Tervis tumblers are renowned for their durability, insulation, and customization options. But behind the vibrant designs and iconic double-walled construction lies a fundamental question: What type of plastic is Tervis made of? Understanding the materials used in these popular tumblers is crucial for consumers concerned about safety, longevity, and recyclability. This article delves into the specific plastics that make up Tervis tumblers, exploring their properties, benefits, and implications.
The Two Primary Plastics Behind Tervis Tumblers
Tervis primarily utilizes two types of plastic in its tumblers: Tritan™ copolyester and, in older models, polycarbonate. Each material possesses unique characteristics that contribute to the tumbler’s overall performance. While Tritan is the current standard, understanding the historical use of polycarbonate offers valuable context.
Tritan™ Copolyester: The Modern Tervis Standard
Tritan™ is a BPA-free plastic renowned for its clarity, durability, and resistance to impacts. It is a copolyester, meaning it’s a modified form of polyester with enhanced properties. Eastman Chemical Company developed Tritan™, and it has quickly become a favored material for various applications, including water bottles, food containers, and, most notably, Tervis tumblers.
Key Properties of Tritan™ in Tervis Tumblers
- BPA-Free and BPS-Free: One of the most significant advantages of Tritan™ is its lack of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS), chemicals that have raised health concerns due to their potential estrogen-mimicking effects. This makes Tritan™ a safer option for consumers, particularly those concerned about endocrine disruptors.
- Exceptional Clarity: Tritan™ offers excellent optical clarity, similar to glass. This allows for vibrant and detailed designs to be showcased within the tumbler without distortion. This clarity is a major selling point for Tervis, allowing for endless customization possibilities.
- High Impact Resistance: Tervis tumblers are known for their durability, and Tritan™ plays a significant role in this. Its high impact resistance means it can withstand drops and bumps without shattering or cracking, making it ideal for everyday use.
- Dishwasher Safe: Tritan™ can withstand the high temperatures and harsh detergents of a dishwasher, making Tervis tumblers easy to clean and maintain. This convenience is a key factor in the popularity of Tervis products.
- Chemical Resistance: Tritan™ resists staining and odor retention, even when exposed to acidic or strongly colored beverages. This ensures that your Tervis tumbler remains clean and fresh-smelling, even after repeated use.
- Temperature Resistance: Tritan™ can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for both hot and cold beverages. This versatility is a key feature of Tervis tumblers.
- Recyclability: While the recyclability of Tritan™ can vary depending on local recycling programs, it is generally considered a recyclable plastic (often coded as #7). This aligns with increasing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.
Polycarbonate: The Historical Material of Tervis Tumblers
Prior to the widespread adoption of Tritan™, Tervis tumblers were often made with polycarbonate plastic. Polycarbonate is a tough, transparent plastic known for its high impact resistance and heat resistance.
The Transition from Polycarbonate to Tritan™
Tervis transitioned from polycarbonate to Tritan™ in response to growing concerns about the presence of BPA in polycarbonate plastics. While polycarbonate itself is a durable and reliable material, the potential health risks associated with BPA led Tervis to seek a safer alternative. The switch to Tritan™ reflected Tervis’s commitment to providing consumers with safe and high-quality products.
Identifying Older Polycarbonate Tervis Tumblers
Identifying whether your Tervis tumbler is made of polycarbonate can be tricky, as the appearance is often very similar to Tritan™. However, older tumblers may have a slight yellowing or haziness over time. Furthermore, the packaging or labeling of older tumblers might indicate the use of polycarbonate. Contacting Tervis customer support with the model number might also provide clarity.
Why Tervis Chose These Plastics
The selection of Tritan™ and polycarbonate (historically) by Tervis was a strategic decision based on a combination of factors, including durability, clarity, safety, and manufacturing considerations.
Durability and Longevity
Both Tritan™ and polycarbonate offer exceptional durability, ensuring that Tervis tumblers can withstand the rigors of daily use. This contributes to the long lifespan of the product, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Tervis’s warranty also reflects their confidence in the durability of their tumblers.
Clarity and Aesthetics
The clarity of both plastics allows for the vibrant display of designs and customizations, a key element of the Tervis brand. Consumers appreciate the ability to personalize their tumblers with unique patterns, logos, and images. This clarity enhances the aesthetic appeal of the tumblers, making them more desirable.
Safety Considerations
The switch to Tritan™ demonstrates Tervis’s commitment to consumer safety. By using a BPA-free and BPS-free plastic, Tervis has addressed concerns about potential health risks associated with these chemicals. This proactive approach has strengthened consumer trust in the brand.
Manufacturing Feasibility
Both Tritan™ and polycarbonate are well-suited for the injection molding process used to manufacture Tervis tumblers. This allows for efficient and consistent production of high-quality products. The ease of manufacturing contributes to the affordability and availability of Tervis tumblers.
The Benefits of Tervis Tumblers Beyond the Plastic
While the type of plastic is a crucial factor, the benefits of Tervis tumblers extend beyond just the material itself. The double-walled insulation, customization options, and lifetime guarantee all contribute to the overall value and appeal of these products.
Double-Walled Insulation
Tervis tumblers feature a double-walled construction that creates an air gap between the inner and outer layers. This insulation helps to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for extended periods. This temperature retention is a major selling point for Tervis tumblers, making them ideal for various activities and environments.
Customization and Personalization
Tervis offers a wide range of customization options, allowing consumers to personalize their tumblers with unique designs, logos, and images. This personalization adds to the appeal of the product, making it a popular choice for gifts and promotional items. The ability to create a truly unique tumbler is a key differentiator for Tervis.
Lifetime Guarantee
Tervis offers a lifetime guarantee on its tumblers, demonstrating its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. This guarantee provides consumers with peace of mind, knowing that their investment is protected. The lifetime guarantee is a testament to the durability and longevity of Tervis products.
Reducing Single-Use Plastic Waste
By using a durable and reusable tumbler, consumers can reduce their reliance on single-use plastic cups and bottles. This contributes to environmental sustainability and helps to reduce plastic waste. Tervis tumblers are a practical and stylish way to promote eco-friendly habits.
Caring for Your Tervis Tumbler
Proper care can extend the life of your Tervis tumbler and ensure that it continues to perform optimally. Following the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance is essential.
Washing Instructions
Tervis tumblers are generally dishwasher safe, but it’s important to place them on the top rack to avoid excessive heat exposure. Hand washing with mild soap and water is also an effective cleaning method. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes, as these can scratch the plastic.
Avoiding Extreme Temperatures
While Tritan™ and polycarbonate are temperature resistant, it’s best to avoid exposing your Tervis tumbler to extreme temperatures, such as prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or placing it in the freezer. These conditions can potentially damage the plastic.
Proper Storage
When not in use, store your Tervis tumbler in a cool, dry place. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of it, as this can cause deformation. Proper storage will help to maintain the shape and integrity of the tumbler.
The Future of Plastics in Tervis Tumblers
As technology and materials science advance, Tervis may explore new and innovative plastics for its tumblers. The company’s commitment to sustainability and consumer safety will likely drive future material choices. Biodegradable or bio-based plastics could potentially be incorporated into future Tervis products, further reducing the environmental impact.
Exploring Sustainable Alternatives
The development of sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics is an ongoing process. Tervis may consider incorporating recycled plastics or bio-based plastics into its tumblers in the future. This would align with increasing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.
Advancements in Plastic Technology
Ongoing research and development in plastic technology may lead to the creation of new materials with enhanced properties, such as improved durability, clarity, and temperature resistance. Tervis may adopt these advancements to further improve the performance and longevity of its tumblers.
In conclusion, the plastics used in Tervis tumblers – primarily Tritan™ copolyester and, historically, polycarbonate – are carefully chosen for their durability, clarity, safety, and manufacturing feasibility. The move to Tritan™ highlights a commitment to BPA-free products. Coupled with the double-walled insulation, customization options, and lifetime guarantee, Tervis tumblers offer a compelling combination of functionality, aesthetics, and long-term value. Understanding the materials that make up these popular tumblers empowers consumers to make informed choices and appreciate the quality and innovation behind the Tervis brand.
What type of plastic is used for the outer shell of a Tervis tumbler?
The outer shell of a Tervis tumbler is primarily made from a durable, crystal-clear plastic called polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is chosen for its excellent clarity, impact resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures. These properties allow the outer shell to showcase the tumbler’s design or inserts while providing structural integrity and protection.
The use of polycarbonate ensures that the Tervis tumbler is dishwasher safe and can endure daily use without cracking or clouding. It also provides a smooth, transparent surface that enhances the visibility of the inner liner and any customized designs contained within the tumbler’s layers.
What material is used for the inner liner of a Tervis tumbler, and why was it chosen?
The inner liner of a Tervis tumbler is typically made from Tritan, a BPA-free copolyester plastic. Tritan is selected for its excellent chemical resistance, clarity, and safety for food and beverage contact. This material helps to prevent the leaching of unwanted chemicals into the drink and ensures that the tumbler remains odor-free and stain-resistant over time.
Tritan’s superior durability and resistance to hydrolysis make it an ideal choice for the inner layer. It provides a safe and reliable surface for containing liquids, even those that are acidic or highly colored, and helps to maintain the integrity and longevity of the Tervis tumbler.
Is Tervis plastic BPA-free?
Yes, the plastics used in Tervis tumblers are BPA-free. BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical previously used in some plastics that has raised health concerns. Tervis addressed these concerns by utilizing alternative, BPA-free materials in their products.
The inner liner of Tervis tumblers is made from Tritan, a copolyester known for its BPA-free composition. Similarly, the outer shell, while often polycarbonate, is manufactured to meet all safety standards, ensuring that it does not contain or leach BPA into the contents of the tumbler.
Are Tervis tumblers dishwasher safe, considering the plastic used?
Yes, Tervis tumblers are designed to be dishwasher safe. The choice of polycarbonate for the outer shell and Tritan for the inner liner contributes to this feature. Both materials are engineered to withstand the high temperatures and harsh detergents used in dishwashers without warping, cracking, or becoming cloudy.
However, it’s always advisable to place Tervis tumblers on the top rack of the dishwasher to further protect them from extreme heat. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid using abrasive cleaning agents or scrub pads that could potentially scratch the surface of the plastic.
Are Tervis tumblers recyclable?
While Tervis tumblers are highly durable and reusable, the recyclability of the plastic components can vary depending on local recycling facilities and programs. Polycarbonate and Tritan are technically recyclable, but their acceptance in municipal recycling programs may be limited due to the specific sorting and processing requirements for these types of plastics.
It is best to check with your local recycling provider to determine if they accept polycarbonate or Tritan for recycling. If not, consider alternative disposal methods such as donating usable tumblers or repurposing them for other household uses. Tervis also offers a lifetime guarantee, and in some cases, may offer replacements for damaged tumblers, reducing the need for disposal.
How does Tervis ensure the safety of the plastics used in their tumblers?
Tervis prioritizes the safety of its products by using materials that meet or exceed industry standards and regulations. They conduct thorough testing on their plastics to ensure they are free from harmful chemicals and safe for contact with food and beverages. These tests often involve analyzing the plastics for potential leaching of substances under various conditions.
Furthermore, Tervis collaborates with reputable plastic manufacturers and adheres to strict quality control procedures throughout the production process. By using BPA-free materials like Tritan and carefully selecting other components, Tervis aims to provide consumers with safe and reliable products that meet the highest quality standards.
What are the advantages of using plastic over other materials in Tervis tumblers?
Plastic, specifically polycarbonate and Tritan, offers several advantages over other materials like glass or metal for Tervis tumblers. These plastics are lightweight, impact-resistant, and shatterproof, making them ideal for everyday use and travel. They also provide excellent insulation properties, helping to keep drinks hot or cold for extended periods.
Additionally, plastic allows for greater design flexibility and customization options. The transparent nature of polycarbonate enables the display of vibrant designs and inserts, while both polycarbonate and Tritan are easily molded into various shapes and sizes. This combination of functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal makes plastic the preferred choice for Tervis tumblers.