Paper and Plastic Cups Key Terms

Quench your thirst for knowledge about paper and plastic cups key terms

Plastic and paper cups have changed since the introduction of the Dixie cup. There are many types and choices from manufacturers of plastic and paper cups. Knowing plastic and paper cup vocabulary will aid in making a selection. Key terms most often describe the material or design used by the manufacturer to create the cup. Examples of these terms are crystal styrene, styrene acrylonitrile, double-walled and poly-coated paper.

 

Double wall

A double-walled cup is a cup that has a pocket of air between the two wall layers. These cups are good for maintaining beverage temperature in the cup.
Try: Read a description about the design and patent of a double-walled cup from Free Patents Online.

Polystyrene crystal, crystal styrene

Crystal styrene is a form of thermoplastic used to make clear plastic cups. Cups of this material are cheaper but not as strong.
Try: Learn more details about crystal styrene from Endura.

Styrene acrylonitrile (SAN)

Styrene acrylonitrile is a thermoplastic also used to make plastic cups. This plastic material is stronger than crystal styrene but not as strong as acrylic.
Try: View more details about styrene acrylonitrile from Azom.

Poly-coated paper

Poly-coated paper cups are paper cups with a coating of plastic polymer on them. This coating helps keep drinks cool or warm depending on the liquid, and helps the cup maintain its shape.
Try: Look for poly-coated cups at Food Service Warehouse for more information.

Dixie cup

Dixie is the brand name of one of the first disposable paper drinking cups. Lawrence Luellen designed the cup after the discovery of disease spreading because of many people using the same cup.
Try: Study more about the history and discovery of the Dixie cup from Idea Finder.

Resin identification code

A resin identification code is a code voluntarily placed on plastic cups and containers. The code tells recyclers the type of plastic used in the cup.
Try: Find out more about the resin identification code from the Plastic Cups Blog.

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