What is Tritan plastic? Why are so many new coffee equipment made from Tritan?

Those who closely follow the world of coffee equipment will have noticed that many new brewing devices that have hit the market in recent years are advertised with an emphasis on being "made from Tritan plastic." While most of us don't have a close relationship with plastics, why are we suddenly expected to know the names of different types of plastics?

What is Tritan Plastic?

Tritan is a special type of plastic that is transparent, shatter-resistant, and BPA-free. This material was developed by Eastman, whose origins can be traced back to Kodak.

Chemically, Tritan is a copolymer and consists of the following components:

• Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT)

• Cyclohexane dimethanol (CHDM)

• 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (CBDO)

There is also a version called Tritan Renew; this variant contains up to 50% recycled content.

Is Tritan a New Material?

Partially yes. Tritan was launched in 2007 and was specifically developed as an alternative to plastics containing BPA (Bisphenol-A). Controversy surrounding BPA's negative effects on the endocrine system led to Tritan's rapid adoption.

Its first major application was in water bottles. Nalgene and CamelBak, in particular, were among the first brands to switch to Tritan for BPA-free products.

In the coffee world, Tritan's rise is relatively recent.

Why has the coffee industry turned to Tritan?

According to Austin Fullbright, Eastman's Market Development Manager, with the growth in the coffee industry, users have realized the following:

"Many plastic products don't have the long-term performance to withstand the high temperatures of coffee and the staining that occurs over time."

Tritan;

• High temperature resistance.

• More clarity

• Stain resistance

• BPA-free construction

Thanks to features like these, it has become the "clear" choice for coffee brands.

Is Tritan Plastic Really Safer?

Concerns about plastic contact with food and beverages are increasing, especially when it comes to hot drinks. Tritan is positioned as a safer alternative compared to previous generations of plastics because it does not contain potential hormone disruptors such as BPA and Bisphenol-S.

However, experts emphasize that whether Tritan is a miracle material that fundamentally solves all plastic problems can only be understood more clearly with long-term usage data.

How heat resistant is Tritan plastic?

According to Eastman, Tritan and Tritan Renew:

• to a temperature of 175°F (approximately 80°C)

• For 264 hours

• It can withstand the test of time without showing any signs of deterioration.

They also have excellent dishwasher durability. Tritan products are said to withstand more than 150 washing cycles without any structural issues.

What happens if we drop it?

Good news: Most likely nothing.

Tritan is designed to withstand drops from a height of 1.5 meters, making it an ideal material for busy bar environments and baristas who may occasionally get distracted.

Which coffee equipment is made from Tritan today?

Today, the number of coffee equipment manufactured using Tritan is rapidly increasing. These include:

• Bodum French Presses

• OXO pour-over brewers

• Tricolate

• Renewed AeroPress Clear

It stands out particularly.

According to AeroPress Marketing Director David Cole, the reason for releasing the Clear version is;

“A more premium look, the durability offered by Tritan, and the ability to visually monitor the brewing process.”

Does coffee brewed in a Tritan taste different?

Short answer: No.

Neither the AeroPress team nor industry observations indicate a noticeable difference in taste when brewing coffee with Tritan equipment. In terms of taste, durability and ease of use are more important than cost savings.

Perhaps its greatest advantage is the soothing silence that follows when you drop the equipment.

Tritan plastic, with its transparency, durability, and BPA-free composition, creates a strong bridge between glass and plastic in coffee brewing equipment. While it doesn't alter the taste profile, it's easy to understand why modern coffee brewing equipment is increasingly turning to Tritan.

In short, Tritan is a "quiet but solid" revolution in the coffee world.