How Fenton and IMCD raised the bar on reusable design?
As pressure grows to move away from single-use plastics, the market is shifting. More and more festivals and outdoor events are turning away from disposables, and glass isn’t an option for safety reasons. Brands are looking for drinkware that’s durable, reusable, and feels premium in hand.
Fenton Precision Engineering, a UK-based injection moulding company and tool maker, saw this hurdle as an opportunity to lead. Starting from scratch, they set out to develop a new drinkware range that delivers on quality, sustainability, and safety, all without compromising user experience. In the end, a whole new sub-brand was born: Eco Drinkware.
A new standard for sustainable drinkware
Eco Drinkware’s goal is to align with changing expectations of consumers and venues alike. That means safe for outdoor use, robust for repeat handling, and refined to reflect a premium image.
“Reusable plastic drinkware typically uses materials like polypropylene and SAN,” says Nick Skidmore, Sales Director at Fenton Precision Engineering. “But that didn’t measure up for us. We wanted something that looked and performed better.”
So, rather than tweak existing designs, Fenton took a bold step. They set out to rethink the whole range from the ground up with quality and sustainability front and centre.
A next-generation solution
That’s where our team at IMCD Advanced Materials came in. With a clear understanding of Fenton’s goals and their need for long-term performance in outdoor settings, we recommended a high-performing copolyester that’s durable, glass-like and BPA-free. It’s also available in a version containing 50% certified recycled content.
The solution isn’t just high-quality. It’s practical, too, as the material fit seamlessly into Fenton’s production process. No tooling changes were needed, just a straightforward switch to a better, more sustainable alternative.
The result? A complete line of unique reusable drinkware that’s visually appealing, safe to use, and made to last. The Eco Drinkware collection has since expanded to include distinctive barware for beer, wine, cocktails, long drinks and more.
 
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“This new line brings together everything Fenton was looking for: a premium look and serious toughness,” says Dr. Caroline Smith, Account Manager at IMCD Advanced Materials. “Together, we were able to bring their vision to life and simultaneously deliver on design, performance, and environmental impact.” |
Redefining product value
The shift away from single-use plastics goes beyond material change. It’s an opportunity to redefine product value through circular design. To make better, and do better.
At IMCD, we support this transition with sustainable solutions backed by in-house application know-how and technical expertise. From concept to shelf, we help bring sustainable concepts to life.