Klean Kanteen
Klean Kanteen is a family-owned consumer goods company that designs and sells reusable stainless steel water bottles, drinkware, and food containers through direct-to-consumer e-commerce and wholesale channels in over 25 countries, serving sustainability-minded individuals, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and businesses.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersChico, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Klean Kanteen does
Klean Kanteen is a privately held, family-owned consumer goods company founded in 2004 by Robert Seals in Chico, California. Ownership transferred to the Cresswell family (Michelle Kalberer, Jeff Cresswell, and Darrel Cresswell) in 2005, and the company has operated continuously for over 20 years as the US pioneer of the reusable stainless steel water bottle category. Headcount is reported at 51-100 employees, and products are sold through direct-to-consumer e-commerce (kleankanteen.com), a wholesale portal, retail store partners, an international distributor network spanning 25+ countries, custom/co-brand B2B printing, and laser engraving personalization services.
The product line centers on 18/8 stainless steel drinkware and food storage built around proprietary technologies: Climate Lock double-wall vacuum insulation (rated up to 145 hours cold / 47 hours hot on insulated bottles), Klean Coat chip-resistant powder coat finish, and TK Closure internal thread design featured on the TKWide family. Approximately 95% of products use certified 90% post-consumer recycled steel, verified by Intertek, and the plastic-free Reflect collection extends this with bamboo caps and food-grade silicone. The portfolio spans Classic, TKWide, Rise, Reflect, and Kid Kanteen sub-brands across water bottles, tumblers, cups, mugs, food containers, straws, replacement parts, bundle sets, and apparel.
Revenue is generated through one-time purchase transactions across four streams: DTC e-commerce (primary), wholesale and retail distribution, custom/co-brand printing for businesses and events, and personalization services. Products are priced from $2 for accessories up to ~$70 for premium insulated bottles, with bundle discounts and free domestic US shipping over $60. Customer segments include individual consumers seeking everyday hydration, families with children, outdoor enthusiasts, businesses and organizations seeking branded merchandise, and educational institutions. The company is Certified B Corp (13+ years), Climate Neutral Certified since 2020, and a member of 1% for the Planet since 2008, with over $4.5M donated to environmental nonprofits.
Klean Kanteen firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Klean Kanteen
- Legal name
- Klean Kanteen
- Website
- https://kleankanteen.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Klean Kanteen is a family-owned consumer goods company that designs and sells reusable stainless steel water bottles, drinkware, and food containers through direct-to-consumer e-commerce and wholesale channels in over 25 countries, serving sustainability-minded individuals, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and businesses.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Klean Kanteen industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Reusable Drinkware
- NAICS
- Metal Can, Box, and Other Metal Container (Light Gauge) Manufacturing (33243), Metal Kitchen Cookware, Utensil, Cutlery, and Flatware (except Precious) Manufacturing (332215)
- SIC
- Metal Cans (3411)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Beverage Packaging (Bottles, Cans, Cartons, Kegs) (IMALAHAD)
Keywords
Where Klean Kanteen is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chico
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Klean Kanteen business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Direct Product Sales (DTC E-commerce): Primary revenue stream from direct-to-consumer sales through the company's e-commerce website, selling insulated water bottles, tumblers, cups, mugs, food containers, and accessories at various price points.
- Wholesale and Retail Distribution: Sales through wholesale channels including retail partners and the company's wholesale portal (kleankanteen-wholesale.com) for retailers interested in carrying Klean Kanteen products.
- Custom/Co-Brand Printing: Custom printing services for businesses, organizations, and events - printing custom artwork on bottles, cups, tumblers, and food containers for branding purposes with volume discounts.
- Personalization Services: Laser engraving personalization services offering custom names, text, or icons on products for individual consumers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Individual Products - Various Sizes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Bundle Sets and Kits |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Wholesale Pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Klean Kanteen product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Klean Kanteen designs, manufactures, and sells reusable stainless steel drinkware and food storage products, including insulated and non-insulated water bottles, tumblers, cups, mugs, kids' drinkware, lunch boxes, and insulated food canisters. The company sells these products directly to consumers via its e-commerce site and globally through wholesale, retail, and distributor channels, and also offers custom branding and laser engraving services for businesses and individuals. Nearly all products are built with proprietary Climate Lock vacuum insulation, Klean Coat powder finish, and certified 90% post-consumer recycled steel.
Product overview
Klean Kanteen is a direct-to-consumer brand offering reusable stainless steel drinkware and food storage solutions. The product portfolio centers on insulated and non-insulated water bottles (Classic, TKWide, Wide, Reflect collections), insulated tumblers and coffee mugs (Rise Drinkware, TKWide Coffee), cups and pints, Rise Food Boxes and TKCanisters for food storage, and kids' cups and bottles. The company sells interchangeable caps, steel straws, and replacement parts as accessories, along with bundle sets and apparel. All products are made with 18/8 stainless steel, with 95% of products using certified 90% post-consumer recycled steel. Special collections include Santa Cruz skate art graphics and Mossy Oak camouflage patterns. The company also offers personalization and custom printing services for bulk orders.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Rise: Insulated drinkware collection featuring tumblers, cups, and mugs with premium design
- Classic
- TKWide
- Reflect
- Kid Kanteen
- Santa Cruz Collection
- Mossy Oak Collection
Products and services
- Insulated Water Bottles Climate Lock vacuum insulated stainless steel water bottles that keep drinks hot or cold for hours, available in Classic and TKWide styles with various cap options for personal hydration at work, school, travel, and outdoor activities.
- Non-Insulated Water Bottles Single-wall, lightweight stainless steel water bottles designed for travel, hiking, sports, and everyday use, featuring Classic and Wide mouth styles.
- Insulated Tumblers Stainless steel insulated tumblers for coffee, tea, cocktails, wine, and other beverages, keeping drinks hot or cold for hours, available in Rise and TKWide collections.
- Cups and Mugs Stainless steel cups, coffee mugs, pints, and insulated tumblers for cocktails, wine, beer, coffee, juice, or any beverage, including Camp Mugs and the Rise collection.
- Rise Food Boxes (Lunch Boxes) Steel lunch boxes and bento boxes with adjustable/removable dividers, nesting capabilities, microwave/oven/dishwasher safe, made with 90% recycled stainless steel.
- TKCanisters (Insulated Food Containers) Climate Lock vacuum insulated food canisters with TK Closure internal thread design, keeping food hot or cold for hours, available in 16oz and 32oz sizes.
- Kids' Cups and Sippy Cups 10oz stainless steel kid's cups with straw lids and sippy cup options, made with certified 90% post-consumer recycled steel, designed for small hands.
- Reflect Collection (Plastic-Free Bottles) Plastic-free, all-stainless steel water bottles with sustainably harvested bamboo caps, made from just three materials: recycled stainless steel, bamboo, and food-grade silicone.
- Classic Water Bottles The original stainless steel bottle line with a narrow profile for easy grip, packing, and carrying, available in insulated and non-insulated versions.
- TKWide Insulated Wide Mouth Bottles Vacuum insulated wide mouth bottles with TK Closure internal thread design, interchangeable caps, and Climate Lock double-wall vacuum insulation for optimal thermal performance.
- Santa Cruz Collection Limited collaboration with Santa Cruz featuring iconic skate art on water bottles, tumblers, cups, and mugs, combining artistic design with functional hydration.
- Mossy Oak Collection Collaboration with Mossy Oak featuring camouflage patterns on TKWide bottles and Rise Drinkware tumblers, designed for outdoor enthusiasts with sustainable materials.
- Bundle Sets Pre-packaged sets of insulated water bottles, coffee cups, kids bottles, steel straws, and special gift packs offering discounted pricing on complementary products.
- Caps and Lids Accessories Interchangeable accessory caps including sport caps, loop caps, cafe caps, straw caps, sippy caps, and all-stainless interior caps for Classic, Wide, and TKWide bottles.
- Steel Straws Reusable stainless steel straws with certified 90% post-consumer recycled steel and flexible silicone tips, available in various sizes and packs.
- Replacement Parts and Maintenance Kits Maintenance kits, replacement gaskets, o-rings, and parts to repair and maintain caps and accessories, supporting product longevity.
- Apparel (Klean T-Shirts) Klean T-shirts made from 100% recycled materials including upcycled cotton and recycled plastic bottles with custom outdoor and activism artwork.
- Custom Co-Brand Printing Service Custom printing services for businesses, organizations, and events, applying custom artwork on bottles, cups, tumblers, and food containers for branding purposes with volume discounts.
- Personalization (Laser Engraving) Laser engraving personalization services offering custom names, text, or icons on products for individual consumers.
Quantifiable outcome
- 35% reduction in raw material emissions by using certified 90% post-consumer recycled steel
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Klean Kanteen
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Klean Kanteen technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Klean Kanteen partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Leave No TracecorePartnership since 2014 to amplify Leave No Trace educational messages about sustaining a healthy planet. Klean Kanteen helps spread awareness about opportunities for individuals to get involved in environmental stewardship.
- 5 GyrescorePartnership since 2012 supporting 5 Gyres' mission to tackle the global plastic pollution health crisis through science, education, and adventure. Klean Kanteen has partnered for over 12 years.
- Conservation AlliancecoreBusiness Member since 2009. The Conservation Alliance is a group of 270+ member companies across industries united to protect wild places and open spaces. Klean Kanteen supports their mission to conserve natural areas for future generations.
- NatureBridgecoreLong-term partnership supporting NatureBridge's mission to connect young people to the wonder and science of the natural world through overnight, hands-on environmental science programs in national parks, serving over 35,000 children and teens annually.
- American RiverscorePartnership supporting American Rivers' goal to protect wild rivers, restore damaged rivers, and conserve clean water. Klean Kanteen created Limited Edition TKWide bottles for their 50th Anniversary Celebration.
- Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP)minorPartnership with BCPP working to prevent breast cancer by eliminating human exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation. BCPP has published 33 major scientific studies and secured consumer protection legislation.
- Outdoor AfrominorPartnership with the nation's leading network celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature, helping people connect with communities and the planet.
- EarthHerominorEarthHero is a sustainable marketplace featuring Klean Kanteen as a partner brand aligned with EarthHero's five pillars of sustainable sourcing, ethical standards, and certifications including B Corp and Fair Trade.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Klean Kanteen competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- S'well: Direct-to-consumer reusable stainless steel bottle and food container brand with comparable sustainability positioning, lifestyle sub-collections, and global wholesale distribution.
- Takeya: Specializes in insulated stainless steel bottles, tumblers, and cold-brew coffee makers with comparable vacuum insulation technology and price positioning.
- Simple Modern: Sells insulated stainless steel bottles, tumblers, and food containers across price tiers with strong Amazon and wholesale presence; comparable product range and customer base.
- Yeti: Publicly traded premium drinkware and cooler brand offering stainless steel bottles, tumblers and Rambler series targeting outdoor and lifestyle consumers with comparable price points and channel mix.
- Owala: Owned by Helen of Troy, Owala sells FreeSip stainless steel bottles with proprietary lid design targeting Gen Z and lifestyle buyers; an emerging direct competitor with rapid share gains.
- Contigo: Sells AUTOSEAL stainless steel and plastic reusable bottles, travel mugs and kids' drinkware through mass and grocery channels; comparable price tiers and customer segments.
- CamelBak: Owned by Vista Outdoor, CamelBak produces reusable hydration bottles and reservoirs targeting outdoor and fitness consumers — overlapping product category and end-use occasions.
- Stanley (PMI Worldwide): PMI Worldwide's Stanley 1913 brand sells vacuum-insulated stainless steel bottles, tumblers, and quencher drinkware globally; recent viral growth has made it one of the most direct head-to-head competitors.
- Hydro Flask: Owned by Helen of Troy, Hydro Flask sells vacuum-insulated stainless steel water bottles, tumblers and food containers through DTC, wholesale and global retail — the most direct direct competitor in reusable stainless steel drinkware.
Broad incumbents
- Thermos: Long-established incumbent vacuum-insulated drinkware brand offering stainless steel bottles, food jars and lunch kits across consumer and foodservice channels — broader portfolio but overlapping core product.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Klean Kanteen social profiles
Digital presenceKlean Kanteen financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Klean Kanteen leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Klean Kanteen funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Klean Kanteen M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Klean Kanteen
What does Klean Kanteen do?
Klean Kanteen designs, manufactures, and sells reusable stainless steel drinkware and food storage products, including insulated and non-insulated water bottles, tumblers, cups, mugs, kids' drinkware, lunch boxes, and insulated food canisters. The company sells these products directly to consumers via its e-commerce site and globally through wholesale, retail, and distributor channels, and also offers custom branding and laser engraving services for businesses and individuals. Nearly all products are built with proprietary Climate Lock vacuum insulation, Klean Coat powder finish, and certified 90% post-consumer recycled steel.
Is Klean Kanteen a public or private company?
Klean Kanteen is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Klean Kanteen founded?
Klean Kanteen was founded in 2004. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Klean Kanteen based?
Klean Kanteen is headquartered in Chico, United States, in the North America region.
How does Klean Kanteen make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Direct Product Sales (DTC E-commerce) is the primary driver. The others are wholesale and Retail Distribution, custom/Co-Brand Printing and personalization Services.
Who are Klean Kanteen's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are S'well, Takeya, Simple Modern, Yeti, Owala, Contigo, CamelBak, Stanley (PMI Worldwide) and Hydro Flask. Thermos is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Klean Kanteen have an API?
No public API is recorded for Klean Kanteen.
What industry is Klean Kanteen in?
Klean Kanteen's product category is Reusable Drinkware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAHAD, Beverage Packaging (Bottles, Cans, Cartons, Kegs). Its NAICS code is 33243 and its SIC code is 3411.