drinkbekers

Drinkbekers are containers designed for holding and transporting beverages. In Dutch usage the term refers to cups or tumblers used in homes, hospitality venues, schools, and catering. Drinkbekers can be single-use disposables or reusable items and are made from a range of materials.

Common materials include plastic (such as polypropylene or polystyrene), paper or cardboard with a lining, glass, stainless steel, and silicone or elastomeric lids. Many disposable drinkbekers are designed for one-time use and may not be suitable for recycling in all facilities. Reusable versions are intended to be washed and used multiple times, offering a potential reduction in waste.

Design features and sizes vary. Typical capacities range from about 100 to 500 milliliters. Insulated versions exist to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Lids, sip openings, and spill-resistant designs are common for takeaway use. Some drinkbekers include reusable lids, measurement marks, or ergonomic grips.

Usage and context are broad. Drinkbekers are widely used in cafeterias, sports venues, events, and schools. In many regions, schools promote the use of reusable drinkbekers to cut waste, and some institutions implement cup exchange programs or deposit systems to encourage reuse.

Environmental and regulatory aspects are increasingly relevant. Disposable cups contribute to plastic and paper waste, and recycling rules vary by country and municipality. Some plastics used in drinkbekers carry resin codes that affect recyclability; compostable variants require industrial facilities. Regulations and consumer preferences increasingly favor reusable solutions and producer responsibility.

See also: cup, mug, tumbler, beverage container.