Stanley 1913 Launches Take-Back Program, Provides Discount
Stanley 1913, maker of the reusable stainless steel water bottle that burst onto the social media scene in 2022 and became a lifestyle accessory for millions, has announced customers can send their used cups and bottles back to the company for recycling and receive a credit for their next Stanley purchase.
The Seattle-based company announced its U.S. take-back program in a press release last week, saying customers would have to log their products on the Stanley 1913 website, generate a pre-paid shipping label or QR code, and return eligible items at no cost. Once received products are sent to a recycling partner of Stanley's parent company, PMI WW Brands, where they're disassembled, sorted and recycled.
Customers will also be rewarded with a $5 discount code to be applied toward future Stanley purchases. The company will also donate $5 to Ocean Conservancy, a global NGO, for each item returned. Customers are limited to four recycled items a year.
Total Retail's Take: Several of Stanley's water bottle competitors offer similar take-back programs; Hydroflask allows customers to send in their bottles for recycling if they register the product, and the company gives customers $5 toward their next Hydroflask purchase in exchange. Thermos stainless steel items can also be recycled with a $5 coupon in return, and Hydrapak Repak, known for its hydration packs and squeeze bottles, offers recycling drop-off centers for several types of water bottles in 15 states and parts of Canada.
Patagonia was one of the first brands to introduce a take-back program more than a decade ago. Now, more and more brands are recognizing the need to take responsibility for a product's end-of-life, especially as more consumers are expressing this as a value when shopping. Brands are wise in appealing to consumers increasing consideration for sustainability when it comes to the companies they support and the products they purchase.
