 12 hours. Cold – 48 hours.
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Materials

Learn more about the materials used to construct drinkware.

A lightweight alternative to stainless steel; the look and feel of a metal vessel without the premium cost and heftiness of steel. This material is more widely accepted in recycling programs.

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Usually referred to as #7 AS, Acrylic is a rigid plastic material. Acrylic is used on tumblers and bottles, as well as for lids and outer straws.

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Stoneware molded and fired in a kiln, perfect for hot beverages. Shipping usually requires more packing material to prevent this fragile material from breaking.

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Chemically inert and recyclable, glass is a great eco option. The disadvantage is its fragility, making it one of the least versatile drinkware materials.

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also known as 304 grade, 18/8 steel is the most widely used form of food-grade steel. 18/8 represents the composition: 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

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Copolyester plastic that's manufactured by Eastman Chemical Company. Made without any BPA, Tritan is strong, clear, and resistant to heat and chemical degradation. It's also impact-resistant, so products can be used without fear of shattering.

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Tritan Renew is the same tough, safe, BPA-free material as Tritan — but revitalized thanks to Eastman’s innovative recycling technologies, containing up to 50% certified recycled content.

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Terminology

Referring to Bisphenol-A, an industrial chemical used in the manufacturing of some plastics, BPA-free refers to the absence of Bisphenol-A to address safety concerns that have come up in the last several years regarding the use of this chemical. All plastics used on PCNA drinkware are BPA-free.

  • Chug – Usually refers to a wide mouth bottle that allows the consumer to take larger drinks of their beverage, such as large gulps of water.
  • Sip – Drinkware with straws or smaller openings that encourage smaller sips, such as small sips of hot coffee.

Spray painted exterior with a shiny appearance, usually on Good drinkware styles.

Spray painted exterior with a flat or almost dull appearance. Also on Good drinkware styles.

Powder coating is a protective and durable finish that is applied to the exterior of metal drinkware vessels. The powder itself is a mixture of polyester resins, curing ingredients and pigments. More environmentally friendly than traditional painting with less waste, no overspray, and no solvents. Powder coating is done in a specialized oven, a chemical reaction occurs that effectively “cures” the powder and creates a super durable finish. Best drinkware styles offer this finish.

California Proposition 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, Prop 65 is an initiative to reduce human exposure to toxic chemicals. The State has published a list of over 950 naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals that are known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. All of our drinkware at PCNA is confirmed as Prop 65 compliant.

Selling Features

Snugly fit with a lid that is molded to the shape of the drinkware piece with a rubber plastic ring to keep the lid in place.

The lid locks in place to seal in liquids.

For those who prefer small sips and the convenience of a straw.

Grooves in the lid and the vessel to twist the lid into place.

To save your keyboard or car from the chance tumble of your drinkware, keeping the beverage from spilling everywhere.

The liquids are locked inside to prevent any spills if the drinkware piece falls over or flips upside down.

Easy to add ice and is normally large enough to put your hand inside for easy cleaning.