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Sigg

SIGG is a Swiss brand renowned for producing high-quality, sustainable reusable drinking bottles and thermo flasks, primarily made from aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic, with a focus on environmental responsibility and innovative design since its founding in 1908.^[1]^[2] Established in Biel, Switzerland, by Ferdinand Sigg and Xaver Küng as an aluminum goods manufacturer, the company initially produced household items such as pots and pans before shifting emphasis to portable drinking containers.^[2] In 1917, it relocated to Frauenfeld and was renamed SIGG AG Aluminiumwarenfabrik, expanding its product line amid growing demand for durable metalware.^[2] A pivotal development occurred during World War II when surplus aluminum led to the creation of the iconic SIGG bottle, a lightweight and robust design that became the foundation for its modern reusable bottle lineup, including models like the Traveller Bottle and sports variants with specialized caps.^[2] By the 1990s, SIGG had introduced colorful, multi-purpose bottles that gained popularity among athletes and environmentally conscious consumers, marking its transition to a global leader in eco-friendly hydration solutions.^[2] Today, headquartered in Frauenfeld, Switzerland, the company emphasizes sustainability through the use of 100% recycled aluminum in many products, production primarily in Europe (Switzerland and Germany), and partnerships with climate protection initiatives certified by ClimatePartner.^[1]^[2] Its bottles are engineered for leak-proof performance, BPA-free construction, and versatility across daily activities, from urban commuting to outdoor adventures, and are available in over 40 countries.^[1]^[2]

History

Founding and early development

Sigg was founded in 1908 in Biel, Switzerland, by Ferdinand Sigg and Xaver Küng, who established the company as Küng, Sigg & Cie. to produce aluminum goods, driven by their shared enthusiasm for metalworking and a belief in aluminum's potential as a versatile material. Ferdinand Sigg, born in 1877, had gained expertise through apprenticeships and travels before returning to Switzerland to start the venture. By 1909, the company had grown rapidly, employing 30 workers and manufacturing a range of aluminum kitchenware, including pots, pans, teacups, and cutlery, as well as basic household items.^[2]^[3] In 1917, following Xaver Küng's departure from the business, the company relocated to Frauenfeld in eastern Switzerland, where it occupied a former rolling mill, and was renamed SIGG AG Aluminiumwarenfabrik. This move allowed for expanded operations focused on aluminum fabrication amid the post-World War I economic landscape. During this period, Sigg diversified its product line to capitalize on an aluminum surplus, introducing initial hot water bottles and other innovative household goods, such as cylindrical aluminum bottles suitable for carrying cold tea or serving as canteens. These early bottles marked the company's entry into portable container production, laying groundwork for future specialization.^[2]^[3]^[4] By the 1930s, after Ferdinand Sigg's death in 1930, the company had achieved significant expansion and success in aluminum product manufacturing. In 1936, SIGG AG was acquired by its primary aluminum supplier, Aluminiumfabrik Menziken, shifting from family ownership to a corporate structure while retaining the SIGG name and continuing its focus on innovative aluminum items.^[2]^[3]

Mid-20th century expansion

During World War II in the 1940s, Sigg adapted to resource shortages by repurposing surplus aluminum waste from production processes to create practical bottles, providing a sensible application for the valuable material.^[2] This wartime innovation laid the groundwork for further developments in aluminum fabrication. The company's first iconic SIGG bottle emerged in 1958, crafted from leftover aluminum generated during pot and pan manufacturing, and was initially designed for both military and household purposes.^[2] By the late 1950s, Sigg's product catalog had grown dramatically to encompass over 10,000 items, ranging from kitchenware like teacups and cutlery to essential household goods such as hot water bottles.^[2] A notable example from this era was the bed bottle (model 26.1661), introduced in the 1960s, which featured a profiled design that directly influenced later traveler bottles and highlighted the versatility of aluminum in everyday thermal applications.^[2] These expansions reflected Sigg's shift toward broader consumer needs, building on early techniques in seamless aluminum extrusion.^[3] In the 1980s, Sigg broadened its offerings to include specialized aluminum bottles for fuel storage and transport, tailored for outdoor activities like mountaineering and camping, where the material's robustness proved essential in rugged conditions. This period also marked increased international market penetration, with products exported to regions including the Balkans and Middle East—building on wartime canteen orders—and gaining global acclaim for aluminum's lightweight, shock-resistant qualities that supported practical uses worldwide.^[3]

Modern era and ownership changes

In the 1990s, Sigg launched its 0.75-liter aluminum sports bottle featuring a three-stage sports cap, alongside multi-colored designs aimed at children and travel enthusiasts, positioning the brand toward active lifestyles.^[2] This shift built on the durability legacy of its mid-20th century bottles, emphasizing reusable drinkware for everyday use. By 1998, Sigg discontinued production of non-bottle household products to concentrate exclusively on drinking bottles.^[5] In 2003, The Riverside Company acquired the company, initiating a restructuring to refocus its product range and prepare for future growth.^[2]^[6] In 2004, Sigg relocated to a new headquarters in Frauenfeld, Switzerland, designed with an aluminum facade and surrounded by bauxite elements, symbolizing its material heritage.^[2] The company marked its 2008 centennial with operations spanning over 40 countries worldwide and introduced the Kids Bottle Top to expand its youth-oriented offerings.^[2] On February 9, 2016, China's Zhejiang Haers Vacuum Containers acquired Sigg for 16.1 million Swiss francs, facilitating greater access to the Asian market while maintaining aluminum bottle production in Frauenfeld.^[7] Sigg celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2018 amid this new ownership.^[2] Following the 2016 acquisition, Sigg realigned under Haers' influence with an emphasis on sustainability, incorporating recycled materials and eco-conscious production practices into its operations.^[8] As of 2025, no major structural changes have been reported, allowing the brand to sustain its global presence in reusable drinkware.^[2]

Products

Aluminum bottles

Sigg's aluminum bottles are constructed using an impact-extrusion process, where a disc of high-quality, 100% recycled aluminum is transformed into a seamless cylinder via a 600-ton piston stroke and shaped further with up to 26 mold blocks, resulting in a lightweight yet highly shock-resistant design weighing under 150 grams for a 1-liter capacity.^[9] This manufacturing technique, pioneered in Switzerland since the company's founding in 1908, ensures the bottles are durable and recyclable, with 99% of production waste recycled and the final product fully recyclable at aluminum centers.^[9]^[5] In August 2008, Sigg introduced the EcoCare liner, a BPA-free and phthalate-free polyethylene terephthalate (PET) coating applied to the interior to prevent any aluminum taste transfer and ensure safe contact with water, carbonated drinks, and other beverages.^[10]^[11] The liner is flexible, odorless, and tasteless, allowing the bottles to handle hot and cold liquids up to 100°C without leaching chemicals, though aluminum's excellent heat conductivity means the external temperature mirrors the contents.^[5] Featuring an iconic cylindrical shape with a secure screw-top design for leak-proof performance, these bottles share uniform threading with Sigg's other material variants for accessory compatibility.^[12] The aluminum bottle's origins trace back to 1958, when surplus aluminum from wartime pots and pans production was repurposed into the first models amid resource constraints, evolving from utilitarian surplus designs to the modern Traveller series in the 1980s, inspired by a 1960s bed bottle profile.^[2] Hand-assembled in Frauenfeld, Switzerland, emphasizing Swiss-made quality, the bottles gained recognition for their toughness; Backpacker magazine dubbed them the "world’s toughest water bottle" after rigorous tests including firing golf balls at them from a cannon.^[13]

Stainless steel bottles

In 2013, Sigg introduced its stainless steel bottle line through the Hot & Cold series, expanding its offerings to include insulated options for both hot and cold beverages.^[14] These bottles feature double-wall vacuum insulation constructed from high-quality 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, which enables them to maintain drink temperatures effectively—keeping beverages hot for up to 18 hours and cold for up to 24 hours, depending on the model and conditions.^[15]^[16] The stainless steel material is inherently non-reactive, eliminating the need for an internal liner while ensuring safety for direct contact with liquids.^[17] This construction also provides enhanced dent resistance compared to lighter materials, making the bottles suitable for rugged use, along with compatibility for extreme temperatures ranging from 0°C to 100°C.^[18] The design withstands outdoor and professional environments, with Swiss-engineered leak-proof seals that prevent spills even under pressure.^[5] Weighing approximately 315 grams for a 0.5-liter capacity—significantly heavier than Sigg's aluminum counterparts—these bottles emphasize a premium, durable feel and long-term reliability for users seeking insulation without compromising on quality.^[16] This addition marked Sigg's strategic shift to diversify beyond non-insulated aluminum, catering to needs for temperature-controlled hydration in active lifestyles.^[19] Some models remain compatible with caps from earlier aluminum lines for added versatility.^[20]

Polypropylene bottles

In 2014, Sigg introduced its polypropylene (PP) bottles, such as the VIVA series, as a 100% recyclable and BPA-free alternative to traditional materials, marking an expansion into high-quality plastic options produced entirely in Switzerland for manufacturing transparency and enhanced shatter resistance.^[21]^[5]^[22]^[23] The lightweight polypropylene construction—weighing approximately 130 g for a 0.5 L capacity—combined with its flexible nature, makes these bottles particularly suitable for sports, travel, and daily use, while clear or tinted variants allow users to monitor liquid levels easily.^[24]^[22]^[25] These bottles are dishwasher-safe and designed with affordability in mind, offering a durable, reusable solution that significantly reduces environmental impact relative to single-use plastics by promoting recyclability and longevity.^[5]^[25] This addition to Sigg's lineup supports broader sustainability objectives without sacrificing the brand's commitment to robust, versatile products, including compatibility with shared cap systems across material types.^[22]^[5]

Glass bottles

In 2015, Sigg introduced a line of premium glass bottles featuring double-walled borosilicate glass construction, providing effective thermal insulation for hot beverages up to 1 hour and cold beverages up to 2 hours while remaining free from BPA and BPS. Products such as the Hot & Cold and Star models are made in China from heat-resistant borosilicate glass.^[26]^[5] These bottles prioritize purity, as the glass material ensures no metallic taste or odor transfer to drinks, making them ideal for sensitive beverages like tea and coffee.^[27] To enhance durability, the bottles include a protective silicone sleeve and base that offer impact resistance against drops and bumps, despite the inherent fragility of glass. The 0.4 L model weighs approximately 516 g, reflecting its sturdy double-walled design balanced with portability.^[28] Borosilicate glass further contributes to practicality through its resistance to thermal shock, capable of handling temperature differences up to 150°C without cracking, which suits users alternating between hot and cold contents.^[27] Positioned as a high-end option for temperature-sensitive drinks, these bottles highlight Sigg's Swiss-engineered sealing systems that ensure leak-proof performance under everyday use. This launch represented Sigg's strategic expansion into premium glassware, blending fragility with engineered resilience for discerning consumers seeking an alternative to metal or plastic options.^[5]

Tritan bottles

In 2022, Sigg introduced its Tritan bottles, such as the Total Clear ONE and Total Color ONE series, made from durable, transparent copolyester (Tritan™) that is BPA-free, shatter-resistant, and dishwasher-safe. Some models incorporate 50% certified recycled material using molecular recycling technology for enhanced sustainability. These lightweight bottles, available in capacities from 0.5 L to 1.5 L, feature leak-proof ONE lids for one-handed operation and are suitable for carbonated drinks, targeting active lifestyles and environmental consciousness.^[29]^[30]

Design and features

Aesthetic and functional design

SIGG's design philosophy emphasizes minimalist Swiss precision, exemplified by the iconic cylindrical shape of its classic aluminum bottles, which features a sleek, tapered form for optimal portability and grip. This design was inducted into the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1993, recognizing its embodiment of functional modernism and enduring aesthetic appeal.^[31]^[32] The brand maintains its visual identity through annual collections that blend timeless single-color options with contemporary patterns and exclusive limited editions. Classic solid hues like anthracite and eco green provide subtle elegance, while modern prints—such as geometric motifs or nature-inspired graphics—offer versatility for personal expression. Notable limited releases include the Swiss Emblem series, featuring the Swiss Cross motif.^[31]^[33] Functionally, SIGG bottles integrate practical features that enhance everyday usability, including ergonomic contours for secure handling during active pursuits and wide-mouth openings that accommodate ice cubes for extended cooling. Color-coding across the range allows users to personalize and differentiate their bottles, a practice that evolved from the multi-colored innovations introduced in the early 1990s, which expanded beyond utilitarian silver finishes to vibrant, expressive palettes.^[34]^[2] This harmonious integration of aesthetics and utility—seen in options like matte surface treatments for a sophisticated look and stackable profiles for efficient storage—has solidified SIGG's reputation.^[35]^[36]

Interchangeability and accessories

Sigg bottles feature a uniform screw system in their neck design, allowing caps and accessories to be interchanged across different bottle materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, polypropylene, and glass, for enhanced user versatility.^[37] This compatibility stems from consistent thread diameters and head sizes, enabling users to swap components without needing specialized tools.^[38] Key accessories include screw-on caps, such as the classic Screw Top for everyday use, and specialized variants like the Active Spout for hands-free drinking during activities.^[39] Sports spouts, including the 3 Stage Sports Top, provide progressive sipping options and fit wide-mouth bottles in aluminum and plastic, with adapters for narrow-neck models.^[40] Glow-in-the-dark options, like the KBT Glow In the Dark dust cap, add visibility in low-light conditions, particularly for children's bottles.^[41] The Kids Bottle Top, introduced in 2008, offers child-safe features with a protective cover to prevent dirt and germs, ensuring leak-proof performance.^[2] These interchangeable parts promote leak-proof seals through integrated gaskets and facilitate easy replacement, extending bottle lifespan and minimizing environmental impact by reducing the need for full replacements.^[5] For instance, a sports spout can be attached to a glass bottle for active use, while components are manufactured to high standards in Switzerland, Germany, and China.^[20]^[42] This modular approach supports product longevity, aligning with Sigg's emphasis on reusability following expansions in the 2010s.^[37]

References

[1]
SIGG Water Bottles | Quality & Style since 1908
SIGG is the brand for high-quality, modern and sustainable drinking bottles for every situation. Drinking bottles made of aluminum, stainless steel and plastic ...Sets & BundlesWMB Traveler Leaf Green 1.5 L
[2]
History - SIGG
SIGG is the brand for high-quality, modern and sustainable drinking bottles for every situation. Drinking bottles made of aluminum, stainless steel and plastic ...
[3]
Swiss History – Aluminium king Ferdinand Sigg
May 26, 2021 · 20 years later, in 1908, Ferdinand Sigg and Xavier Küng founded a factory in Biel which manufactured recreational articles, kitchenware and ...
[4]
The "puck" that gets hammered into a bottle - SWI swissinfo.ch
Dec 22, 2010 · The company's history goes back to 1908 when Ferdinand Sigg and Xaver Küng set up an aluminium product factory in Biel. Their products ...
[5]
FAQs - SIGG
Aluminum SIGG has been manufacturing aluminum bottles since the beginning of the 20th century and continues to do so successfully. Aluminum is a great material ...
[6]
Haers Vacuum Containers signs agreement to acquire Swiss bottle ...
Feb 3, 2016 · Zhejiang Haers Vacuum Containers Co Ltd says signs agreement to acquire bottles manufacturer SIGG Switzerland Bottles AG for 16.1 million Swiss franc ($16.02 ...
[7]
Sustainability - SIGG
We are SIGG. Our goal is to care for the environment. So we offer sustainable alternatives to disposable PET bottles. We have been doing this for over 100 years ...Missing: Haers acquisition 2016
[8]
Aluminum production | SIGG
SIGG forms aluminum into a cylinder, then uses molds to shape it into a bottle. The inside is coated, and the outside is screen printed. SIGG uses renewable ...Missing: 1936 takeover Menziken
[9]
Sigg backpedals on BPA | CBC News
Sep 4, 2009 · In August 2008, the company introduced its EcoCare liner, which it claimed contains no BPA. Sigg has posted images on its website showing ...
[10]
Sigg Hydration - Gear-Snob
A baked on water based flexible "eco-care" liner. EcoCare liner = chemically neutral coating ensuring that the water inside does not transfer an aluminum taint.
[11]
Swiss Water Bottles - Large selection of sizes, colors and materials
SIGG has been producing high-quality aluminum products since 1908. From the very beginning, the Water Bottles were designed to transport a wide variety of ...Missing: manufacturing | Show results with:manufacturing
[12]
OutdoorsVT: Water bottle wars heat up over BPA - Rutland Herald
The SIGG is a near indestructible bottle. Backpacker magazine named it "The World's Toughest Water Bottle" after shooting golf balls out of a cannon at a ...
[13]
The SIGG Thermo Collection - Wellbeing Magazine
May 21, 2014 · The collection offers four sizes and two different types: mugs with a capacity of 0.3L and 0.5L, and bottles with a capacity of 0.75L and 1.0L.
[14]
SIGG - Insulated Water Bottle - Thermo Flask Hot & Cold - Amazon.com
HOT/COLD WATER BOTTLE: Lightweight vacuum-insulated stainless-steel water bottle that will keep your beverage hot up to 18 hours and cold up to 24 hours.
[15]
Hot & Cold Brushed 0.5 L - SIGG
Out of stockThe collection made of high-quality 18/8 stainless steel is vacuum-insulated and keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. ... Drinking bottles made of aluminum, ...Missing: 2013 line
[16]
Buy Stainless Steel Water Bottles | SIGG Online-Shop
Like a hot or cold drink now and then? Our double-walled, vacuum-insulated 18/8 stainless steel water bottles are just what you need! Depending on the model ...Missing: 2013 | Show results with:2013<|control11|><|separator|>
[17]
SIGG Shield Therm ONE 750ml - Shop sigg Vacuum Flasks - Pinkoi
In stock Rating 4.9 (280) Temperature Resistance: 0°C - 100°C Country of Origin: China (Manufactured in ISO9001, ISO14001, and OHSAS18001 certified facility) Warranty: 1-year limited ...
[18]
Buy vacuum flasks online - SIGG
SIGG vacuum flasks made of 18/8 stainless steel. Particularly lightweight materials, BPA free and Food Save. Ideal for outdoor activities.Missing: food retention
[19]
SIGG spare parts Screw Top
The Screw Top MyPlanet is based on renewable materials (cellulose) which gives it an underlying pleasant scent of wood. Manufactured in Switzerland, the top ...
[20]
Review: SIGG VIVA - Splodz Blogz
Jun 3, 2014 · A new generation of high-quality, toxin-free and 100% recyclable polypropylene bottles marks a crowning breakthrough to SIGG's renowned ...
[21]
Buy Plastic Water Bottles | SIGG Online-Shop
They're made of patented Tritan (Total Clear and Total Color collections) or polypropylene (VIVA and Hero water bottles). Tritan bottles are dishwasher safe and ...Missing: details 2014 launch
[22]
SIGG Viva Bottle Orange - The Bicycle Store
$$24.99 In stockBPA-Free and 100% recyclable polypropylene bottle delivering versatility and healthier hydration choices. ... Made in Switzerland. This item qualifies for ...
[23]
SIGG children's drinking bottle VIVA ONE Plain
In stockFor plastics ( e.g., Tritan, polypropylene): Although partially dishwasher safe, hand washing with a mild detergent is recommended to avoid damaging printing ...
[24]
Recycling & Materials - SIGG
The high-quality and reusable drinking bottles made of transparent polypropylene are recyclable and free of harmful substances. Would you like to save 10 ...Missing: launch April 2014
[25]
Sigg Hot and Cold Glass 400ml Bottle - Nevisport
Pure silicone is used as the sealing material. All materials are of course free from BPA. This bottle keeps your drink 1 hour hot and 2 hours cold. Find More.
[26]
Buy Glass Water Bottles | SIGG Online-Shop
Do you tend to drink too little? Our borosilicate glass bottles will see you through thick and thin. And if the road gets really tough, the anti-slip safety ...Missing: 2015 | Show results with:2015
[27]
https://sigg.com/en-us/collections/glass-water-bottles
[28]
High-quality Water Bottles | SIGG Online-Shop
SIGG is the brand for high-quality, modern and sustainable drinking bottles for every situation. Drinking bottles made of aluminum, stainless steel and plastic ...
[29]
Kurt Zimmerli. Water Flasks. 1992 - MoMA
90-day returnsKurt Zimmerli Water Flasks 1992 ; Manufacturer: SIGG, Switzerland ; Medium: Resin-coated aluminum and plastic ; Dimensions .1-.2: 9 3/4 x 2 7/8" (24.8 x 7.3 cm) .3 ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
[30]
SIGG Online Shop | High-quality Water Bottles since 1908
SIGG is the brand for high-quality, modern and sustainable drinking bottles for every situation. Drinking bottles made of aluminum, stainless steel and plastic ...
[31]
SIGG WMB Sports drinking bottle
Out of stock Rating 4.5 94 WMB Sports Leaf Green Touch 0.75 L. Leak-proof. Product is leak-proof. Made in Switzerland.
[32]
SIGG Switzerland Bottles AG
SIGG is one of the leading suppliers of durable and sustainable drinking bottles and the global market leader in the field of aluminium drinking bottles.<|control11|><|separator|>
[33]
Consumer Goods - SimplySwiss
Today, SIGG enjoys 70% brand recognition in German-speaking countries and is the drinking bottle leader in the European market. In addition, to its fruit ...Missing: awareness | Show results with:awareness
[34]
Spare Parts & Accessories
SIGG Spare Parts. Here you will find everything for your SIGG Water Bottles and replacements for every part that can get lost. Store now in the SIGG online ...Screw Top 7815.12 · WMB ONE Top 8992.90 · +4 · WMB ONE Gasket 8634.00Missing: surplus WWI
[35]
Gear talk: stuff I don't use any more- SIGG Traveller bottles
Feb 15, 2023 · SIGG Traveller bottles, introduced in 1980, are made from aluminum, have a polyester lining, and are robust but dent easily. They are also ...
[36]
SIGG spare parts Active Spout
€5.95All SIGG caps are waterproof. But caps and seals are also subject to normal wear and tear from intensive use. We recommend not washing the bottle cap in the ...Missing: interchangeable standardized thread system
[37]
SIGG spare parts 3 Stage Sports Top
In stockThe 3 Stage Sports Top fits all SIGG wide-mouth drinking bottles made of aluminum and plastic. The upper part also fits the narrow neck bottles in aluminum ...
[38]
SIGG children's drinking bottle KBT Glow In the Dark
In stockAll SIGG caps are waterproof. But caps and seals are also subject to normal wear and tear from intensive use. We recommend not washing the bottle cap in the ...