For some people, reusable drinkware is a status symbol (i.e., Hydro Flask sksksksk) but for many it’s just a convenient, cost-effective, and predominantly eco-friendly way to stay hydrated. CivicScience data show 60% of U.S. adults opt for a reusable water bottle.
But despite the large number of people who currently say they own a reusable bottle, the overall percentage has declined since CivicScience last checked in 2018 (down six percentage points).
Focusing on eco-friendly, reusable water bottle owners make up 67% of environmentally-conscious shoppers. Those who say they adjust their lifestyle to benefit the environment are also more likely than those who don’t to use a reusable water bottle.
The decline in reusable water bottles is even seen among environmentally-aware consumers, 71% of whom owned one in 2018 (compared to the current 67%).
As one might assume, overall concern for the environment has been steadily climbing over the last couple of years. A dip in reusable water bottle usage isn’t a harbinger of the collapse of earth’s ecosystem, but given all the brands and options readily available, it’s certainly odd.
Like many peaks and valleys we have seen in our data, it’s possible this is one of the many effects of the spread of coronavirus. Those most concerned about the virus are more likely users of reusable water bottles. Concern being in public spaces also correlates with having a reusable bottle. Even those whose jobs have them working remotely as a result of the virus are more likely to own reusable water bottles. While these populations drive adoption, if they are mostly staying at home, commuting less, or even just more cautious of germs, then reusable bottles might be temporarily on the shelf.
Temperature Control
Many reusable water bottles double as drinkware for other liquids, so it’s appealing for a receptacle to keep hot drinks hot, as well as cold drinks cold. Temperature is one of the simple reasons behind the explosion of insulated drinkware on the market over the past few years. For temperature control, material is key. Of the people who use reusable bottles – and actually care what they are made of – 40% prefer stainless steel to aluminum, glass, and plastic.
Stainless steel is particularly valued by parents, why? Your guess is as good as ours although it might have something to do with how much coffee they are drinking daily.
Brand Name Matters
Among people aware of the brands studied, Contigo tops the CivicScience charts for most used drinkware. Coleman products come in second while YETI and Nalgene tie for third.
The brand names are endless and many appeal to a niche group of followers. For example, among the general population, S’well doesn’t fare very well. But among those who frequently do yoga and pilates, the incidence and awareness rate increases.
In addition, while Contigo was generally the most popular among U.S. adults, favorables of outdoor gear and apparel store REI are significantly more interested in the CamelBak brand, which came in fifth in CivicScience’s brand ranking.
Whether an accessory or an essential, reusable water bottles are important to a vast number of adults in America. Depending on what consumers are interested in, they will definitely gravitate towards certain brands. Lastly, the pandemic may have slowed usage, but you can expect that to change alongside sentiment and comfortability.
