Tag Archive for: drinkware

Stainless Drinkware Makes Sense

Stainless drinkware – bottles and tumblers – have been around for awhile, but there’s been a surge in popularity with two styles in particular:  The S’well® bottle and the Yeti® Rambler.

The promo industry has embraced these two stainless drinkware products with many suppliers adding their own versions. These two styles were one of the most popular and most seen items at recent industry shows.

What’s the big draw? Both are made from 18/8 stainless steel with double-wall copper vacuum insulation. That combination creates the best insulating properties for drinkware available. With copper vacuum insulation, a stainless bottle can retain it’s temperature for hours longer than standard air insulation.

A stainless steel copper vacuum insulated bottle can stay hot for up to 8 hours and cold for up to 24 hours!

In addition to the incredible insulating features, these bottles and tumblers also offer an eco-friendly alternative to plastic water bottles. Consider promoting these as a waste-reduction as well as wellness initiative to  your employees.

insulation chart

This chart shows the differences in various types of insulation used in drinkware.

We’ve found these items in our industry are coming in at under half the retail cost of the name brands, including your imprint:

The 20oz name brand tumbler sells for $30, while our industry version comes in around $9.99!!

crownyeti stainless drinkware

20oz Stainless Tumbler

A 17oz name brand bottle retails for $35-$45 while the very same bottle in our industry, with your custom imprint, sells as low as $9.99!!

force gray bottle stainless drinkware

17oz Stainless Bottle

In addition, the construction and quality of the promotional versions match or exceed those of the retail brands. We’ve found in some cases, the promotional versions actually are higher quality and hold temps longer.

For a full retail look and a great presentation, many of these come with retail-inspired packaging. Options for custom imprinted boxes are also available, making them perfect for gifts.

17oz force bottles stainless drinkware

Bottles come in a variety of colors, including vivid neons.

Keepin’ It Cool – What Type of Coolie Works Best?

Confused about the types of beverage insulators out there? Wonder what’s the difference between scuba and neoprene? Wonder why they call it scuba when diving suits are made out of neoprene?

Here’s a quick rundown on the types of coolie materials commonly used:

Scuba: Open cell polyurethane foam with a polyester fabric on one side and tricot on the other.
Neoprene: Closed cell rubber-based product with polyester or nylon fabric on both sides.
The photo shows the scuba on the left, neoprene on the right.
Now, what does that mean? In a nutshell, open cell has more air pockets and is thus, less insulating. Since closed cell is much denser, it blocks transfer of heat much better, keeping your beverage cooler for longer.
So why choose scuba over neoprene? Price. It was developed as a cheaper alternative to neoprene, but the tradeoff is it won’t insulate as well.
So when choosing an insulator, the decision is yours – less expensive, but won’t perform as well, or spend a little more for a better product.

Boost Your Color — With TruColor Imprints

We just met with our supplier rep from Starline who showed us a great new imprinting process they are offering — TruColor. It’s a new technology for printing vibrant, beautiful color directly on drinkware and other selected products. Normally, when printing drinkware, there can be many issues, usually related to multi-color imprints. TruColor eliminates those issues and creates a truly custom, professional-looking item that promotes your brand like never before.

 

TruColor Imprints Stand Out on a Variety of Items

No borders, no registration issues, fine photographic detail with a slightly raised feel to the imprint, lends to a very high-end product.

Instead of drinkware that sports a simple one color logo, amp it up by adding a full wrap photo to showcase your product, services, location, or event. The flat matte surface of these black vacuum tumblers makes a great background for any artwork, especially when paired with a colored band around the top.

Full Wrap Available – Get Creative!

Give us a call if you’d like to see some ideas showcasing your brand using this new method. We’ll get creative, do some brainstorming, and come up with a eye-catching virtual proof for your review.

View items which are available for this printing process:  Click Here

Tumblers 101


We’ve all seen those popular tumblers – you know, the ones that are usually acrylic with a screw-on lid and straw?

Did you ever wonder what the difference is between the price points you see and the product materials?

Well, even if you didn’t wonder, here’s a quick run-down on what to look for when shopping for tumblers!

Material
Tumblers are made in a variety of materials, which leads to the wide price ranges you find them advertised. Keep in mind that a very low cost tumbler may be made of materials that don’t hold up well and will warp or chip easily.

Polypropylene – this is the low-cost alternative to the other available materials. Normally these tumblers will have a snap on lid and the material is softer and more flexible than the others. It also does not hold up in the high heat of a dishwasher and will warp.
16oz Price Range:  $1.89 – $2.50

Acrylic – a strong, clear material, but still prone to chipping if dropped, but is less prone to scratching than polycarbonate. 16oz Price Range:  $2.99 – $4.50


Polycarbonate – the biggest item to note on polycarbonates is that they contain BPA – a chemical which can be toxic. Most manufacturers have quit making drinkware using polycarbonate due to this. Polycarbonate is extremely resistant to breakage and is often marketed as “unbreakable.” However, it is easy to scratch and will yellow over time.16oz Price Range:  Generally not available due to BPA issues

SAN – this plastic is an acrylic blend and is more stable and durable for hot and cold liquids as compared to acrylic. Acrylic can craze when switching between extreme temps, while SAN will not. 16oz Price Range:  $5.50 – $7.50

Tritan™ – this newer material offers clear advantages over polycarbonate and other materials. It’s BPA free, won’t add odor or taste to liquids, is dishwasher safe, resists degradation, cracking and has great clarity. It is, however, the most expensive option.16oz Price Range:  $8.50 – $10.50

Double or Single Wall
Single wall tumblers will be less expensive, but you trade cost for performance. With a double wall tumbler, you add more insulation, keeping your drink cooler, longer, while also preventing the walls from sweating when ice or very cold drinks are used. If you’ve ever had a drink sweat and drip on your desk, you’ll know why double wall tumblers are much nicer to use.

The Creative J staff can help you navigate through all the intricacies of drinkware. Just give us a call and we’ll help you find the perfect tumbler for your budget and needs.