What Is Arcopal Dinnerware?
Arcopal dinnerware is white opal, break-proof, tempered glassware that includes a fire-glazed finish. The material is 100 percent nonporous and fully tempered to resist thermal pressure. Arcopal dinnerware was fabricated by the French company Arc International in 1958. Some compare Arcopal to a French version of Pyrex.
Arcopal has a holding capacity five times stronger than china and does not chip, according to the manufacturers. The line of dinnerware includes plates, cups and saucers, bowls and mugs along with casserole dishes in a variety of colors and patterns. All pieces are both dishwasher and microwave safe, and are known for being lightweight and durable when compared to old-fashioned, heavy, expensive dinnerware.
In 2004, the New York Daily News reported that Arcopal dinnerware was tied to a lead poisoning incident. It was mentioned the problem could be limited to an improperly fired batch or a set of Arcopal dinnerware worn down by repeated use. To the dismay of many, Arcopal was discontinued in the year 2000. Although Arcopal dinnerware is no longer sold by the original manufacturer, Arc International, numerous items are available for purchase through eBay, Etsy, Amazon, Preloved and other retail outlets in new and used condition. Arcopal dinnerware is now considered a rare collector item.
