A deep dive into the different kinds of beverage bottles and their tech available at Petra
To go drinkware has come of age. Now more than ever, beverage and insulated water bottles are your customers’ constant companions.
There are several reasons for this.
- Environmental concerns over disposable plastic bottles
- Health concerns about BPA in plastics
- Understanding and acting on the need for more hydration, especially while away from home
- Financial and health benefits of using sturdy, hygienic, and long-lasting refillable containers
To take advantage of this trend, more and more businesses, airports, and tourist attractions have added automated water stations designed to refill consumer-provided bottles.
So, why is it important for you as a retailer to know the differences in drinkware? Because manufacturers keep upping their game while your customers are getting choosier on what they buy.
There’s no longer a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to beverage bottles.
Defining drinkware
The overall category of drinkware is quite extensive. A look at Wikipedia’s category listing in fact, is mind-boggling in its diversity—and specificity.
But for our purposes, we’re going to generalize what Petra offers by looking at the two categories we have established—Tumblers and Beverage Bottles. As you’ll see, even that division isn’t hard and fast, and seems more connected to the way a manufacturer names it as opposed to some special function or trait.
Drinkware: Tumblers
Technically, tumblers are drinkware with flat bottoms. Certainly, that’s true of the insulated tumblers in our category. But it’s also true of virtually all to-go insulated beverage containers. So, our category reflects the marketing name as provided by the manufacturers.
Another distinction, perhaps coincidental, is that our tumblers don’t have carrying straps. However, the same can be said for some beverage bottles as well. So, it’s not a particularly helpful distinction.
Diving into the product copy used by Tumblers, however, gives us a great opportunity to talk about tech that’s hidden within drinkware.
One of the most common kinds of insulation, found across both categories, is double walled stainless steel with vacuum insulation.
The Tumblers category also introduces us to a term most people think is a good thing but actually may not be what it appears—BPA-free.
Creating a barrier—vacuum insulation
Simple insulation adds a barrier between the inside and the outside that helps the interior maintain a desired temperature. Vacuum insulation is far more sophisticated. By placing an airless vacuum between two walls of stainless steel, the natural convection process of temperature exchange is drastically slowed. Simply put, the contents inside maintain their temperature far longer, regardless of outside conditions.
Thermos “was the first company to commercialize and develop consumer products using vacuum insulation.” The impact of this kind of technology and the Thermos name has been profound. So profound, that in 1963, the lowercase version of the name legally became a generic term in the U.S. This explains why you may see the term “thermos” used by non-Thermos branded products.
Stainless steel, with or without an extra lining
The stainless steel used in double-wall insulation is 18/8 or SUS304—terms you may see in product details. This is a food-grade material, so it won’t taint foods or liquids. Sometimes, copper plating is added. It goes between the outer and inner walls of stainless steel and does NOT touch the food content itself. According to KingStar, a manufacturing company of insulated water bottles, this step can result in up to 30% better insulation.
For example, the Asobu Easy Access Travel Tumbler uses copper-lined stainless steel construction, as do some other Asobu Beverage Bottles.
BPA-free—is that a good thing?
Over the years, there’s been a lot in the news about the dangers of BPA, an additive that strengthens plastics. The result of the BPA uproar has been a switch to BPA-free products by manufacturers, and health experts asking consumers to avoid heating polycarbonate plastics in the microwave or dishwasher. And when it comes to hot foods and liquids, there’s also been an emphasis on replacing plastics with glass, porcelain, or stainless steel containers.
So, BPA-free is a selling point that consumers look for. Even if there’s no plastic you’ll see the term! However, BPA-free can mean other BP products are used.
Let’s shift gears now to our other category, Beverage Bottles. There we’ll explain a relatively new term on the market, but one that is a great selling point—Tritan.
Drinkware: Beverage Bottles
The Petra Beverage Bottles category is a catch-all for almost everything else that’s drinkware related. You’ll find:
- Travel mugs
- Specialized insulators with their own glassware or that can hold slim 12 oz. or tall 24 oz. cans
- Infusion bottles
- Shaker bottles
- Water jugs
- Hydration bottles
- Double-walled glass containers and more
Material matters—Tritan
A hot product on the market, Tritan or Eastman Tritan, is a special kind of clear plastic. As their marketing points out, “it looks like glass till you drop it.” They also explain that it is not only BPA-free, but bisephenol-free as well. Unlike stainless steel, it won’t dent. Unlike glass, it won’t shatter. And unlike both, it won’t dull or fade after repeated dishwasher cycles. Drinkware made from Tritan plastic also resists odor, stains, and is available in many different colors.
Because Tritan is such a game changer and addresses all those concerns and pain points that consumers have with plastic, the use of Tritan is called out in our product information. So, watch for it.
Alternatives to distasteful aftertastes
Some consumers are not fans of stainless steel linings. They feel the metal taints the flavor of the stored liquids. Typical plastics (not Tritan) can retain odors too.
Glass, of course, is neutral, as is ceramic. Glass liners were once quite common. But their higher cost and fragility cut down usage. However, glass-lined insulated bottles can still be found, as can ceramic-lined ones.
For example:
- Asobu Inner Peace Glass Water Bottles have Tritan on the outside and glass on the inside.
- Starfrit sells glass cups and mugs made of double-walled borosilicate. Completely transparent, borosilicate is dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe. And when used in a double-walled context, it eliminates condensation that can stain furniture as well as hold the serving temperature longer. Lab glassware, medical devices, cookware, optics and more all use Borosilicate glass.
- And the Asobu Infinite Coffee Mugs have ceramic coated interiors—plus use copper-lined stainless steel double-walled insulation.
Designs and colors
Beverage Bottles, like Tumblers, sport a wide variety of lid designs. Some use push buttons, others use spouts, sliding levers, twist-off or lift-off seals, and other clever ideas. Each kind is designed to appeal to a different consumer group. To get an idea of the wide variety that just one manufacturer offers, check out the Thermos listing. They offer 18 kinds of hydration lids at last count!
Shapes vary tremendously as well. Some feature an ergonomic shape or surface texture for long-term, comfortable gripping. Others are more vertical and rely on built-in loops or handles for safe carrying.
Drinkware colors are almost endless. Some are a traditional black or stainless steel, while others grab the eye with licensed themes or unusual, often bold color combinations. The Tom Jones line could be considered works of art. Each insulated stainless steel container features texturized and unusual powder-coating colors with laser-engraved creations inspired by nature.
And let’s not forget what beverage bottles are designed to contain—hot or cold liquids. Some drinkware is only good for cold-temperature retention. Others work for both. And a few aren’t insulated at all.
All of these variations create niche distinctions, meaning there’s pretty much something for everyone. For example, it’s unlikely a middle-aged dad will want to carry around a glittery water bottle—but a teen or young adult might. Commuters will want something that fits in car cup holder. Those who spend long periods of time outdoors will want long insulation times. And athletes will certainly be interested in hydration bottles. Some of the bottles can even help them track water intake through manual meters or in conjunction with apps.
Quench America’s thirst with hot-selling, cool-looking drinkware
Research shows the demand for insulated water bottles continues to grow. Plus, manufacturers are upping their game by rolling out new tech that makes their drinkware more consumer-friendly, ecologically friendly, easier to use, and extends insulation times.
Today, a water bottle reflects the carrier’s personality. So, the lesson here is to know your customers and stock what THEY want, not what appeals to you. But be sure to read the features behind each item you’re considering. Purchase what appeals not only to their eyes but to their sensibilities as well.
If you’re wondering where to buy wholesale stainless steel tumblers , wholesale thermos products, wholesale tumblers, or other drinkware products, be sure to look at the wide selection that Petra Industries offers. We have a vast array of choices sure to satisfy all of your customer niches.