Reusable travel mugs: stainless steel vs plastic vs glass(2)

Disadvantages

Taste: Some stainless steel can develop a metallic taste, especially the first few times you use it. Stainless steel also absorbs liquid particles, so it can create a lingering taste in the bottle that transfers to your other liquids. For example, if you drink hot chamomile tea transferred into a steel cup, all your other drinks now have a faint taste of chamomile. However, this is usually only common in lower quality steel products.

Toxins: Some studies have shown that certain metal water bottles can leach BPA or iron, chromium and nickel. However, to prevent this leaching, high quality stainless steel is produced. Our glasses, for example, are made from the safest 18/8 stainless steel and are therefore completely free of BPA and toxins.

Energy intensive: the manufacturing process of stainless steel is somewhat unsustainable. It releases fossil fuels and greenhouse gases at a high rate, posing a greater risk to local people and ecosystems.

However, in the long run, it is actually more sustainable than plastic bottles because you produce and waste less of it. It is estimated that your stainless steel bottle can beat plastic production in all environmental respects after only 500 uses.

Plastic

Reusable plastic bottles are different to plastic bottles. Typical plastic bottles cannot be reused because they are not durable enough to be washed and re-cleaned. Here we are talking about reusable cups made of plastic, like you see in CamelBak or Nalgene.

Plastic is a popular choice because it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and it is one of the more affordable options.

Advantages

Durable: reinforced plastic is a very durable material. This makes it popular for sports and other heavily used activities.

Cheap: Plastic is often the most affordable option. This is why many companies give away reusable plastic water bottles at events or functions. (If you get a free stainless steel bottle, you know the company spent a lot of money on it!)

Variety: Plastic bottles come in a variety of sizes, colours and shapes to suit any use you may have. They are particularly common for sporting purposes.