Outdoor Drinkware Brands Collaborate to Benefit Sustainability

November 2, 2022

Klean Kanteen, MiiR, Stanley, and YETI come together to support the reduction of emissions across the drinkware supply chain

BOULDER, COLO [November 2, 2022] /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Making a significant move to create a more sustainable future, four drinkware brands have come together in a first-of-its-kind effort to identify opportunities and actions that will reduce carbon emissions across the drinkware supply chain. Deemed the Drinkware CoLab, the project supports the Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) goal to make the outdoor industry the world’s first climate-positive industry by 2030. Klean Kanteen, MiiR, Stanley, and YETI are participating in the Drinkware CoLab as part of OIA’s Climate Action Corps, a climate-positive initiative that goes beyond net-zero emissions to create a positive overall carbon emission benefit.

These four leading brands and OIA’s Climate Action Corps spearheaded this collaboration to drive changes that will reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing, one of the largest components of the environmental footprint of food and beverage containers. The primary goals are to move industry suppliers to 100% renewable electricity and to develop science-aligned emissions reduction targets for supplier facilities.

“Stanley is proud to join forces with these esteemed drinkware brands to reduce the collective environmental footprint of our products,” said Terence Reilly, Global President of Stanley. “Collaborations like these – combined with deep engagement with our suppliers – are critical to ensure that our shared emissions reduction goals are in reach and that we continuously improve the sustainability of every bottle we design.”

“It has been such a pleasure getting to work with other drinkware brands in a truly collaborative way,” said Devon Richardson, Giving and Sustainability Manager at MiiR. “The threats of climate change are real, impending, and affecting our most vulnerable populations. The only way we can make meaningful change is together, and we are so grateful to be a part of this cohort.”

The Outdoor Industry Association has facilitated all aspects of the CoLab and provided project management for the brands. The cost of the Climate Action Corps Drinkware CoLab is being shared by the participating brands, suppliers, and third-party funding OIA received for this specific project. A sustainability consulting agency has been hired to identify and oversee areas of improvement, emission goals, and progress. The agency will assess each of the facilities and work to develop decarbonization roadmaps. These strategies will outline the changes each supplier can undertake to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by increasing energy efficiency, developing renewable energy procurement, implementing management systems, and more.

“This project is enabling our drinkware brands to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their supply chains with increased efficiency,” said Sarah Rykal, senior manager of the OIA Climate Action Corps. “Many supply chain problems are too grand for any individual company to address single-handedly. We see these types of collaborations as a key puzzle piece in reaching the Corps’ climate goals, as well as each brand’s individual goals, and we ultimately plan to use this project as a model for future CoLabs to follow.”

“The Drinkware CoLab truly embodies the concept of strength in numbers, and Klean Kanteen is proud to link arms with fellow drinkware leaders on climate action,” said Jeff Cresswell, co-owner of Klean Kanteen. “This project will allow us to make meaningful progress together in a way that none of us could accomplish on our own, and it exemplifies a core tenet of the outdoor industry and its sustainability work: together we are a force.”

“We love the outdoors and want to keep the wild, wild for generations to come,” said Hannah Mara, Vice President, Product Management at YETI. “We hope to see this type of collaboration expand across the industry so we can continue making an impact.”

Climate change is one of, if not the most crucial issues the outdoor industry faces today. OIA is in a unique position to rally the industry behind this cause as no one company should feel the burden of facing this ever-growing problem alone. The Climate Action Corps’ work is crucial in making changes. Collaborations of this kind will greatly impact the overall work being done to reach a climate-positive industry by 2030.

About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

About Klean Kanteen

Founded in 2004, Klean Kanteen is a family and employee-owned leader in reusable stainless-steel drinkware and food containers with distribution worldwide. With a focus on environmental stewardship, Klean Kanteen is a B Corporation, proud 1% For The Planet member, and Climate Neutral Certified. Working closely with values-aligned companies and organizations, Klean Kanteen supports efforts towards health, the reduction of single-use plastic, and environmental education and awareness. For more information visit www.kleankanteen.com.

About MiiR

Based in Seattle, Wash., MiiR makes premium stainless steel vessels for coffee, water, bar, and food. We create timeless, innovative, and responsibly designed products and set aside a portion of revenue from every sale for our giving initiatives. Those dollars accumulate over time and are then invested back into non-profit organizations who work to empower both people and the planet. To date, MiiR has given over $3.5 million, and you can learn more about some of MiiR’s non-profit partners by registering the Give Code™ on the base of your MiiR product. www.MiiR.com.

About Stanley

Invented by William Stanley, Jr. on September 2, 1913 (official patent date), the all-steel vacuum bottle revolutionized the way people enjoyed food and beverage. Since then, Stanley brand has been delivering superior food and beverage gear for active lifestyles and remains dedicated to this simple promise: buy Stanley products, get quality gear. Built for Life®. Learn more, visit www.stanley1913.com.

About YETI Holdings, Inc.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, YETI is a global designer, retailer, and distributor of innovative outdoor products. From coolers and drinkware to backpacks and bags, YETI products are built to meet the unique and varying needs of diverse outdoor pursuits, whether in the remote wilderness, at the beach, or anywhere life takes our customers. By consistently delivering high-performing, exceptional products, we have built a strong following of brand loyalists throughout the world, ranging from serious outdoor enthusiasts to individuals who simply value products of uncompromising quality and design. We have an unwavering commitment to outdoor and recreation communities, and we are relentless in our pursuit of building superior products for people to confidently enjoy life outdoors and beyond. For more information, please visit www.YETI.com.