Tritan: The Best Plastic for Drink Bottles?

It’s hard to avoid plastics—they’re affordable, durable, and, when reused or recycled, environmentally friendly. Among the various types of plastics, Tritan stands out. If the name sounds familiar, you may not know it’s a type of plastic introduced by the Eastman Group in 2008. Designed as an alternative to BPA plastics, Tritan quickly became a popular choice for drink bottles and kitchenware.

So, how does Tritan compare to other plastics, and is it the right choice for you? Let’s break it down.

What is Tritan?

Tritan is a copolyester—a mix of diacids and diols (chemicals) combined with base plastic to create a strong, clear, and heat- and chemical-resistant material.

Why Choose Tritan?

• Strength and clarity: Tritan’s durability and glass-like appearance make it a preferred choice for food and beverage containers.
• Everyday durability: Eastman highlights that Tritan “won’t break when you drop it or toss it in the bottom of your backpack. It can take all the bumps and drops of daily life and even survive some of the not-so-typical stresses.”

This makes Tritan perfect for intense activities and daily use.

Tritan’s Competitors: Polycarbonate (PC) and Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN)

Both Polycarbonate (PC) and Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN) are popular glass alternatives.

Polycarbonate (PC)

PC is known for its tough, clear structure and is used in industries from glasses lenses to LED light pipes.

• Key features:
  • High flexibility and resistance to cracking.
  • Tested to be eight times stronger than PET and four times stronger than acrylic.
  • Can even be made bulletproof!

Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN)

SAN, developed in the 1950s, offers heat and solvent resistance, making it ideal for containers, dishware, and promotional products.

• Key features:
  • Durable, vibrant printing for branded products.
  • Common in printer casings, cosmetic packaging, and insulated cups.

Other Competitors: PET and PP

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

PET is lightweight, inexpensive, and widely used in food packaging and bottles. Its recyclability makes it a popular choice in hospitality and retail.

Polypropylene (PP)

PP is impact-resistant, moisture-resistant, and commonly used in clothing polybags and food wraps.

What Sets Tritan Apart?

1. BPA-Free

Bisphenol A (BPA), found in some plastics, can leach into food or drinks, potentially impacting health. While global health authorities consider BPA safe at common exposure levels, Australia phased it out of baby products in 2010. Unlike Polycarbonate, Tritan is entirely BPA-free, making it safer for drinkware.

2. Exceptional Strength

Tritan’s resistance to impact, heat, and chemicals makes it dishwasher-durable—a key advantage for everyday use.

• Testing results:
  • Polycarbonate often breaks after two to three residential dishwasher cycles under a 1% strain.
  • Tritan endures over 1,000 cycles without crazing or breakage, outperforming SAN, which lacks impact resistance and may crack when dropped.

3. Crystal Clarity

To replace glass, Tritan must look the part. Unlike other plastics that discolor or cloud over time, Tritan maintains lasting clarity.

• Key features:
  • Crystal-like brilliance and high light transmission.
  • Odor- and taste-resistant for fresh-tasting drinks after repeated use.

Should Tritan Be Your Choice?

With its safety, strength, and clarity, Tritan drink bottles are a durable and attractive choice for promotional products. BPA-free and resistant to wear, Tritan offers long-lasting branding opportunities, making it ideal for showcasing your company.

Contact our team today to explore our range of Tritan products and elevate your brand!