Polystyrene Glasses
Disposable Polystyrene Glasses are the unsung heroes of UK pubs, festivals, and catering events when you need reliable drinkware without the washing up. These lightweight yet sturdy plastic tumblers offer a practical solution for high-volume service—perfect when glass isn't an option. After supplying commercial disposable cups to the hospitality industry for 50 years, we've seen how essential these budget-friendly options are for outdoor events, mobile bars, and busy venues. They pair brilliantly with insulated drink dispensers for a complete beverage service setup, giving you more time focusing on your customers rather than washing glasses!
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Polystyrene Shot Glasses | Disposable Shot Glasses | 50ml Capacity | CB871
3.27out of stock
Box of 100
BBP
1¾oz / 50ml
Polystyrene
£78.66 £117.99 -
Polystyrene Beer Glasses | Plastic Pint Glasses | 570ml Capacity | Olympia CB780
4.28out of stock
160H x 0W mm
BBP
20oz / 570ml
Polystyrene
£84.22 £126.33
Disposable Polystyrene Glasses for Catering & Hospitality Events
Brands Trusted by Industry Professionals
Key Features and Benefits
- Crystal Clarity See-through design showcases colorful drinks—perfect for cocktails and spirits.
- Space-Saving Stackability Nests together for compact storage—ideal for small venues.
- Lightweight Construction Easy to transport in bulk—perfect for mobile bars and events.
- Cost-Effective Solution Fraction of glassware cost—brilliant for large gatherings.
- Quick Service Speeds up drink delivery—no waiting for clean glasses.
- Multiple Sizes Available from 7oz to pint—suits every drink type.
- Bulk Availability Purchase in sleeves or cases—economical for major events.
- Hospitality-Focused Designed specifically for commercial use—tougher than retail options.
Essential Buying Considerations
Size and Capacity Options
- Choose 7oz (half pint) for spirits, mixers, and sampling events.
- Standard 12oz cups perfect for most soft drinks and cocktails.
- Pint (16-20oz) sizes essential for beer service at festivals.
Quantity and Packaging
- Consider sleeves of 100 for small venues or cases of 1000+ for festivals.
- Calculate 2-3 glasses per guest for longer events.
- Check if your disposable cups work with drink dispensers for complete service.
How Disposable Polystyrene Glasses Work
Polystyrene drinking glasses might seem straightforward, but there's clever science behind these handy vessels. Made from lightweight polystyrene polymer, they're manufactured through injection molding—creating perfectly uniform, crystal-clear tumblers every time. The material's structure provides that balance of flexibility and rigidity that prevents cracking when dropped (unlike glass), while maintaining clarity for showcasing colorful drinks. They're specifically designed to handle cold beverages without condensation issues, keeping drinks at serving temperature longer than paper alternatives. Simply use once and recycle—no washing required!
Trusted Insights from Lucas Clarke
Packaging & Takeaway Consultant
7 years experience
"When it comes to disposable polystyrene glasses, go for ones that are sturdy enough to handle a busy event without cracking under pressure—literally. They’re a lifesaver for high-volume service, and clean-up’s a breeze when the last guest leaves."
Safety Guidelines
- Cold Drinks Only Use only for cold beverages—hot liquids can cause warping.
- Proper Storage Keep in original packaging until needed—prevents dust contamination.
- Avoid Heat Store away from heaters and direct sunlight—prevents melting.
- Dispose Responsibly Check local recycling guidelines—many facilities accept clean polystyrene.
- Adult Supervision Not suitable for unsupervised young children—choking hazard.
- Check Compatibility Not suitable for certain oils or strong alcohols—may affect material.
Top Tips for Using Disposable Polystyrene Glasses
For maximum efficiency with your polystyrene drinking glasses, keep them stored away from direct sunlight to prevent warping. When serving carbonated drinks, pour gently at an angle to minimize fizzing over. For festivals, pre-stack in convenient tower arrangements before rush periods. Consider using drink dispensers with compatible disposable cups for the fastest service, and if you're serving premium drinks, opt for the higher clarity polystyrene options to showcase those fancy cocktails properly.
Benefits of Using Disposable Polystyrene Glasses
- Time Efficiency Eliminates washing up—lets staff focus on service.
- Cost Control Reduces breakage expenses—no replacement costs.
- Customer Safety Eliminates risk of glass injuries—perfect for crowded venues.
Did You Know?
- Recyclability Many UK recycling facilities now accept clean polystyrene—check locally.
- Durability Quality polystyrene cups can hold 20x their weight—surprisingly strong.
- Temperature Control Insulates drinks better than paper—maintains coldness.
- Water Conservation Saves approximately 1.5L of water per glass not washed—eco-benefit.
Expert Insights on Disposable Polystyrene Glasses
Having equipped countless UK festivals and outdoor events over five decades, we've learned what works. 'Polystyrene tumblers are the backbone of large-scale drink service,' explains Mark, our disposables specialist. 'They're particularly brilliant when washing facilities are limited and you need reliable service without breakage concerns.'
- Pros: Economical, lightweight, clear, and versatile for all cold drinks.
- Cons: Not suitable for hot drinks or strong chemicals.
Who Needs Disposable Polystyrene Glasses?
- Pubs & Bars Essential for beer gardens and special events—handles outdoor service.
- Festival Organisers Perfect for high-volume drink service—no glass hazards.
- Caterers Ideal for weddings and corporate events—elegant enough for formal occasions.
- Pool Facilities Safer alternative to glass—eliminates breakage concerns.
Real-World Success with Disposable Polystyrene Glasses
A bustling music festival in Yorkshire provides a brilliant example of polystyrene glasses in action. Previously, they'd struggled with glass collection points overflowing and staff overwhelmed with washing reusable cups. After switching to our bulk polystyrene tumblers paired with mobile drink dispensers, their service speed doubled. 'We're serving 500 more pints per hour now,' the beverage manager told us. 'The clarity of these cups is grand—punters can't tell the difference from standard pint glasses!'
FAQs
- Are polystyrene glasses recyclable in the UK? Yes, many UK facilities accept clean polystyrene—check your local recycling guidelines.
- How many disposable glasses should I order for my event? Calculate 2-3 cups per person for events longer than 3 hours.
- Can I use polystyrene glasses for hot drinks? No, they're designed for cold beverages only—hot liquids can warp them.
- What sizes do polystyrene tumblers come in? Typically 7oz (half-pint), 12oz, and pint sizes (16-20oz).
- How long can I store unused polystyrene cups? Years if kept in original packaging away from heat and sunlight.
- Are these glasses suitable for dishwashers? No, they're single-use items—not designed for washing and reuse.
Looking for Equipment by Business Type?
Not sure where to start? Whether you're running a bustling café, opening a pizzeria, or managing a school canteen, we've made it easy to shop by business type. Explore handpicked equipment bundles and essentials tailored to your industry—saving you time and making sure you get exactly what you need.
Other Categories You Might Find Useful
We’ve selected some closely related categories that might be essential for your setup. Whether you’re expanding your kitchen or just making sure you’ve got everything covered, these links will help you explore more equipment that fits your needs.
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What our Customers Say
'These polystyrene glasses saved our beer festival—crystal clear and no breakages!'
T Tom Event Manager, Birmingham'Brilliant for our outdoor cinema nights—lightweight and customers love them.'
M Megan Pub Owner, Glasgow
Why Choose EasyEquipment for Disposable Polystyrene Glasses?
- Industry Veterans 50 years supplying UK hospitality—we know what works.
- Bulk Options Competitive wholesale pricing—perfect for large events.
- Rapid Delivery Next-day options available—perfect for last-minute needs.
- Expert Guidance Our team helps calculate exact quantities—no wastage.
Ready to Explore Disposable Polystyrene Glasses?
Browse our complete range of commercial polystyrene drinking glasses with options for every event size and drink type. With fast UK delivery and quantity discounts, you'll have your event sorted in no time!
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