R&D Materials
Our R&D/Materials Department has a few simple goals:
- Improve our products with fresh ideas based on consumer research and cutting edge technologies.
- Bring materials and processes into our product development that aren’t being used in our industry.
- Find materials that are sustainable and meet global safety regulations and are consistent with our Corporate Social Responsibility and Code of Conduct standards.
- Create awareness about recycled materials and increase the use of recycled and recyclable materials worldwide.
We’re headquartered in Seattle, but we reach well beyond to meet these goals, developing partnerships all over the world. Our team collaborates with scientists, engineers and technology experts in the areas of electronics, insulation and heat transfer, material science and sustainability.
We’ve investigated more than 150 technologies, and together, we’ve found new ways to use old materials - like porcelain, plastic and steel - and innovative ways to use new materials. In 2007 we developed eCycle®, a blend of recycled, food grade plastic made from 100% recycled materials and up to 25% post consumer content. It’s strong enough to be re-used for decades, but, if it ever does need to be disposed of, most eCycle varieties are recyclable wherever [5] plastic is collected.
R&D/Materials Department highlights:
- 2008
- Launch of Aladdin BPA-Free Clean & Clever Water Bottles made with new Eastman Tritan
- 2007
- Introduction of eCycle, our proprietary recycled material, and the Aladdin Sustain line of products
- 2006
- R&D BPA-free alternatives to polycarbonate material: material science research and testing.
- 2003
- R&D recycled material development: proprietary recycled material that is FDA-compliant and durable enough for daily use
- 2002
- Launch of first-ever reusable commuter coffee tumblers in Tokyo, later expanded into Asia and Europe markets (all BPA-free)
- 2001
- R&D research on consumer habits and preferences for on-the-go transportation of beverages in Japan