Tritan is a lightweight, taste- and odour-neutral, heat-resistant, shatterproof, and dishwasher-safe (up to 80 °C) plastic commonly used for drinking bottles.
What does Wikipedia say about TRITAN?
It is a thermoplastic polyester from the American manufacturer Eastman Chemical, which is used, for example, for drinking bottles. The plastic was introduced under this trade name in 2007. The material is free of the hormone-active substance Bisphenol A and is therefore well suited for food applications. In the manufacturing process, polyester is modified and synthesised into a copolymer.
Terms briefly explained
Thermoplastics are mouldable at certain temperatures, which distinguishes them from thermosets and elastomers. When heated, they become soft and can take on different shapes, which they retain when cooled. (see Wikipedia)
Although polyester occurs naturally, the term is generally used for the broad family of synthetic polymers employed in numerous applications. Under this umbrella term are various materials of great technical importance, including polycarbonates (PC) and thermoplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET). (see Wikipedia) The chemical company Eastman Chemical Company from the United States is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, and employs around 14,000 people worldwide. (see company profile)
Bisphenol A (BPA) belongs to the group of diphenylmethane derivatives and is a well-known bisphenol produced synthetically. Due to its versatile physical and chemical properties and low-cost production, it is found in many everyday products, including plastic bottles and plastic toys. However, studies have shown that BPA can enter the human body and cause hormonal changes. As a result, alternative materials are increasingly used. (see Wikipedia)
By introducing dicarboxylic acids and diols into the polyester, the material becomes a copolyester due to its comonomer content. Copolyesters retain their strength, clarity, and other mechanical properties even when exposed to a variety of chemicals that typically affect other materials such as polycarbonates. (see Wikipedia)
What do we say about Tritan?
Eastman offers a variety of versions of its plastic to meet specific processing, regulatory, and end-user requirements. As a result, the properties of products bearing the name Tritan Copolyester may vary slightly. For example, EX401 and EX501 are primarily used for applications in infant nutrition. FX100/FX200 is mainly used for applications in the food sector. (see Eastman.com)
Is TRITAN safe?
The material does not release any harmful substances into the contained food – mostly beverages.
Who are Tritan drinking bottles suitable for?
Tritan drinking bottles are particularly suitable for athletes and children.
Tritan bottles are particularly lightweight and therefore ideal for on the go. Due to its high impact resistance, TRITAN is often used for the production of children's drinking bottles. Tritan bottles are also well suited for athletes.
In addition, they offer similar advantages to water bottles made of stainless steel or glass, but with significantly less weight. Their transparency also allows the liquid level to be visible, which is technically not possible with stainless steel models.
How do I clean my Tritan drinking bottle?
Although bottles made of Tritan can generally be cleaned in the dishwasher at temperatures up to 80 °C, much lower temperatures are recommended. The higher the temperature, the shorter the lifespan of the material. In addition, the dishwasher detergent causes a gradual breakdown of the polymer, which affects the mechanical strength. Therefore, hand washing is recommended. You should also avoid using cleaning agents, as these also cause your Tritan bottle to age prematurely. The lid can also be cleaned in the dishwasher; it is advisable to remove the seal to ensure the system remains leak-proof.
Treating discoloration
If you carry beverages other than water in your bottle, discoloration may occur. Drop a Coregatabs tablet into the drinking bottle and fill it with regular water. Ideally, leave the bottle standing overnight with the lid open so the tablet can take effect. Before the next use, and to remove any slight foreign taste, the bottle should be rinsed thoroughly several times with water.
When should I replace my Tritan drinking bottle?
Tritan is a very durable plastic with a long lifespan – a bottle can fall to the ground without breaking. Therefore, a Tritan drinking bottle can be used for a relatively long time with proper care. As a rule, bottles should be disposed of if there is heavy discoloration, visible hairline cracks, or optical cloudiness. Temperatures above 90 degrees Celsius can cause microcracks in the material and reduce durability.
Tritan is an innovative plastic with many important properties:
- it is taste-neutral
- stain-resistant
- lightweight
- shatterproof
- temperature-resistant
- free from harmful plasticisers