Environmental Health
Q: Why use a stainless steel drinking container instead of polycarbonate?
A: Stainless Steel water bottles are an attractive alternative to polycarbonate or lacquer lined aluminum drinking bottles, both of which contain varying amounts of biphenyl-A (BPA), a building block chemical necessary to make polycarbonate containers. There are increasing levels of scientific and consumer concern about the health risks posed by BPA, a known endocrine disrupter that mimics the human hormone estrogen. An increasing number of studies and accompanying media reports on BPA, have detailed concerns based on recent “low-dose” studies which postulate that polycarbonate containers could be leaching BPA into liquids and foods. In April 2008, Health Canada declared Bisphenol A (BPA) a dangerous substance, making it the first regulatory body in the world to note BPA endangers people and the environment. In conclusion, stainless steel drinking containers are a proven alternative to polycarbonate bottles for consumers who have concerns about BPA.
Q: What is BPA?
A: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the production of plastic and polycarbonate bottles and liners. BPA, an environmental estrogen, can leak out of these bottles and container linings into your food or drink. A growing number of scientists are concluding, from some animal tests, that exposure to BPA in the womb raises the risk of certain cancers, hampers fertility and could contribute to childhood behavioral problems such as hyperactivity.
Q: What are Phthalates?
A: Phthalates are chemicals that are typically used in plastics to increase their flexibility. But they're also found in a variety of other products. Some research has shown that pthalates leaching out of plastic products and containers cause increased risk of birth defects, liver cancer, kidney problems and other hormonal imbalances in laboratory animals.
Q: Do any of your products contain BPA or Phthalates?
A: No, all our stainless steel drinking containers are made with a premium food-grade type 304 stainless steel with the performance characteristics of not leaching chemicals, staining or corroding. Unlike aluminum containers there is no coating or lining needed on the inner container surface.
Q: What is stainless steel?
A: Stainless Steel is defined as an iron-carbon alloy with a minimum of 10.5% chromium content. The name originates from the fact that stainless steel does not stain, corrode or rust as easily as ordinary steel. There are many different types of stainless steel, austenitic, or 300 series stainless is alloyed with 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which makes it resistant to corrosion. We use a premium sanitary-grade commonly known as type 304 18/8 and is used for many food grade applications; it will not leach chemicals, stain, corrode or rust.
Q: Is there lead in any of your products?
A: All materials and construction processes including our food grade paint are specified to be lead free and is part of our raw materials chain of custody process.
Q: Why use a stainless steel drinking container instead of an aluminum bottle?
A: Aluminum containers tend to dent more readily and need a lining material prevent leaching and taste issues; Usually this liner is a baked on lacquer that contains varying amounts of BPA. To our knowledge only one manufacturer of aluminum bottles with a BPA-based liner has perfected a process that leaches less than two parts per billion, which is virtually undetectable, of BPA in independent laboratory tests.
Q: What is Silicone and are there any known health hazards?
A: Silicone is a synthetic rubber containing bonded silicon (a natural element which is found in sand and rock) and oxygen. Food grade silicone is non-stick, stain-resistant, hard-wearing, cools quickly, and tolerates an extreme range of temperatures. There are no known health hazards associated with use of food grade silicone. Silicone rubber does not react with food or beverages, or produce any hazardous fumes.
Care and Use of Innate Stainless Steel Drinking and Food Containers
Q: Are your stainless steel drinking containers dishwasher safe?
A: Yes, Innate containers can be washed in the top rack of home dishwashers; however we suggest hand washing in hot soapy water, rinsing well and then drying. This will result in the maximum useful life of your container since repeated heat in the drying cycle may impact the seal between the BPA-Free, food grade number 5 polypropylene (pp) collar and the stainless steel container.
Q: Will the stainless steel react with acidic beverages like juice?
A: No, stainless steel will not react, however it is not recommended that acidic beverages be stored in a stainless container for long periods of time. If you do, we recommend cleaning them using a bristle brush and a solution of white vinegar and baking soda prior to washing again in hot soapy water, rinsing well and then drying.
Q: Can I put my stainless steel container in the freezer?
A: No. The swelling associated with freezing may result in the seal on the threaded collar being compromised with leaking as a result.
Q: Can stainless steel bottles be put on a stove?
A: No. Doing so presents a burn hazard and in addition will melt the PP collar.
Q: I'm drinking a specially processed alkaline water. This water is ionized via electrolysis with a pH level that ranges from 8.0-9.5. Will stainless steel water bottles affect the alkaline levels in the water?
A: We have consulted with a manufacturer of ionized water who has done testing of their product in stainless containers and found that there is a de-ionizing effect. There is no evidence that this was dangerous or presented a health risk but many people drinking ionized water actually want it to remain so for anticipated health benefits.
Q: How much do your bottles weigh?
A: Our stainless steel bottles are lighter than they look, typically a similar weight to the equivalent sized polycarbonate container, all weights are listed on our individual product pages.
Q: What is the “line” I can see inside Innate Stainless drinking containers?
A: This is a lead-free, argon gas welding seam from the construction processes. Our containers are made from rolls of a premium type 304, grade 18/8 stainless steel with a documented raw materials testing. The rolled sheet steel is formed into a tube and welded using lead-free argon gas. The stainless tubes then go through a series of hydraulic swelling and heat-treating processes to create the specific model shapes. Finishing of the inner container is done with a combination of dolomitic sand blasting and an electrolytic charge. Unlike aluminum drinking containers, stainless steel is inert and does not require a coating lacquer on the inner; often these contain BPA.
Q: What is the odor I may smell inside the container when it is new?
A: This is the smell of the food grade silicone used in the sealing rings; silicone is an inert substance. Washing the container in a solution of baking soda and warm water with a thorough rinsing will remove any trace of odor.
Q: Why do your containers have a wide mouth rather than a narrow opening?
A: Two reasons:
- A wide mouth bottle is much easier to clean; purchasing one of our food grade silicone flow controller drip guards gives the lower volume of a narrow mouth bottle with none of the cleaning hassles.
- The thread pattern fits the bottle adaptors of most backcountry water filters including MSR and Katadyn.
Q: Do you make a drip guard to fit your single wall modular collars; products from other companies don't seem to fit.
A: Yes, we are pleased to offer the flow controller which is designed only for our wide mouth bottles. This is made of a tested food-grade silicone.
Q: What is your warranty policy?
A: We offer a no hassle warranty on all containers, lids and accessories against manufacturing defects. Please contact the retailer where you purchased our product; if you live in a remote location, email us at info@innate-gear.com with an attached photo of the warranty issue and we will get back to you within two business days.
Single Wall Drinking Container Specific Questions
Q: Can I put hot liquids in my single wall stainless steel bottle?
A: No. Our single wall containers provide no insulation and present a burn hazard if used with hot liquids. Consider one of our insulating vacuum bottles for use with HOT liquids.
Q: What age are the Me-Me sippy cups designed for?
A: Children progress differently but we recommend six months plus.
Q: What is the correct usage of the Me-Me sippy cups with young toddlers?
A: For children under 3 years of age the sippy cup should only be used with the lid firmly screwed on. There are internal silicone parts in the sippy lid that may present a choking hazard if swallowed.
Vacuum Container Specific Questions
Q: What is a Vacuum Flask?
A: An Innate vacuum flask is a container which keeps its contents hotter or cooler than their environment by removing the air from the narrow region between the inner and outer wall. It can also be considered to be two thin-walled bottles nested one inside the other, and sealed together at their necks.
Q: On the Commercial Drive Vacuum Flask, how does the Sipping Cup Work?
A: The sipping cup screws out of the central metallic section of the lid, please click here to see a diagram.
Q: On my Kaze Vacuum Bottle I want to use one of the V2 modular water bottle lids. Can I put hot liquids in it?
A: No. If you use a V2 water bottle lid you should not use it with hot liquids.
Q: Is the Esse Vacuum bottle a cocktail shaker, a wine decanter or actually a Vacuum bottle?
A: We get asked this a lot, in fact it has even been reviewed as a wine decanter! While we won't dispute its strengths for use as a steel cask vessel for sauvignon blanc and other non carbonated wines, It is in fact a vacuum container complete with a thermal push button stopper. The V2 modular collar allows you to interchange it with any one of our v2 lids when used with cool fluids.
Food Storage
Stainless Steel Single Wall Food Storage
Q: Is the silicone used on your MC2 (Modular Collapsible Containers) safe for microwaving?
A: Yes. Innate uses an EU (European Union) food grade silicone; we find this has superior properties to the slightly lower cost American FDA grade silicone. Food grade silicone does not react with food or beverages, or produce any hazardous fumes. For more information on silicone and other materials used in cooking, baking and microwaving, click here for a link to a Canadian Government information site.
Q: Can i put the Stainless Steel Body of my MC2 or MC snap on top of an open flame, camp or kitchen stove?
A: No. Using the SS main body over an open flame, camp or kitchen stove runs the risk that there may be heat warping which would compromise the effectiveness of the lid.
Q: Are the MC2 and MC Snap leak proof?
A: The MC2 is leakproof if the lid is properly pressed into place; if you are worried about leaking onto documents or electronics then we recommend placing it in a watertight bag for added safety. The MC Snap is not leak proof, it has a gasket in the lid to minimize odor transmission.
Materials and Manufacturing Processes used with Innate Drinking Containers
Q: What type of stainless steel do you use?
A: All our stainless steel drinking containers are made with a premium food-grade type 304 stainless steel containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel with documented raw materials testing. This material is chosen for its consistent quality and performance characteristics of not leaching chemicals, staining, corroding or rusting. Unlike aluminum containers there is no coating or lining needed on the inner container surface. The inside of Innate bottles are cleaned during the final stages of manufacturing using an electrolytic charge and dolomitic sand blasting.
Q: Do your stainless containers have an inner coating or lining like aluminum ones do?
A: No, all our stainless steel drinking containers are made with a premium food-grade type 304 stainless steel with the performance characteristics of not leaching chemicals, staining or corroding. Unlike aluminum containers there is no coating or lining needed on the inner container surface.
Q: I bought two styles of your bottles, recently I held a fridge magnet near both and it stuck to one. I understood that type 304 18/8 stainless steel was not magnetic. What is the situation here?
A: Innate specifies Type 304 18/8 stainless steel in all containers, we use a "best in class" raw materials testing program to ensure this is the case. Type 304 18/8 stainless steel has austenitic properties due to the composition of a minimum of .15% carbon, 18% chromium and 8% nickel which provides a crystalline structure that resists corrosion and has non magnetic properties. The processes to make an Innate container involve hydroswelling. This cold working process can change the properties of the stainless steel rendering them mildly magnetic, but does not affect the corossion resistance. This change in properties has been documented in a book titled Stainless Steels By Joseph R. Davis, ASM International Handbook Committee.
Q: Do your stainless steel drinking containers have an inner BPA based lacquer coating like aluminum ones?
A: No, our containers are made of premium type 304 18/8 stainless steel which is used for many food and medical applications; it will not leach chemicals, stain, corrode or rust.
Q: How do I know your Stainless Steel drinking containers meet International Food Container Standards?
A: We bring a focused approach to ensuring that our testing and quality processes are your assurance of the integrity of our products. We do this through a comprehensive raw materials chain of custody which in plain English means having ongoing monitoring processes to ensure we are delivering drinking containers that meet international food grade standards. Our containers are subject to internal tests backed up by testing from an independent company, SGS, to US FDA , European Norm and California Prop 65 food container standards.
We will continue to expand on our current raw materials chain of custody testing program through the introduction of a “best in class” three sigma rating system. Three sigma gives a clear and accurate representation of data by removing any room for selective interpretation; here’s how it works. Quality Assurance staff test a random sample of the raw materials used in Innate containers to international standards using machines such as a spectrometer. The data from these tests are analyzed to determine the average or mean numbers from each test batch. Then the average deviation from the average test results, also known as the standard deviation, which represents the variation of test results within a different group of samples is calculated. A rating of three standard deviations or three sigma, the greek symbol used in formulas, means that 99.7% of our products will have results better than noted. Moving to the three sigma system is part of our ongoing commitment at to earn your trust through “best in class” processes so you can make responsible product choices.
Q: What is the plastic on your drinking containers made of?
A: We use a #5 food grade polypropylene (pp) in the lids and collars; #5 PP is a plastic with good durability and no known leaching characteristics The #5 PP parts are subject to internal batch testing combined with testing by an independent agency, SGS, to US FDA and European Norm (EN) food container standards.
Q: Why do your containers have a food grade #5 polypropylene collar instead of plain steel?
A: Three reasons:
- In cold conditions you won't run the risk of your lips sticking to the bottle lip while drinking.
- You’ll likely save on dental bills when drinking (water or other non alcoholic beverages!) and driving on a bumpy backcountry road.
- The thread pattern fits the bottle adaptors of most backcountry water filters including MSR and Katadyn.
Q: What about the nickel content in stainless steel; are there health issues?
A: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a department of the U.S. Dept. of Public Health and Human Services notes that health issues related to nickel are determined by the manner and degree of exposure; about 10 to 15% of the population are susceptible. The ATSDR notes that exposure may arise from handling high nickel content products such as poor quality jewelry, coins or from inhaling dust near nickel industries. The most common reaction to handling nickel is a skin rash at the point of contact. Our containers are made from a tested food grade type 304 stainless steel with approximately an 8% nickel content; a much lower level than the items that the ATSDR have noted as causing health issues to those susceptible.
Q: Do your drinking containers contain Phthalates or PVC?
A: No. Our internal and independent external tests under the US FDA, EU and Cal. Prop 65 protocols have found no measurable traces of these chemicals.
Q: Do any of your products contain rubber or latex compounds?
A: Yes, we use a tested food-grade compound containing latex on our pop-top and flip top lids that are used in our single wall Vite and Mizu products as well as our Kaze Flip vacuum bottle.
Information about where Innate Products are Made
Q: What does "Clean Design" mean?
A: Innate’s “Clean Design” combines an efficient use of materials and a minimum amount of embellishment to create products with pleasing aesthetics and excellent suitability to task. These design principals are followed up with a environmentally and ethically “clean” approach to producing our products.
Q: What is Chain of Custody?
A: Chain of Custody is the process of tracking and testing the raw materials and manufacturing processes behind finished products. Tracking of materials is done by a "follow the money" ledger accounting method. Testing involves tests by our supply chain contractors backed up by independent third party testing. We strive for transparency in the course of conducting business; chain of custody is one example of documenting what we do and how we do it.
Q: How do you decide where your products are made?
A: We place orders with production facilities that meet the following criteria:
- the expectations of our sourcing policy and supplier code of conduct
- a proven track record for on time delivery of products made to the standards specified with world class customers.
- pricing that while not necessary the lowest, is within the willingness that our end customers will pay for relative to comparable options.
Q: How successful are you in ensuring that the facilities that build your products meet your expectations?
A: The results are mixed; like any organization engaged in designing and making products, achieving these three criteria simultaneously is not an easy task; there is no perfect business, least of all ours, and there is no perfect production facility. That said we are committed to placing business with facilities that show a desire to engage on these tough issues and participate in meaningful remediation discussions where our expectations and the law are not met.
Q: What countries are your products made in?
A: The contract facilities we work with are located in China, Taiwan and Korea. Not surprisingly the bulk of issues where the expectations of our sourcing policy are not met are in China; the core issue continues to be excess overtime during peak production periods. That said, we have devised a unique engagement model to help us move toward resolution of the tough issues of fair labour practices and workplace safety. We have engaged InFact Global Partners, a highly regarded auditing and remediation firm specializing in pragmatic factory solutions, who will work with our factory process consultants to benchmark, discuss and help implement processes in our leading production facility.
These discussions have revealed some uncomfortable truths around our and fellow brands’ behavior. We want compliance yet the reality is the local government enforcement of labor laws is uneven: often facilities that take a leadership role do not get financial support in the form of orders from western customers. In addition western companies seek to remain competitive using a “just in time” inventory model which puts huge strain on their workforce since demand from all brands typically peaks at the same time of year. Although we represent less than 10% of overall capacity and as such have limited influence, we have set up a dedicated production line for our products and hope to reduce these “bulges” by producing a consistent amount year round.
Packaging
Q: What is Innate doing to reduce the footprint of your packaging?
A: Packaging needs to perform a number of functions including: protect the product from damage in shipping & store displays, reduce or eliminate safety & hygiene risks, provide information about the features & benefits of the product.
The challenge is to design packaging that achieves these goals while at the same time stays true to our philosophy of Leaner, Cleaner, Greener by using the least harmful materials and manufacturing processes to minimize its' ecological footprint. We start this process with careful design of the packaging used; in some instances we may only use a hang tag rather than a box if there is minimal risk of damage in shipping and display.
As part of the packaging design process we seek to use materials that have as high a recycled content as possible, with a clear chain of custody. We specify 100%, and will accept a minimum of 80%, post consumer recycled fibre for all our cardboard packaging. We request recycled content with our PP packaging; to date we are confronting ongoing issues of consistency and durability plus food safety. For now we seek to reduce the amount of material used until these issues are solved.
Our main challenge is in having consistent, certified and traceable sources of packaging materials; many of our packaging suppliers do not have a formal process for independent validation. We are in the process of introducing our suppliers to source-certification programs, since these provide a credible link between environmentally responsible sources and the use of those materials. This helps all of us to make informed purchasing decisions.
We then strive to ensure that the production materials and processes used will not have environmental health impacts. We are in the process of introducing to our suppliers a Packaging Restricted Substance List (PRSL) that will reflect the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.
To sum up, Innate seeks to minimize our packaging footprint through: design, materials choices & packaging manufacturing processes. We will continue to pursue best practices and work with our suppliers to move forward with the key initiatives outlined. We'll keep you posted as this unfolds.
Still have a question?
Please contact us if you have any additional questions.