Which bottle to choose

You are looking for a reusable thermos or drinking bottle, but you have no idea where to start because the selection is huge. So below we list a few choices. Think of it as signposts in the maze of sustainable cups and mugs. Double-walled or single-walled bottle? The advantage of a double-walled bottle or mug is that it can be used for both cold and hot drinks. A single-walled bottle is only for water.  

Reusable bottles come in a variety of shapes, materials, colors and sizes. Here are the main criteria, advantages and disadvantages when choosing your right bottle. The 5 most common reasons for choosing a particular bottle: 

1. Leakproof and BPA free 

1. sealable 

1. does not taste like plastic 

1. large opening for filling and cleaning 
2. beautiful design and brand image 

Many people consciously choose a specific bottle or brand. For some it is part of their lifestyle, for others even a statement. For another group of users, the brand has less importance, as long as the bottle they use does what it should and is easy to use. From a basic handy bottle to a stylish version in stainless steel. These are the top 5 most popular brands in the Netherlands: 

1. Dopper
2. Mepal
3. Retulp
4. Tupperware
5. Klean Kanteen

Other brands that fell just outside this top 5 are: 24 Bottles, Kambukka, Hydro Flask and Chilly's. The benefits of a reusable bottle are obviously great. Most people are very satisfied with their bottle, with the following 5 major benefits coming up the most: 

1. less or no (plastic) waste due to the reuse and high lifespan of the bottle 

1. refillable, always (tap) water at hand 

1. convenient and cost-saving, no need to purchase and transport bottles 

1. you know how much you drink per day and you drink more water because of it 
2. suits a sustainable lifestyle and increases ecological awareness 

Only benefits? Or is there sometimes a smell? Many users say they don't see any drawbacks to a reusable bottle. For those who do comment, here are the 5 most common disadvantages: 

1. difficult in maintenance and washing up 

1. sometimes begins to smell 

1. the cap breaks down after 1 year 

1. heats up quickly in summer 

1. sometimes leaks 

Other disadvantages indicated: the bottle also takes up empty space, you need different bottles for different drinks or uses, the bottles are sometimes expensive to buy, some bottles get damaged quickly, you can forget or lose them, there is not a tap with potable water to refill everywhere. 

Governments, employers and organizations can do more. Drop by drop, reusable bottles have thus become completely established. If governments, companies and organizations continue to spread them through targeted campaigns and actions in the future, even the group that does not use them now will eventually get to the bottle. 

100% BPA free

Although small amounts of BPA may not cause major health problems in humans, the chemical has been linked to hormonal imbalances. High levels of BPA can also affect development in infants and young children. Because of the debates, many manufacturers have chosen to remove BPA from their products. Although removing BPA from plastic water bottles is a step in the right direction, other chemicals in plastic can have similar effects on our health. For example, Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BSF) have a similar structure to BPA. They can affect our hormone levels in the same way as BPA. And they are probably not listed on the product label. 

Retulp Recommends stainless steel and glass cups and bottles 

Unfortunately, plastic and BP chemicals are everywhere, so it is very difficult to avoid them completely. However, you can minimize your exposure to BPA and other synthetic compounds by switching to stainless steel or glass bottles and cups. 

Because food grade stainless steel is non-toxic, rust and corrosion resistant, it does not need a liner. That means our reusable water bottles, coffee mugs and double-walled food containers are 100% BPA-free. They are also free of other toxic chemicals you typically find in disposable and reusable plastic bottles. 

In terms of durability, too, choosing stainless steel is best, despite the fact that stainless steel products are almost always made in China. The reason is longevity. Stainless steel products simply last much longer! At Flask, you can find hundreds of convenient and beautiful bottles and cups made of stainless steel and glass