History

In 1880, the first beermats made of cardboard were introduced by the German printing company, Friedrich Horn. In 1892, Robert Sputh of Dresden manufactured the first beermat made of wood pulp. Watney brewery introduced them to the United Kingdom in 1920 to advertise their pale ale. The packaging company Quarmby Promotions, established in 1872, began manufacturing beermats in Milnsbridge in 1931. After it was taken over by the Katz Group, it moved production to Brighouse and in 2006 to Morley, West Yorkshire, before closing its production in 2009. In 1978, American Coaster Company introduced the United States to the beverage coaster. In 2007, American Coaster Company acquired its competitor, AD-Mat International Coasters USA, Inc. creating the short lived, American Coaster Ad-Mat, Inc. In 2007, The KATZ Group purchased the assets of American Coaster. In 2009, The KATZ Group was purchased by the Koehler Paper Group, the premier paper producer for carbonless and thermal paper needs, also located in Germany.

Saucers were also long used in Europe for much the same purpose. When drinking tea, it was customary to use a cup and saucer set. By the mid-twentieth century, beverage coasters made in many materials and styles were being manufactured for domestic use. Today they are common as a houseware and in restaurants.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverage_coaster