Do you drink coffee each day? Do you use a travel mug for your coffee in the car or at the office? Do you take a water bottle to the gym?  Do you have a child who plays sports and uses a drink bottle during practice or a game?  Chances are you have said yes to one of these questions, as the majority of Americans use some form of reusable drinkware on a daily basis.  It is no wonder drinkware is among the top five types of imprinted products businesses and organizations use to promote themselves.*  Mugs, tumblers and sport bottles are a great choice for any company promotional gift.  There are many price point options.  They are useful, durable, and travel well.  And they give maximum exposure to whatever brand or message is emblazoned on the outside.

 

Over the past two years, trends in drinkware have changed the offering to consumers, resulting in products that are safer, more functional, and more unique than ever before.  Consider the top three trends in drinkware when making your buying decisions for promotional mugs, tumblers, and sport bottles.

1. Safety - There has been an increased awareness around safety and potential health impacts of chemicals previously found in many drinkware items.  Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the manufacturing of a wide range of consumer and industrial products, has been identified by the FDA as having potential harmful health effects on humans.  BPA is a chemical previously found in polycarbonates, a popular material used to produce promotional sport bottles.  Manufacturers of sports bottles have recently changed their materials to PCTG, a BPA-free plastic.  Many drinkware suppliers are also using aluminum and stainless steel as an alternative to plastic due to its environmental-friendliness and increased durability. The majority of products in the marketplace now are safe and BPA-free, but it doesn't hurt to ask your supplier to verify that your products are safe and that they are compliant with CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act), an organization dedicated to monitoring safety regulations for consumers.
2. Function - The functionality of drinkware is an important factor, as consumers have become more mobile.  People are continually on the move, and want to make sure their drinking vessel is going to perform to the highest standards.  Suppliers have innovated lids, straws and drinking spouts to provide leak-proof options for on-the-go drinkers.  The construction of all types of drinkware, from sport bottles to travel mugs has also been improved to increase durability and the longevity of the product.  Finally, cup-holder-friendly travel mugs and tumblers have become a standard, as coffee drinkers are often in and out of their car and need a piece that can safetly travel with them.
3. Style - Drinkware has recently become a fashion-forward product in retail.  People are able to express themselves through their coffee mug or water bottle with fun and interesting designs.  Take a look on the shelves at Starbucks, or your favorite coffee shop, and you'll immediately see styles and designs on drinkware that will match any personality. Promotional drinkware is following the same trend, including preprinted designs on bottles and tumblers with an area to add a logo.  This provides a unique opportunity for companies and organizations to give their brand a personality by choosing a design that reflects the overall image, while still offering space for advertising their logo or message.

 

Think of drinkware for your next promotion and you can be sure you have options that are safe, durable, and unique.  Best Promotions offers a wide range of drinkware items from ceramic mugs to travel tumblers, to plasticand aluminum sport bottles.  View their selection at http://www.bestpromotions.com/products/browsecategory/105/.