Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ocean Bottle made of?

Recycled stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, silicone rubber and ocean-bound plastic. All materials are fully recyclable.

What will delivery cost me?

We deliver to most countries using tracked and signed methods.

Delivery to the UK is typically within 2-4 days and costs £3.95.

Delivery to the US is typically within 2-4 days and costs between $5-10, depending on where you are and how soon you need your package.

Delivery to the rest of the world takes between 14 and 21 days, and the price varies depends on where your package is going. 

Note customs and local tax for international orders may be charged separately which are not included in the costs.

How much plastic collection does one Ocean Bottle fund?

For every Ocean Bottle sold we commit to collecting 11.36kg (25lbs) of plastic before it gets to the ocean. That’s equivalent to more than 1000 plastic bottles (500ml single wall PET bottles – the average small water bottle). New collection points in places where plastic pollution is worst are rolling out with partners around the globe, which enable locals to exchange plastic for money and get access to social resources such as healthcare, education, mental health support and financial security.

We partner with Plastic Bank, Plastics for Change and Repurpose Global to ensure funds are transferred to plastic collectors in the most efficient, fair and regulated way possible and we chose these partners after a long and thorough investigative process. You can find out more by visiting our Impact page.

What kind of plastic do we collect?

We collect many types of plastic, not just plastic bottles. We find it's easier for people to visualise how much we're collecting in bottles than weight, so that's how we tend to express it. But actually it's much better for beating the plastic crisis if we collect a wide variety of types – so that's exactly what we do.

Though it's also important to note that not all plastic is valued equally, so sometimes the process of selling and distributing certain types of plastic takes longer. With partners like Plastics for Change we are able to fund collection of non-recyclable plastic, which is a true game changer. Non-recyclable plastics are sorted for co-processing, a recovery process utilising plastic to create energy. Find out more about the process here.

How are funds distributed?

Each time we sell an Ocean Bottle, we send a fixed rate to our plastic collection partners. These funds are split between paying plastic collectors and deploying plastic collection infrastructure where the world needs it most. Thousands of local collectors in coastal communities are signed up to verified collection centres. One of the biggest challenges in the industry is regulation and ensuring that workers are paid a fair amount and their working conditions meet particular standards.

We interrogated our partners across several areas of responsibility. Plastic Bank are known for paying collectors above UN living wage standards and Plastics for Change created the first FairTrade certification framework for waste pickers, paving the way for other waste collection entities around the world.

Our aim is to increase awareness of the plastic crisis, encourage people to reuse, tackling the root of the problem. We have an opportunity to turn the tide on ocean plastic whilst improving social mobility. You can see where we operate here and how much funding has gone to plastic collection this quarter here.

What is ocean-bound plastic?

Great question. Ocean-bound plastic is defined as mismanaged plastic waste (or MMPW) that ends up along coastlines and in rivers and waterways within towns, cities and rural areas. When the seasonal rain arrives, this plastic gets flushed into the ocean often because of a lack of recycling infrastructure. So far plastic collection & recycling hasn't kept up with the production of plastic products, leading to a waste crisis.

Much of the plastic that ends up ruining some of the world's most beautiful habitats such as in the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Columbia and Haiti comes from Europe and North America but there just isn't the right infrastructure at home or further afield, so it ends up polluting waterways.

We focus on waterways and rivers to collect plastic before it enters the ocean because it's much more efficient than collecting plastic once it's in the ocean or washed up on beaches.

Is there enough plastic to collect?

Unfortunately yes. There's waaay too much plastic in the world and no matter what we do, it's going to take years to combat the problem. Increasing plastic consumption and a lack of waste infrastructure in many developing regions mean ocean plastic input is expected to double from one to four trucks per minute by 2060 unless we take drastic action.

Given the change towards renewables and the reduction of emissions, oil companies are turning their focus on increasing plastic production. The plastics economy represents a steady and growing revenue stream. We recommend you read PEW’s Breaking the Wave report for the latest official blueprint for how to solve the plastic crisis.

How can I be sure the plastic is collected?

We're glad you asked, because accountability is really important to us. We work with the latest transparent reporting technology developed by our partners but we also ensure every collection is accounted for on a bespoke tracking system which guarantees a transparent view of the plastic collected each time you and the companies that work with us buy an Ocean Bottle.

What happens to the collected plastic?

The collected plastic is sorted, weighed and sent to a local depot, where it's weighed again. It's then recycled locally and turned into pellets, ready to re-enter the global manufacturing supply chain. At this point it's sold on to corporations and businesses and finally gets turned into new products. Some of it even comes back to us and goes into making our products. A truly circular economy!

At many recycling centres not all plastic is collected because it doesn't have a high value and is hard to recycle and process into new products. However we're proud to work with Plastics for Change who enable us to fund the collection of non-recyclable plastic. Non-recyclable plastics are sorted for co-processing, a recovery process utilising plastic to create energy. You can find out more here.

Why did we decide to make a reusable bottle?

We believe there's more chance of solving the plastic crisis if many people take small steps in the right direction. Owning a reusable bottle and using it every day is a simple way for lots of us to reduce our plastic footprint.

By rewarding refills with plastic collection through our app, Ocean Bottle connects you directly with the plastic crisis and lets you track the difference you're making. It also connects us with you, so we can have a conversation about preserving the ocean – just look at us now!

What can I use my Ocean Bottle product for?

Our Ocean Bottle is designed to come with you pretty much wherever you go. Take it to work or a workout, an away day or a weekend adventure. It fits easily into your tote, backpack or gym bag – even into a roomy handbag if that's your thing. The carry loop means you can keep it with you even if you're using your hands for texting, unlocking doors or eating a particularly juicy apple (we're just trying to help you visualise here).

Fill your bottle with water (still, sparkling or tap?), ice, coffee, iced coffee, smoothies, soup, cocktails, beer, wine, juice, a nice cup of tea – whatever you like. Its double opening makes it easy to fill and clean, and it won’t leak or sweat in your bag. It's also the only bottle of its kind that you can put in the dishwasher. So we guess the bigger question is what can't you use your Ocean Bottle for?

Does it keep my drink cold or hot?

Our top grade vacuum thermos insulation technology is able to ensure ideal temperatures for any liquid, keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.

How long does it keep drinks hot for?

In our tests, the Ocean Bottle kept water between 40-50 degrees for 6 hours. The lid is deliberately not insulated, to avoid drinks staying too hot for too long (you do actually want to drink that coffee, after all) and to keep the bottle lightweight. For maximum insulation we recommend keeping the bottle upright, although it won't leak if you don't. Obviously leaving the lid off will mean your hot drinks lose heat faster, so keep it on if you don't want that to happen.

What's so great about Ocean Bottle?

Don't ask us, check out our reviews..... But if you must ask, we connect you with a truly tangible way to solve the ocean plastic crisis and give you a product that you can use time and time again and won't get left on the shelf. According to press and people, the award-winning superior features are: dual opening for easy filling, ice and easy to clean, dishwasher proof and the 10 year warranty.

Does the Ocean Bottle make a great gift?

Is this a trick question? Yes, it does. One of the reasons Ocean Bottle makes a brilliant present is its box, which explains everything that's special about the bottle, how it helps save the ocean, and how the lucky recipient can carry on making a positive difference by refilling it. It actually is the gift that keeps on giving, and we encourage you to give it.

Where are Ocean Bottle products made?

The Ocean Bottle was developed by K8 in Oslo, Norway. The recycled ocean-bound plastic it's made from is shipped from the Philippines, and the bottles are made in Shanghai in a factory we vetted rigorously, and which we chose for its 15,000m² of solar panels and high-tech robotic production systems.

You can find out more about our supply chain and the product in our Impact Report.

How will my Ocean Bottle be packaged? What materials is the packaging made from?

Our packaging is made from 100% recycled material. It's plastic-free, fully recyclable, and designed to have the gentlest possible impact on the environment. But this doesn't mean we've thrown quality out of the window.

Our packaging will get your bottle to you in tip-top condition and, as an extra bonus, the box explains all the great stuff about Ocean Bottle's impact, which makes it a perfect gift.

How do I clean my Ocean Bottle?

Clean your Ocean Bottle as often as you like. For everyday use we recommend hand washing with warm water and your usual washing up liquid. The double opening is wide enough to fit a normal scrubbing brush, so thankfully no need to buy a special cleaner.

If you want a deeper clean, just remove the cap, open the larger opening, take out the seals and put all the pieces in the dishwasher up to 60ºC. After washing your Ocean Bottle, leave it upside down to dry and store it with the lid off. If the dishwasher leaves water marks on your bottle, soak it in hot water (about 70ºC – the point where tiny bubbles start to appear in your kettle) for 3-5 seconds and they'll disappear. Oh and do wash your Ocean Bottle before you use it for the first time.

How do I prevent my bottle from leaking?

Ocean Bottles shouldn't leak, so if this happens your bottle's probably missing its rubber seal. It might have fallen out while you were washing the bottle, so check your sink/dishwasher/draining rack/annoying gap under the cupboard. Still can't find it? Don't panic! Just email ahoy@oceanbottle.co and we'll send you a new one.

What if I’m not happy with my bottle? How can I return it?

We really hope you like your Ocean Bottle, but we'd be happy to exchange your bottle for a different one, or we can refund you. We accept returns up to 30 days after delivery and we'll issue a full refund once the item has been received at our warehouse, as long as it hasn't been used or engraved.

We don't offer free returns, so you'll need to cover the cost of sending it back. All Ocean Bottles are covered against manufacturing defects for two years after purchase, and we offer free replacement parts for 10 years.

How can I recycle my bottle at the end of its life?

We're talking some serious forward planning here because your Ocean Bottle should last at least 10 years, and we offer free replacement parts to keep it functioning at its best. All you need to do is register your bottle here. When you're ready to recycle your bottle, please break it down into separate parts first. In most countries you can recycle your bottle via your local council's collection facility, but we'll be happy to recycle the bottle for you as part of our closed loop scheme. Just send an email to ahoy@oceanbottle.co with the subject line “Recycle” and we'll tell you what to do next.

Can I get a branded Ocean Bottle for my company, sports team, group or event?

You certainly can! Whether for gifting clients or employees, sharing with business partners, kitting out your team or just dishing out to those you’d like to share the benefits of Ocean Bottle with, branded Ocean Bottles can be produced at volume in the colours of your choosing. We can provide branded water bottles or branded reusable coffee cups (our famous brew flask) and every unit ordered has a direct impact on ocean clean-up.