What Are Double-Wall Snow Globe Cups Made Of? PS vs AS vs PP vs Tritan
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Short answer: most double-wall snow globe cups are made from a clear, rigid plastic, because the outer wall has to stay see-through and hold its shape around the glitter and liquid. All our double-wall plastic cups are made from one PS (polystyrene) material. Here is how PS compares with the other plastics you will see, and what that means for the cups you sell.
What a snow globe cup needs from its plastic
- Clarity: the glitter is the whole point, so the outer wall must be crystal clear, not cloudy.
- Rigid walls: the gap between the walls holds liquid and glitter. Stiff walls keep their shape, so the bottom plug seals well.
- A smooth surface: UV DTF wraps and vinyl lie flat and stick best on a smooth, hard surface.
PS vs AS vs PP vs Tritan
| PS | AS | PP | Tritan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity | Glass-like, very clear | Clear, can look slightly tinted | Cloudy or frosted | Very clear |
| Feel | Hard and rigid | Hard | Soft, bends | Hard, tough |
| Heat | Cold drinks only | Cold drinks only | Handles warm drinks | Handles warm drinks |
| Dishwasher | No, hand wash | No, hand wash | Usually yes | Usually yes |
| Cost per cup | Low | Low | Lowest | Highest |
| Good for snow globe cups? | Yes | Yes | Rarely: not clear enough | Yes, at a higher price |
These are general properties of each plastic. Exact results depend on the grade and the factory.
Why we use PS
- It looks like glass. Glitter, confetti and coloured liquid show clearly through the wall, which is what your customers pay for.
- It is hard and rigid. The walls keep their shape, the bottom plug seals tightly, and every snow globe cup is seal-tested before it ships.
- It decorates well. UV DTF wraps and vinyl go on smoothly.
- It keeps the price low. You can start with one case per model and still leave room for your margin.
We use one PS material across all our double-wall plastic cups. If you need the material test report for your records, ask us and we will send it with your quote.
Care instructions to give your customers
PS is made for cold drinks. Add a care card to every cup you sell:
- Cold drinks only. No hot drinks.
- Hand wash with warm, soapy water. No dishwasher.
- Do not microwave or freeze.
- Do not soak the cup, so water stays out of the bottom plug.
Decorators: PS is not for sublimation or heat presses. Use UV DTF wraps or vinyl. For heat-based decoration, choose our double-wall glass cups.
The bottom line
For a snow globe cup, clarity and rigid walls matter most. PS gives you both at a low cost per cup, as long as your customers use it for cold drinks and wash it by hand.
Browse our double-wall plastic cups and snow globe cups, or add cups to your quote list for prices and shipping.