Shatterproof glassware in polycarbonate and Tritan.

Polycarbonate or Tritan – what’s the difference?

Both materials produce shatterproof glasses that resemble real glass, but there are differences that affect which option is best suited for your business.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is the classic material for shatterproof glassware – hard, stable, and highly resistant to mechanical impact. It is ideal for outdoor serving areas, pool environments, and events where glasses are handled roughly and replaced frequently. It is also easier to manufacture in standard formats such as highball glasses, beer glasses, and wine glasses.

Tritan

Tritan is a newer plastic material that offers crystal clarity and a more premium appearance compared to standard polycarbonate. For example, Tritan glasses from Barcompagniet are difficult to distinguish from real glass by visual inspection. It is well suited for serving environments where presentation matters but where you still want to avoid the risk of breakage – such as pool bars, outdoor restaurants, or event venues.

Common use cases for shatterproof glassware

Shatterproof glasses are used in environments where the risk of breakage is high or where regulatory requirements or insurance policies restrict the use of real glass. Common examples include outdoor seating areas, pool areas, festivals, concerts, catering events, and venues with large crowds. You can also explore our range of champagne glasses, highball glasses, and cocktail glasses in real glass where the environment allows.