Since drinkware is such a hot category, you likely spend a lot of time talking about decoration with your clients. Options like color, the way the top is secured, and dishwasher-friendliness are all important considerations. Since our industry continues to mirror consumer retail, you need to keep in mind that your fashion-forward clients think of drinkware as a way to make a statement. There’s a reason Millennials will spend 50 bucks a pop on a water bottle.
But how much time do you spend talking about what the bottle you’re sourcing is made from? A client interested in sustainable sourcing presents an opportunity to provide valuable input that you should take advantage of. By showing you care about their customers, you differentiate yourself from competitors at the same time.
So, just what is the best choice in reusable drinkware?
The “Perfect” Water Bottle is Glass
If breakage wasn’t a problem, the answer would be glass. Glass is all natural, so there’s no danger of chemicals leaching from the glass when it’s heated or cooled. If your clients hate that some plastic or metal drink containers add a weird flavor to their drink, glass can be a good choice because it doesn’t hold flavor — but it’s also heavier than metal or plastic. You want to tell your client what the “perfect” glass bottle might be? According to Bustle research, it's made with 100-percent recyclable borosilicate glass that's BPA, phthalate, and PVC-free. Think “Pyrex.”
In this perfect version of the glass water bottle, the glass is heat-resistant and comes with a silicone sleeve that protects it from breaking if dropped, and the mouth of the bottle is wide enough to fit standard ice cubes. While the lid might be made of plastic, it should feature a stainless steel cap on the inside that prevents the plastic from coming into contact with the drink. There are also heat-resistant and shatterproof options for glass bottles. The problem with glass water bottles is that after their useful life, they can be hard to recycle. Many communities have given up glass recycling due to cost, so the best answer is a familiar one — if opting for glass water bottle solutions, the most sustainable practice is to try to just use it for as long as possible.
The Most Portable Water Bottle Options for Sports or Workouts
For your clients considering sport or workout options, plastic water bottles are designed to more effectively appeal to that interest due to the fact that they are the most lightweight option. I prefer plastic water bottles that have a flip-top lid that allows one-handed drinking for ease of use. Water bottles made from Tritan, a plastic claiming to be free of both BPAs (“A” and “S” versions), have become very popular at retail.
I have no doubt that on the water bottle front, you’ve done your homework and already take steps to make sure your clients aren’t reusing single-use water bottles. Even the most current designs of reusable plastic bottles aren’t invincible — they don’t last forever. Plastic water bottles, even those of the highest quality, can break down with repeated use, allowing bacteria to build up in cracks. Customers should make sure they know that it’s always best to wash plastic bottles by hand to try and avoid chemical leaching. Even if instructions suggest washing in the top rack of a dishwasher is OK, the safe bet is to avoid the dishwasher altogether.
Metal Water Bottle Solutions
Finally, when we’re talking about metal water bottles, we’re really talking about choosing between stainless steel and aluminum. When considering stainless steel bottles, it is important to make sure the water bottles are crafted from culinary-grade stainless steel. Stainless steel bottles are a good alternative to plastic bottles when your client is specifically concerned about toxins or manufacturing techniques involved with the production of plastic. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, even if it is not curbside in some communities. The best option for selecting stainless steel water bottles is food grade #304 or 18/8 (18% chromium / 8% nickel). Stainless steel does dent when dropped, so that needs to be a point of consideration passed along to customers.
If your client is tempted to consider aluminum water bottles, it’s likely because they consider them more in style or on trend. But there are also some significant risks presented by aluminum to consider. Aluminum water bottles need to be lined to prevent the metal from leaching into the drink contents. Aluminum bottles can add that nasty metal taste if the lining inside is damaged or scratched. While stainless steel bottles can be washed in a dishwasher with water hot enough to prevent contamination with bacteria and viruses, aluminum bottles must be washed more carefully to avoid scratching that inner protective lining. Lastly, acidic drinks really shouldn’t be stored in either of these bottles, to avoid the possibility of leaching and toxins.
No matter what option of water bottle your client ultimately chooses, we all know it’s better than buying bottled water and chucking the container into a landfill. Here’s an easy checklist of the pros and cons of the various water bottle choices you can use to help your customers chose the solution that’s best for them, and for the planet:
Glass Water Bottle Options
Plastic Water Bottle Options
Metal Water Bottle Options
Jeff Jacobs has been an expert in building brands and brand stewardship for 40 years, working in commercial television, Hollywood film and home video, publishing, and promotional brand merchandise. He’s a staunch advocate of consumer product safety and has a deep passion and belief regarding the issues surrounding compliance and corporate social responsibility. He retired as executive director of Quality Certification Alliance, the only non-profit dedicated to helping suppliers provide safe and compliant promotional products. Before that, he was director of brand merchandise for Michelin. You can find him volunteering as a Guardian ad Litem, traveling the world with his lovely wife, or enjoying a cigar at his favorite local cigar shop. Connect with Jeff on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram, or reach out to him at jacobs.jeffreyp@gmail.com.