28-30 Food on the Move 3pgs_muk.qxp_Grid 10/12/2019 09:32 Page 28
Market Focus
Inset: SIGG has recently launched a new range of stainless steel travel mugs. Below: TKWide is the newest range from Klean Kanteen.
With public awareness of plastic use at an all-time high, it’s no wonder the market for ‘on the move’ re-useable bottles, cups, lunch boxes and bags is booming. PH looks at some of the exciting innovation coming through in this sector.
Refuel on
the move
Drink it up The global reusable water bottle market is growing as consumers are becoming more health conscious and more aware of the harmful effects of single-use plastic bottles on the environment. A recent research report from Grand View Research values the global reusable water bottle market at USD 8.1 billion (2018) with expected growth of 3.9% from 2019 to 2025. Several trends are coming through this market at the moment, with the big one being the move away from plastic and the others focussing on the convenience, functionality and fashion aspects of the products.
Inset: Huski travel cups are made out of rice husks, a waste product from growing rice.
Many companies are now exploring plastic alternatives and there’s a whole raft of innovative materials used including bamboo, rice husks and corn. The material itself is just as much part of the story as the product as Lisa Scott, cofounder of Huski Home explains: “Any products that eradicate single-use plastic are becoming more and more popular. Our most popular products are definitely our reusable rice husk travel cups. We use rice husk (the shell of rice) and as long as rice continues to be one of the most consumed foods in the world we will always have an abundance of rice husk. It’s great to essentially utilise Mother Nature’s waste.” Lisa continues: “With our cups especially, they stand out in the market as they are twin-walled and insulated, so don’t need a silicone hand grip and they keep the drink hot or cold. They are also leak-proof and above all look stylish. It is great having a product that’s on trend but at the same time is making small differences daily to our planet.” Smidge is another brand doing well with its on-the-go coffee cups made from natural plant materials derived from corn. “There is a huge demand now for ecofriendly products where people are moving away from plastic to help the environment,” says Sabah Shafi, for marketing communications at Smidge. “We believe Smidge really addresses a lot of these issues and enables customers to ‘do their bit’ for the environment.” PROGRESSIVE
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HOUSEWARES
Bamboo-based products from Cambridge tick the all the boxes for sustainability, functionality and being ontrend as Katie Maxwell, senior buyer for Cambridge comments: “We’re seeing a rise in demand for products intended for ‘on the move’, but alongside this is the desire to be healthier, save money and reduce plastic consumption. The Cambridge sippy mugs make great travel mugs to add something quirky to the commute. As seen on Love Island, the popular flamingo print and Polynesia (tropical leaf) print cups are the tip of the