From Beach Days to Office Runs: How Switching to Stainless Steel is far better for you

Still lugging heavy water bottles from the supermarket and worrying about that "plastic-y" taste in your water? It’s time to talk about why your choice of bottle matters just as much as the water inside it.

This article explores the scientific and practical benefits of choosing stainless steel over plastic. For residents in Malta, making the switch isn't just about saving money or the environment—it's a critical move for your long-term health and hydration quality.

Key Takeaways

• Health First: Avoid the chemical leaching often associated with plastic containers.
• Malta Proof: Keep your water ice-cold even during the scorching Maltese summer.
• Eco-Impact: One reusable bottle can replace hundreds of single-use plastics.
• Pure Taste: Enjoy the natural taste of your Tappwater without chemical interference.
• Wash your bottle: Its vital to wash reuseable bottles

The Hidden Risks of Plastic Leaching

What the Science Says About Your Bottle

Many of us in Malta have spent years relying on bottled water. However, recent scientific research has highlighted significant concerns regarding the chemical stability of plastic bottles, especially when exposed to heat. Stainless steel is a non-reactive material, meaning it doesn't leach harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates into your drink. A recent study published in Environmental Research underlines the importance of material safety in food and beverage containers.

The study highlights how certain materials can release substances that interfere with human health, particularly under stress. In Malta, where temperatures regularly soar, a plastic bottle left in a car, on a beach or in a sunny kitchen becomes a chemical risk. Stainless steel provides a stable, inert environment for your water.

Pure Taste, No Aftertaste

One of the most common complaints about tap water in Malta is the taste. While Tappwater filters remove 99% of chlorine and other contaminants, storing that pure water in a plastic bottle can re-introduce a "synthetic" flavour. Stainless steel preserves the crisp, refreshing taste of your filtered water exactly as it comes out of the tap.

"I really like my BottlePro... I refuse to buy plastic bottled waters. It gives me the freedom to just go through the day hydrated. Taste the same as if would use my TappWater filter home." — Artúr

Superior Durability for the Maltese Lifestyle

Built for the Journey

Whether you are commuting to Valletta or spending a day at Riviera Beach, your gear needs to be tough. Plastic bottles are prone to cracking, leaking microplastics, and degrading over time. A high-quality stainless steel bottle is virtually indestructible. It’s a "buy it once" solution that fits perfectly into the busy lifestyle of a modern household.

Sustainably Reliable

At Tappwater, we focus on products that actually work for our local environment. Just as our faucet filters are designed for the specific mineral content of Malta’s hard water, a stainless steel bottle is the perfect companion to ensure that quality is maintained from the kitchen to the office.

The Science of Temperature Control

Staying Cold in the Heat

We’ve all been there: reaching for a bottle of water in August only to find it’s reached the temperature of hot tea. Because of their double-walled vacuum insulation, stainless steel bottles can keep water cold for up to 24 hours. Plastic simply cannot compete with this level of thermal efficiency.

Better Hydration Habits

When your water tastes good and stays cold, you drink more of it. Many of our customers in Malta report that since switching to a combination of Tappwater filters and reusable bottles, their daily water intake has increased significantly.

"The grandkids are loving filling their water bottles from the tap, therefore drinking more water as it tastes so fresh. Win, win all round." — Sue Grech

The Importance of Daily Cleanliness: Keeping Your Bottle Safe

While switching to a stainless steel bottle is a massive win for your health and the environment, it does come with one essential responsibility: maintenance. Because these bottles are used repeatedly and often travel with us throughout the day, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria if left unwashed.

In Malta’s humid climate, moisture trapped in a bottle can quickly lead to biofilm buildup. To ensure the water you’ve purified with your Tappwater filter stays clean, you must treat your reusable bottle like any other piece of cutlery or glassware in your kitchen.

The scientific research published in Environmental Research emphasizes that the benefits of reusability rely heavily on the hygiene habits of the user. As the study notes:

"In conclusion, reusable bottles demonstrate superior environmental sustainability and economic efficiency due to their capacity for repeated refilling, even though, however, necessitate regular cleaning. The case study examined indicates that consumers must adhere to a cleaning regimen involving either daily hand-washing with soap and hot water."

Your Daily 2-Minute Cleaning Routine

To keep your bottle in top condition and your water tasting fresh, follow this simple regimen every evening:

• Soap and Hot Water: Use a mild dish soap and warm-to-hot water to break down any oils or residues.
• Use a Bottle Brush: Ensure you reach the very bottom and the internal "shoulders" of the bottle where bacteria like to hide.
• Don't Forget the Cap: The threads of the lid and any silicone seals are common spots for mold. Scrub these thoroughly.
• Air Dry Completely: Always leave the cap off and allow the bottle to air dry upside down on a rack overnight.

By spending just two minutes a day cleaning your bottle, you guarantee that every sip of filtered water remains as pure and safe as the moment it left the tap.

Economic and Environmental Wins

Saving Your Money

In Malta we know that the recurring cost of bottled water is a massive drain on the household budget. Bottled water is 10X more expensive than Tappwater. By using a Tappwater filter and a reusable stainless steel bottle, the average family avoids using 600 plastic bottles and saves approximately €236 per year.

Slashing Plastic Waste

The tide is turning against single-use plastic in Malta. With the introduction of BCRS, returning bottles has become a chore that many want to avoid. By choosing a stainless steel bottle, you are not just making a health choice; you are helping to protect our Mediterranean oceans from the scourge of plastic pollution.

When you are out and about either at work or enjoying your leisure time a Tappwater BottlePro means you take filtered water everywhere you go.

The new revolution - a filter in a bottle

The Tappwater BottlePro is the best way to avoid plastic waste when having a day out, or even longer adventures in malta or abroad. Designed so that you can filter water on the go, you can fill it up at public water taps and still drink filtered water without resorting to plastic bottles.

With the extra special Alhstrom Adventure Filter you can even refill using non-potable water and filter your drinking water so that its safe and tastes great.

Stainless Steel Bottle filter FAQs

Does the water taste metallic in a stainless steel bottle?

No. High-quality food-grade stainless steel is inert and does not affect the flavor of the water.

Is it heavy to carry?

Modern vacuum-insulated bottles are designed to be lightweight and portable, often easier than carrying a bulky 6-pack of plastic.

Can I put my bottle in the dishwasher?

Most stainless steel bottles are dishwasher safe, though hand-washing is often recommended to preserve the exterior finish.

Is it better than a plastic reusable bottle?

Yes. Stainless steel is more durable, better at temperature control, and does not contain the chemicals found in many plastics.

How does this help with Malta's hard water?

While the bottle doesn't filter the water, using it alongside a Tappwater filter ensures your " hydration is safe and delicious.

How long does a filter last?

BottlePro filters are best changed every 2 months or after 150L

Is there a government grant for bottles?

While grants are currently focused on Faucet Filters (up to 60%), the savings from not buying bottled water mean the bottle pays for itself in weeks.

Source: 

How sustainable and safe is drinking from refill-and-reuse bottles? An analysis based on life-cycle assessment (LCA) and microbiological quality of water