Help with choosing Material

  Usage Advantages Disadvantages Environmental Friendliness
PET
(type 1)
Disposable glasses only. Good clarity.
Crack proof.
Shatterproof.
Good green credentials.
Tumbler shapes only.
Cold drinks only.
Higher priced.
High
IM Crystal Styrene
(type 6)
Disposable glasses only. Excellent clarity.
Wide variety of shapes.
Not shatterproof.
Higher priced.
Medium
TF Crystal Styrene
(type 6)
Disposable glasses only. Very good clarity.
Shatterproof.
Not crack proof.
Tumbler shapes only.
Medium
IM Polypropylene 
(type 5)
Usually reusable glasses. Relatively inexpensive.
Relatively robust.
Slightly opaque.
Cannot be used for clear glasses.
Medium
TF Polypropylene 
(type 5)
Disposable glasses only. Relatively inexpensive.
Relatively robust.
Slightly opaque.
Tumbler shapes only.
Flimsy when made cheaply.
Medium
Card Paper cups only. Good consumer perceptions.
Smart looking with 100% print coverage.
Mixed material means poor recycling. Not ideal for cold drinks. Low
Polycarbonate Reusable glasses only. Virtually unbreakable.
Excellent clarity.
Inflexible, hard wearing, premium feel.
Higher priced
Concerns over BPA additive.
High
Acrylic Reusable glasses only. Excellent clarity.
Inflexible, hard wearing, premium feel.
Not unbreakable. High
SAN Usually jugs and pitchers. Excellent clarity. Inexpensive. Lacks the longevity of polycarbonate or acrylic. High