Drinkware and serveware makers invigorate appearance, function

	This double-wall stainless steel vacuum flask from Zhejiang Bangda boasts a wide mouth and can hold up to 1L.

Stainless steel tableware suppliers are mixing materials and improving temperature retention.

China stainless steel drinkware and serveware manufacturers are steering R&D efforts toward improved aesthetics and performance. Safety is a major concern as well.

In line with the first goal, many drinkware suppliers are combining metal with ceramic or plastic to come up with unique designs and colorful exteriors.

Enhancing visual appeal further, Zhejiang Waya Cups Co. Ltd has released vacuum flasks with lids that resemble a red apple.

Serveware makers, meanwhile, are employing a mixture of stainless steel and iron, and launching models with leather-covered or acrylic handles.

Suppliers are offering versions in antique styles as well.

A number of serving and fruit trays also have a gold coating, and embossed or stamped patterns. These can often be used as home decoration.

Temperature retention is the primary performance determinant for China-made stainless steel drinkware.

In this regard, double-wall pieces are being produced in greater quantities as these models are capable of keeping contents hot or cold for extended periods. Typical releases boast nontail vacuums and twisted stoppers, preventing air and water leakage.

A 70 C liquid placed in such designs from Zhejiang Bangda Industry & Trade Co. Ltd drops by only 18 C after 15 hours under room temperature. To ensure that products retain heat longer, the maker utilizes 201 and 304 stainless steel.

Makers are likewise emphasizing large-capacity items. Models that can hold up to 2L and feature wide mouths for accommodating ice cubes are establishing a foothold.

Enhancing tactile sensation, suppliers are offering vacuum flasks and water bottles with a rubber coating. Apart from boasting gradient hues, such releases are soft to the touch.

Also gaining popularity are designs with brushed bodies that resist fingerprints.

To enhance safety, makers are replacing aluminum mouthpieces and plastic linings with less toxic versions. The latter component may contain BPA, which is known to cause various health-related problems.

Most tier 1 enterprises submit materials to third-party laboratories to check if chromium content is within safe levels. Further, these companies operate ISO 9001:2000 and 14001, and OHSAS 18001-certified production facilities.

At present, the bulk of stainless steel drinkware and serveware from China are BPA-free, and meet FDA and LFGB requirements.

	Stainless steel serving plates from Qianxing are available in 29.2x2.5, 32x2.5 and 38.5x2.5cm sizes.

Swelling material costs are forcing China suppliers of stainless steel drinkware and serveware to raise prices, albeit minimally. But wary that further increases might upset demand, makers are limiting markups within the 5 to 10 percent range.

To sustain profitability, companies are implementing various strategies to control outlay.

Many suppliers, for example, are sourcing materials in large volume, keeping their stocks full to protect against a sudden rise in costs.

Others are reducing operational expenses by eliminating unnecessary stations in the production lines.

In the past months, China’s major steel providers have imposed price increases.

Baosteel, for instance, has raised quotes of 304/2B cold-rolled stainless steel from June’s $3,138 per metric ton to $3,408 in August. Rates for 304 hot-rolled variants, meanwhile, jumped by 6 percent during the same period.

	Zhejiang Waya offers the model HK3-1500 double-wall vacuum pot with a capacity of 1.5L.

China’s selection of stainless steel drinkware includes vacuum flasks, mugs, and travel and sports bottles. The first category dominates shipments in the line.

Materials are mostly purchased from both domestic and overseas providers. The former is mostly situated in Yongkang of Zhejiang province. The city is a major production hub for stainless steel tableware.

Imported counterparts, meanwhile, are often procured in South Korea, Japan and Germany. Input sourcing can be buyer-specified.

The type of metal, capacity, function and add-ons are the key price differentiators.

Low-end models adopt domestic 201 stainless steel and come in single-wall constructions. With a capacity of 350 to 500mL, these have simple designs and no accessories. Some mugs are made of a stainless steel and acrylic combination. Quotes are $1.30 to $2.

Going for $2.10 to $5, midrange pieces utilize domestically sourced 304 or imported 18/8 types and are offered in single- or double-wall configurations. They can hold between 500 and 750mL, and are available in colorful motifs. A number of releases also boast wide mouths.

Select water bottles come with carabiners and hooks for increased portability, while mugs utilize bodies in a mixture of stainless steel, and acrylic or ceramic.

High-end drinkware feature imported 18/10 grade double-wall housing. These have wide mouths and a capacity of 1 to 1.5L. More expensive models boast folding handles, twist-and-pour stoppers, adjustable shoulder straps and built-in sharing cups.

Mugs often come with lids in novelty forms. Some are made of a stainless steel and ceramic combination.

Premium drinkware ranges from $3.60 to $5. Larger-capacity versions that can function as jugs usually exceed $6.

A variety of stainless steel serveware, including trays, plates and bowls, is available from China.

Although exports of models in unconventional shapes are increasing, traditional round, rectangle and oval versions still dominate shipments in the line.

As with drinkware, China-made serveware utilizes both imported and domestically sourced stainless steel.

For enhanced durability and aesthetics, products are often plated with chrome, brass, nickel or silver. Some models have a mirror or matte finish.

As regards pattern application, popular methods include etching and laser-engraving.

Standard low-end pieces adopt 410 stainless steel. They come in small sizes and simple designs. Items are typically mirror polished. Prices are $1 to $2.

Often made of domestic 304 variants, midrange serveware have a matte, sand-polished or electroplated finish. Products may come with embellishment. These are quoted at $2.10 to $3.

Upscale releases use imported 304 stainless steel. Some models feature decorative floral patterns along the edges, and are suitable for use in hotels and restaurants. These start at $3.10 and top $4.