Klean Kanteen

Before 2002, there were no drinking bottles made of stainless steel, and the health and environmental hazards of plastic were not yet well known. Early and clearly, Robert Seals, the inventor and founder of Klean Kanteen, recognized this problem and began to cobble together the first prototype with parts from the local hardware store in Chico, California. In 2004, Robert launched the 27 oz (800 ml) Klean Kanteen to offer customers a better alternative to plastic and coated aluminum bottles: a safe, healthy, light and reusable bottle, free of BPA and other toxins. It was the beginning of their mission to provide demanding solutions and help people make more conscious choices. Back then, Klean Kanteens were making the rounds at music festivals, environmental fairs, outdoor events and similar gatherings.

Klean Kanteen was acquired by the Cresswell family in 2005, who built on Seal's original version to develop a growing line of durable stainless steel solutions to replace toxic plastic and replace environmentally harmful disposable containers. With the experience of their father Darrell Cresswell, the sibling team of Jeff Cresswell and Michelle Kalberer have guided the company through the challenges of growth and expansion and are also personally involved in the company's charitable and political projects. In 2007 and 2008, major media outlets began reporting on the dangers of BPA. Word spread and many consumers turned to Klean Kanteen for a healthy, safe and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic and coated aluminum bottles. The wires were hot and the Klean Kanteen team was busy filling out order forms. About a year later, the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" became known through national media reports and with this large Pacific garbage patch, images of the environmental devastation caused by plastic waste penetrated low into the conscience of the general public. The company became aware of the significant change in consumer behavior and more and more people chose a healthier, refillable alternative, often a Klean Kanteen. Witnessing such a change in attitude in such a short space of time inspires and strengthens the Klean Kanteen team's conviction that small changes can have a big impact.

Today, the company is a small ;family-owned business in Northern California with more than 30 years of history and an ongoing activity to provide world-class product and service quality. The company treats its customers like good neighbors and its partners like good friends. Klean Kanteen's mission is to provide affordable, safe, healthy and high quality products and accessories while promoting health, sustainability and environmental awareness.