18 The Significance of the Stanley Tumbler

As I woke up one morning I scrolled through TikTok and watched an interesting video. A girl was recording her car after it had just caught fire. The car was burnt and destroyed. She records herself reaching into her car and grabbing her 40oz Stanley tumbler that still had ice in it. I was astonished and intrigued. How could a cup be so durable? I began to see the famous Stanley cup everywhere. My friends, family, and classmates all bought the famous 40oz tumbler and raved about how amazing it was.

After seeing the video, I was interested and wanted to find out for myself what the rave was about. I bought the steel reusable water bottle and analyzed its features. The aesthetically pleasing design of the Stanley cup drew me in. The brand has many eye-catching colors. Whether it be pastels or mattes, basic or bold, the cup has a color for everyone. The new innovative and convenient design features a build that keeps drinks warm or cold for up to 48 hours. The simple handle attached makes it easy and simple when carrying around the bottle and conveniently fits in cupholders.

Along with the aesthetically pleasing design, I wanted to know what the famous brand values. I discovered that Stanley has a profound mission statement and aims for sustainability and functionality. They claim that the bottles never need to be thrown away or replaced. The brand is committed to a healthy lifecycle of production using recycled materials and meaningfully reducing energy. They also claim that each bottle is “built for life”. (“About Stanley: Since 1913: Built for Life.”).

Sustainability in brands is one of the most important components for the environment. It is important that brands aim to reduce plastic pollution, which Stanley does. Plastic pollution is a growing concern for environmentalists and public health. According to Jersey Island Holiday’s, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish. (“Plastic Water Bottle Pollution Facts & Statistics 2019.”). As I dove deeper, I found that there are thousands of chemicals associated with plastic that pose health risks. Alarmingly, plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose but never actually completely decomposes. The Stanley brand is committed to being a healthy alternative to plastic bottles and is implementing beneficial impacts around the world.

Stanley was founded in 1913 and originally marketed to men. The previous designs featured large and durable containers that were perfect for hunting or camping trips. Stanley began to rebrand with their personal favorite 40oz tumbler. The company had gifted the water bottle to influencers and sales have skyrocketed since. From 2019-2023 the brand has grossed over $680 million dollars in sales. The brand has continued to smartly market and has products for everyone no matter gender or age. When the brand marketed with Starbuck’s it had customers flocking to stores before sell outs.

I began to conclude that the Stanley brand was not over-hyped but adored and wowed by consumers. It is justifiable that Stanley has produced great sustainability and durability. The fun and creative designs are only getting better and gaining more popularity. Small businesses are also benefiting from Stanley cups. Small businesses have promoted product accessories that allow consumers to personalize their cup with stickers, art, and even customized accessories such as straw toppers and jeweled charms around the handle.

The hydration effects of the Stanley are another reason why the brand is beloved. Hydration is a key and essential component to optimal health. Hashtags have gone viral on social media with influencers recording videos on how they spice up their Stanley beverage. However, staying at optimal hydration has health benefits such as maintaining a healthy temperature, spinal cord protection, and joint cushioning. Water is key to human life survival and is overall beneficial to stay hydrated. Hydration is important for healthy skin and a healthy gut, aiding digestion and waste. Interestingly, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using ice in water bottles to obtain optimal hydration levels. (“Water and Healthier Drinks.”). Stanley keeps its consumers hydrated and ice cold assisting hydration levels.

In an article of a student run newspaper, Emerson Collins claims that Stanley’s don’t deserve the hype. Collins claims that the cups are overrated, and it would make sense to have 1 or 2 since they are high quality, but people are buying tons of cups that are filling their cabinets. (“Stanley Cups Do Not Deserve the Hype.”). Collins proceeds to claim that the cups will land up in landfills and that consumers don’t need a rainbow of water bottles collecting dust in cabinets. With Collin’s title being “Stanley cups do not deserve the hype” then writing angrily about consumers is contradicting. Stanley’s sustainability and design is worth the hype because the bottles are durable and benefit the environment. However, I do agree with Collins’ point of view on landfills. Consumers should be cautious when purchasing such a high-quality bottle and not contribute to environmental trash.

Leināʻala Wong claims that Stanley’s are not worth the $45 and that the design is “interesting”. Wong claims you must wash the cup frequently, so it does not mold, and it is not worth it to purchase the cup. (“Are Stanley Cups “Actually” Worth the Hype?”). However, in my research the design is innovative and convenient. Not all sustainable water bottles fit in cupholders. I also believe that purchasing a $45 cup that is built for life is worth it. It’s just one purchase and you don’t have to get rid of it. The Stanely cup is meant to last. Regarding Wong’s comment on washing, all dishes and utensils should be cleaned frequently and regularly, so the claim is not relevant.

In conclusion, I believe the Stanley tumbler is worth the hype. Aiming for sustainability and durability is what the planet needs facing negative plastic effects. The brand’s creative designs and personalization make it a fun and enjoyable utensil to have. With bottles being built for life, I think it is worth it to buy 1 or 2 bottles but if consumers continue to purchase multiple bottles and they decide they don’t want them, it is positive to give back and donate to woman’s and men’s shelters, thrift stores, and recycle the durable water bottle.

Works Cited:

“About Stanley: Since 1913: Built for Life.” Stanley 1913, www.stanley1913.com/pages/about-stanley. Accessed 8 Apr. 2024.

Collins, Emerson. “Stanley Cups Do Not Deserve the Hype.” The Hawkeye, 11 Mar. 2024, ulmhawkeyeonline.com/33188/opinion/stanley-cups-do-not-deserve-the-hype/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Halliburton, Kelly . “7 Reasons Why Stanley Cups Became a Viral Sensation.” The Teen Magazine, www.theteenmagazine.com/7-reasons-why-stanley-cups-became-a-viral-sensation.

Jersey Island Holidays. “Plastic Water Bottle Pollution Facts & Statistics 2019.” Jersey Island Holidays, 11 Nov. 2019, www.jerseyislandholidays.com/plastic-bottle-pollution-statistics/.

Reporter, Leināʻala Wong, and Leināʻala Wong. “Are Stanley Cups “Actually” Worth the Hype?” Ka Mō’ī, 7 Feb. 2024, www.kamoi.net/editorials/2024/02/07/are-stanley-cups-actually-worth-the-hype/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

“Water and Healthier Drinks.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 June 2022, www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html.