Bottles & Flasks SS22

RETAIL BUYER’S GUIDE

BOTTLES & FLASKS SS22

A global cultural shift, the ease of refilling, and a booming market bursting with product choice has transformed the use of reusable bottles and flasks from something of a niche product for outdoor enthusiasts, to an essential piece of kit for the mainstream consumer. By Ruth Cutts.

HYDRAPAK

After years of steady growth, the pandemic supercharged the outdoor recreation industry. Connecting with nature, and consequently paying closer attention to the environment that provided such solace during the pandemic, elevated consumers’ awareness surrounding the need for sustainable products.

When purchasing a reusable bottle or flask, the benefits are two-fold; not only will consumers take a step towards reducing their environmental footprint, they’ll also keep their food and drink at the optimum temperature for longer.

MATERIALS AND INNOVATIONS:

“More people will look for durable solutions. Not only in sport but also in their daily life,” explains Henry Hoogenveen, Brand Manager EMEA at Kleen Kanteen, which is why they’re introducing a narrower version of their popular smaller Kanteens; to be optimised for easy grip, packing, carrying, and general everyday use (available across their Single Wall Classic, Vacuum Insulated Classic and Kid Kanteen lines).

Design simplicity, reliability and ease of use have always been key features for Hydro Flask to deliver long-lasting, stylish products that are simple to use and sustainable on-the-go. Continuing to diversify their product offering, they’re adding ‘Outdoor Kitchen’ (a series

“More people will look for durable solutions. Not only in sport but also in their daily life,”

Henry Hoogenveen, Kleen Kanteen

of durable stainless-steel dishes for outdoor adventure) to their European offering, alongside the new ‘Carry Out Soft Coolers’ and the ‘Straw Lid’ which fits all Hydro Flask Standard Mouth bottles.

Designed to blend seamlessly into what is an increasingly busy and fast-moving world, “we want to encourage our customers to integrate our mealtime and beverage solutions within their daily routines,” explains Katie Hall, Marketing Executive at Grunwerg & Manager of Pioneer and DrinkPod. Pioneer’s SS22 ranges are segmented into ‘Drinks Flasks’ (encompassing sub-segments: Coffee, Sports, and carafes) and ‘Food Containers’ (which includes Food Pods, Food Flasks, Snack Boxes, and Pump Fresh). All of their products are constructed with a double wall to create a vacuum to ensure hot drinks stay hotter for longer and cold drinks keep icy cool all day.

With the growth of everyday carry use, and with refilling becoming easier to do on the go, the demand for smaller bottles has increased. These smaller volume bottles, such as the Mizu V6, are ideal for commuting and around the home / office for hydration. Following the trend of diversifying their offering, Mizu are introducing their expanded Cup and Tumbler line in SS22. Available with an easy-to-clean, premium ceramic lining, the naturally BPA free lining has a smooth surface which keeps carbonated drinks bubbly for longer.

As innovators in the SoftFlask category, HydraPak continue to evolve with light and nimble designs such as their recently released SkyFlask Series – a minimalist line of handheld flasks featuring their new Speedfill™ Cap that flips open for fast filling. For 2022, they’ve updated their bestselling UltraFlask series too to include the Speedfill™ Cap along with interchangeable drink options (meaning users can switch from bite valve to drink tube depending on their activity).

SUSTAINABILITY

Arguably, the raison d’etre for the reusable bottles and flasks market is sustainability. Continually hoping to eliminate the need for single-use items, brands are seeking innovative ways to ensure their practices not only reduce adverse environmental impacts but also position “Research tells us that our target consumer has between three and four reusable bottles all from different brands. We want to make sure at least one of them is Hydro Flask,” explains Leonie Spahis, Marketing and Event Consumer Co-ordinator. By starting to replace all packaging with fully recyclable cardboard boxes, and through campaigns such as their ‘#RefillForGood’ campaign and their ‘Parks For All’ programme, their hope is to encourage people everywhere to make small, achievable steps which will have a huge impact on the planet.

HydraPak are continuing their sustainability efforts through items such as the RECON™ model made from 50% recycled content in both the cap and bottle. The brand is also committed to becoming Climate Neutral Certified by measuring and offsetting their 2021 Carbon footprint and working to reduce future emissions. Kleen Kanteen have been using ‘KleanCoat’ (a non-toxic powder coating) since 2018, and from 2022 on will start to use 90% certified 18/8 recycled stainless steel. By 2023, 95% of their products will be made with recycled steel. Klean Kanteen have also been Climate Neutral certified since 2020.

In 2020, Mizu joined Prana’s Responsible Packaging Movement which aims to eliminate harmful, outdated materials that overflow the landfill, and replace them with earth-friendly options that work just as well, and Pioneer are bringing their sustainable practices in-house by encouraging their team to participate in cycling to work, utilising their electric car charging points, and providing reusable coffee mugs to all staff. They’re also beginning the process of eliminating all plastic product packaging.

Visit our website to see in depth brand previews of this category.

BOARDSPORTSOURCE.COM HIGHLIGHTS

1 Diversifying offering is essential 2 Increase in everyday use 3 Luxe materials such as ceramics 4 Sustainable product materials and packaging

AD