Comprehensive Drink Bottle Guide

Branding drink bottles presents a plethora of benefits for businesses looking to enhance their visibility and engagement with customers. By prominently featuring logos and designs on drink bottles, businesses can amplify their brand presence and leave a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike. Moreover, utilising drink bottles as spot prizes and promotional giveaways serves as a powerful marketing tool, attracting and engaging customers through interactive, tactile experiences.

Which Water Bottle Material?

If you're trying to select a drink bottle from the huge range, it can be hard to know where to start. We have a wide range of water bottles available, so we always suggest narrowing down the type of water bottle first - glass, plastic or metal. Here's some info on each of these products to help you decide which will suit your needs:

Glass Water Bottles

Glass Drink Bottles available are made out of borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass, renowned for its exceptional strength and durability, stands out from traditional glass due to its unique composition.

Standard glass primarily consists of silica, whereas borosilicate glass incorporates boron trioxide into its molecular structure. This addition enhances the glass's resilience to thermal stress and mechanical shock - making it more resistant to fractures and breakage when subjected to sudden temperature changes or physical impacts. This property makes borosilicate glass drink bottles ideal for everyday use, ensuring longevity and reliability while maintaining their pristine appearance over time.

It is a natural BPA-free choice for a clean, pure taste and is a safe alternative to single-use plastics.

Whether it's withstanding extreme temperature differentials or enduring rigorous handling, borosilicate glass offers unparalleled strength and peace of mind for users seeking robust water bottles.

Many of the glass bottles come with optional sleeves for added durability, further branding options and insulation. Check out the range of glass bottles here and some of the range below:

Metal Water Bottles

Metal water bottles offer a versatile and eco-conscious alternative to traditional glass or plastic options. They also come in a range of colours and finishes, making them a popular choice for complementing your branding.

When it comes to choosing between aluminum and stainless steel drink bottles, both materials offer unique advantages to consider. Aluminum bottles are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for on-the-go hydration needs. They are also durable, though not quite as robust as stainless steel, and may be more prone to scratches and dents over time. However, aluminum bottles tend to be more affordable than stainless steel. Additionally, aluminum's thermal conductivity allows it to adapt quickly to beverage temperatures, though it may not retain heat or coldness as effectively as stainless steel.

Stainless steel drink bottles are renowned for their durability and resilience, capable of withstanding wear and tear over extended periods. They offer superior heat retention properties compared to aluminum, ensuring that beverages stay hot or cold for longer durations. While stainless steel bottles may be heavier than aluminum counterparts, they are highly resistant to corrosion and scratches, maintaining their sleek appearance even after repeated use. Despite typically being more expensive, stainless steel bottles are often considered a worthwhile investment due to their longevity and reduced environmental impact over time.

Ultimately, the choice between aluminum and stainless steel drink bottles depends on individual preferences, usage needs, and priorities, with both materials offering distinct benefits for various lifestyles and situations.

Check out the range of metal drink bottles here and some of the range below:

Plastic Water Bottles

Plastic drink bottles are available in various colours and translucencies, making a great complement to your branding. There are various different plastic types such as Tritan, RPET, Polystyrene, HDPE, LDPE, and Co-Polyester, which each offer a range of benefits for different needs and preferences:

1. Tritan: Tritan plastic bottles are known for their exceptional clarity, durability, and resistance to stains and odors. They are also BPA-free, providing a safe and eco-friendly option for consumers concerned about chemical exposure. However, Tritan bottles may be more expensive compared to other plastic options.
2. PET & RPET (Recycled PET): RPET bottles are made from recycled PET plastic, offering an environmentally friendly solution by reducing plastic waste and promoting recycling efforts. They retain the lightweight and durable qualities of traditional PET bottles while minimising environmental impact. However, RPET bottles may have slightly lower clarity and durability compared to virgin PET.
3. Polystyrene: Polystyrene bottles are lightweight, affordable, and suitable for cold beverages. They are commonly used for single-use applications such as disposable water bottles and take-out containers. However, polystyrene is not as heat-resistant as other plastics and may not be suitable for hot liquids or prolonged exposure to sunlight.
4. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): HDPE bottles are known for their strength, rigidity, and resistance to chemicals and UV rays. They are commonly used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, and some reusable water bottles. HDPE bottles are lightweight, recyclable, and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for various applications.
5. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): LDPE bottles are flexible, lightweight, and resistant to chemicals, making them suitable for squeezable bottles and packaging. They are commonly used for condiment bottles, travel toiletry containers, and collapsible water bottles. LDPE bottles are less rigid than HDPE bottles and may not be as suitable for products requiring high impact resistance.
6. Co-Polyester: Co-Polyester bottles offer a combination of durability, clarity, and resistance to stains and odors. They are BPA-free and shatter-resistant, making them a popular choice for sports and outdoor activities. Co-Polyester bottles may be more expensive than other plastic options but offer superior performance and longevity.

Plastic drink bottles provide a wide range of options to suit different needs and preferences, from affordability and recyclability to durability and safety. Each plastic type offers its unique combination of pros and cons, allowing consumers to choose the most suitable option based on their priorities and intended use.

Check out the range of plastic drink bottles here and some of the range below:

Drink Bottle Insulation

As well as the material your drink bottle is made from, the other consideration is any insulation requirements. An insulated drink bottle will keep your water colder for longer! Single wall drink bottles are the standard, being lightweight and cost-effective. Double wall and vacuum insulated drink bottles offer better temperature retention but at a higher price point.

Single Wall Drink Bottles

Single Wall drink bottles are an affordable, lightweight and compact option. The majority of drink bottles are single wall. Optional heat-resistant sleeves ensure the cup is comfortable to hold and provides a perfect branding opportunity.

See below for some examples of single wall drink bottles:

Double Wall Insulated Drink Bottles

Double wall insulation is an economical way to insulate your beverage. The bottle is designed with air between an internal and external wall. Air has excellent insulation properties and reduces the rate of temperature change. The outside of the cup remains comfortable to hold, and there is no messy condensation from cold drinks. See below for examples of Double Wall Drink Bottles:

Vacuum Insulated Drink Bottles

When it comes to maintaining drink temperatures, it’s hard to beat vacuum insulation. These bottles have the same construction as double walled bottles, but the air is removed between the two walls to create a vacuum. A vacuum reduces the rate of temperature change significantly, keeping the outside of the cup cool and preventing messy condensation from cold drinks. See below for examples of Vacuum Insulated Drink Bottles:

Drink Bottle Branding Options

It is your logo that adds the finishing flourish. The printing options available are as diverse as the designs themselves, offering businesses a spectrum of ways to imprint their values and logos.

We typically weigh up your logo type and colours, cost effectiveness and your requirements when we recommend a printing method. Discover the advantages of each technique below:

Pad Print

Pad Printing uses a silicone pad to transfer an image to a product from a laser etched printing plate. It is one of the most popular, fast and affordable ways of branding products due to its ability to reproduce images on uneven or curved products and print multiple colours.

Close colour matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate. In these instances, a white base will create a better print (at an additional cost)

Rotary Screen Print

Rotary screen printing is achieved by forcing ink through a fine mesh screen onto the product and is ideal for cylindrical objects. This branding is perfect for larger branding areas and for bold, colourful artwork, letting your brand shine through.

Close colour matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate. In these instances, a white base will create a better print (at an additional cost)

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving uses a laser to etch artwork into a product permanently. Different materials produce different effected when engraved, such as shiny steel, natural etch or mirror finishes. Laser engraving is a stylish way to elevate and add value to your brand.

Rotary Digital Print

Rotary Digital Print involves the transfer of UV ink and varnish coating directly from the print heads of an inkjet machine to the product and can be used to produce full colour branding.

Sublimation Print

For a sublimation print process, special ink is printed onto transfer paper and heat pressed onto the product. Sublimation ink is a dye, so the product as no ink build-up and the brand becomes part of the product. This branding method is perfect for producing full colour wrap around prints that really stand out.

These methods transcend mere branding; they elevate the bottles to brand ambassadors, eloquently conveying a message that's both captivating and memorable.

Branded Drink Bottles: Frequently Asked Questions

Here's a few of the regularly asked questions we receive regarding drink bottles and getting them printed:

Can I use multiple colours in my branded design?

Yes! Methods like Rotary Direct Digital and Sublimation allow multiple colours within the one set up cost. Pad Printing and Screen Printing also allow for multiple colours, but each colour comes with a set up cost, so we would weigh up whether it's the best option for you when we look at your requirements.

Are branded drink bottles dishwasher-safe?

We recommended hand washing your drink bottles, especially the plastic ones, which can become misshapen in the dishwasher. Washing your branded drink bottle in the dishwasher will reduce the lifespan of the printing. Choosing a permanent branding method like Laser Engraving ensures your branding lasts.

What's the minimum order quantity for branded drink bottles?

There are no minimum order quantities required. However the print set up and shipping charges remain the same, regardless of ordering 1, 10 or 1000 - so smaller orders tend towards the pricy side.

How do I begin the process of ordering branded drink bottles? How do I get a quote?

To get started, simply send us an enquiry through our website - or visit us directly. Provide details such as the quantity of drink bottles you need, your logo and preferred branding method, plus any specific design requirements.

Once we receive your enquiry, our team will prepare a personalised quote based on the quantity, branding methods and colours required. If we have your logo on file (or you send us a copy in vector format), we will also supply a free digital mockup to help you visualise how your branded drink bottles will look.

Can I see how my logo will look on the drink bottles before placing an order?

Absolutely! If we have your logo on file (or you send us a copy in vector format), we're happy to provide you with a free digital mockup to help you visualise how your branded drink bottles will look. This step ensures you're fully satisfied with the design before proceeding.

What is the typical turnaround time for printing branded drink bottles?

The turnaround time for bottle printing depends on your chosen branding method and the time of the year (the production team get very busy around Christmas time!). As a general guide, allow 1 to 2 weeks from the time of finalising the design and confirming the order. If you have a specific date you're aiming for, let us know and we can offer options that will suit.

How do I confirm my order once I'm ready?

Once you're satisfied with the quote and mockup, simply let us know you'd like to proceed by email or a phone call. If you have an account with us already, you will be invoiced once your cups are dispatched. If you don't have an account, we will organise an invoice or deposit prior to sending your cups into production.

Can I customise each drink bottle with individual names? Depending on the branding method, individual personalisation may be possible. We recommend discussing this option with our team during the enquiry stage to ensure we can accommodate your specific needs.

What if I don't have my logo in the right format for printing? No worries! Our design team can assist you in preparing your logo for printing, ensuring it meets the necessary requirements. We're here to make the process as smooth as possible for you.

Are there any additional charges beyond the initial quote? Our quotes are comprehensive, covering the costs of the drink bottles, branding, and other agreed-upon services. We believe in transparency, so there are no hidden fees. Any additional services or changes will be communicated and agreed upon before proceeding.

Browse our range of drink bottles and request a free quote for printing your drink bottle today. Visit our online drinkware catalog now.