The availability and popularity of water packaged in convenient single serving bottles, has made it easier for us to hydrate while on the go. Several companies are doing their part to reduce the impact of disposable plastic bottles. Currently, the vast majority of bottled water packaging is recyclable, though estimates of actual bottles recycled are as low as 12 percent.

Even with these convenient options at our fingertips, the demand for reusable alternatives is growing and smart industry leaders are listening. Enter the reusable bottle. The convenience of disposable plastic without the waste. What once was a product industry geared almost exclusively towards hikers and campers is now a mainstream business offering mind-boggling options.

Alternatives

• Plastic
• Aluminum
• Stainless steel

These three are the most common options for reusable bottles. But what’s the difference?

Plastic, or polycarbonate bottles are very popular. They are readily available for purchase, usually inexpensive and are often given away as promotional items with company logos. However, reusable plastic bottles have recently come under scrutiny because of the possibility of leeching the chemical BPA (Bisphenol-A) into the bottle contents. BPA is a building block of many polycarbonate plastic resins and has been linked to hormone and gene disruption. While studies continue regarding the safety of BPA, many bottle companies have chosen to offer their plastic bottles without BPA, erring on “the safe side.” Nalgene is an established brand and is well known among exercise enthusiasts. It is one of many brands that now offer BPA-free product options in many styles and colors. Plastic bottles are inexpensive, lightweight, can be used for hot liquids and can be frozen. Downsides include potential staining, cracking, melting and warping over time in addition to a possible lingering “plastic” smell and taste.

Reusable aluminum bottles have become more common because of the concerns over BPA found in many plastic bottles. SIGG, a Swiss manufacturer of reusable bottles for 100 years, is a well-recognized brand, especially in Europe. Over the years the bottles have become sleeker and more stylish, providing customers with choices of color, shape and lively designs. SIGG also offers at least eight different style tops for its bottles making it easy to find one that fits your lifestyle. Aluminum bottles are lightweight, fairly durable and recyclable, but to prevent a metal taste from migrating into their contents, aluminum bottles do require a lining. The lining can be made from plastic epoxy causing many of the same BPA concerns as a standard plastic bottle. SIGG, however, indicates their lining is made from a water-based resin.

The popularity of stainless steel bottles is on the rise due to concerns about BPA. Stainless steel requires no lining, is very durable and provides a crisp, clean taste. Steel can be heavier than its plastic and aluminum counterparts, but not significantly. Klean Kanteen offers a 40 ounce size reusable stainless steel bottle weighing a mere 11 ounces, about twice the weight of a same size plastic or aluminum bottle. Like aluminum, it cannot be used for hot liquids or placed in the freezer. Both stainless steel and aluminum reusable bottles are a few dollars more than plastic bottles, but they are more durable and definitely more stylish.

What’s Next

The future of the reusable bottle industry seems bright. With higher demand and more technology advances, we can expect more innovations such as the Corntainer, a reusable, compostable bottle made from corn resin, and the Platypus, a collapsible bottle made from a safe plastic.