Model 01228 from Real Concepts features a triangular body made of plastic and aluminum. Various colors are available.

Makers are shifting to 18/8 stainless steel. Releases have double-wall construction, rubber ridges and contoured handles.

Amid challenges posed by intense market competition, suppliers of travel mugs in Hong Kong and mainland China are concentrating on better materials and R&D to produce longer-lasting, user-friendly models.

More makers are employing higher-quality stainless steel and plastic to increase durability while retaining the beverage’s temperature. The latest designs also incorporate rubber handles and lips for a firm grip and improved insulation.

In the drive for better materials, manufacturers from both areas source their stainless steel overseas. Some purchase the high-grade 18/8 version in Japan and South Korea, while others use Taiwan-made 304.

Stainless steel is preferred over plastic because of its longer life span, greater impact resistance and easier reprocessing. In addition, unlike plastic, stainless steel retains heat and does not leach into the beverage over time to affect taste.

In terms of design, companies are shifting to doublewall construction to increase heat or cold retention. The strategic placement of certain plastic parts can further preserve internal temperature and, at the outer layer, even prevent scalding of the user’s hand.

Handles are ergonomically designed and rubber-coated for an improved grip. Contours and ridges have been incorporated to conform to the fingers.

Hong Kong manufacturers, in particular, use concentric rubber mesh bands and O-rings on the mug structure for a comfortable hold. Rubber bottoms also provide a nonslip base.

In addition, new models feature lids that are insulated, easily accessible and spill-resistant. Suppliers prefer snapons to the screw-on variant for convenient drinking and cleaning.

The lids are made of ABS or PP, and rubber tabs are added both as a product enhancement and for easier opening.

To gain a competitive edge, makers are developing unique products.

Hong Kong-based companies are moving away from the typical polished finish to focus on enhanced visual appeal. Some new releases have acrylic bodies with pastel-colored coatings, and finishes that range from rubberized to wooden to satin. Customers’ logos are added through silk-screening, heat transfer or paper inserts.

Among the suppliers interviewed, 3Plus1Creation Co. Ltd offers colorful travel mugs using a combination of stainless steel and PP. Model BD2316C, for example, has a layer of AS surrounding its stainless steel body. With a glitter coating, it is available in several colors.

Another design, V2314C, uses AS coating that replicates ceramic. Customer logos can be transferred via silk-screening.

The model 01225 travel mug from trading company Real Concepts Ltd has an acrylic shell with stainless steel inner lining and a contoured rubber handle. The plastic outer layer is available in a variety of colors.

Model 01228 from the company features a triangular body made of plastic. The product is lined with aluminum at the lip and bottom.

Fortune Star Industries Ltd offers travel mugs with a translucent plastic, rubberized coating or mock wood finish. Model SM388, for instance, uses an 18/8 stainless steel liner encased in a translucent acrylic body with an ergonomic wave shape. The acrylic shell comes in green, purple, red, smoke, orange and blue.

In the mainland, most makers focus on enhancing the functionality of their designs, primarily by increasing capacity without sacrificing heat and cold retention, and ergonomics.

Zhejiang Yongkang Xinshidai Industry Co. Ltd and Nanlong Group Co. Ltd offer travel mugs with a capacity ranging from 450 to 2,000mL.

Zhejiang Yongkang Xinshidai’s HW-2000D model holds up to 2,000mL and is made of 18/8 stainless steel.

Another product, XSD-064A, features a stainless steel double-wall construction with a 530mL capacity.

Among Nanlong’s selection, model NLC-16HFP holds up to 470mL, and is fitted with a PP inner liner to minimize heat buildup on the rim and prevent lip scalding.

The NLB-50H travel mug has an ergonomically designed handle and a 500mL capacity.

Zhejiang Yongkang Huachuan Electric Appliances Co. Ltd’s HC-022C model holds 473mL. The grip’s ridges conform to the fingers.

Suppliers from the mainland and Hong Kong are also adopting high-tech features such as electric heaters, thermometers and LCD screens.

Mainland-based Zhejiang Dali Mug Industry Co. Ltd offers electric travel designs for the high-end market.

Model DL-EMUG3 has a built-in heater with a car plug adapter to maintain temperature. An LCD in front shows information about the contents.

Some of Real Concept’s best-sellers have a detachable car plug accessory for keeping the beverage warm while traveling.

Yongkang in Zhejiang province is the mainland’s largest production hub for travel mugs, accounting for 70 percent of the country’s output. Other centers are Guangzhou and Dongguan, Guangdong province. In fact, many Hong Kong-based suppliers also operate factories in that province because of its proximity, developed infrastructure and favorable investment policies.

For mainland companies, the biggest challenge right now is fierce market competition. To overcome this, many are trying to differentiate themselves through enhanced R&D efforts. They are pouring more funds into product development, including the purchasing of advanced 3-D design software.

Companies are also improving quality by obtaining production equipment from the US, Japan and Germany.

Zhejiang Yongkang Huachuan expects annual exports to increase by at least 10 percent after completion of a new factory.

Zhejiang Yongkang Xinshidai’s exports rose 30 percent in 2007, and a similar increase is projected this year because of improved R&D.

Many makers follow international standards. For instance, Nanlong’s models meet FDA requirements, and product quality is checked following AQL guidelines.

Most suppliers observe the ISO 9001:2000 standard for production.

Apart from intense competition, makers face the problem of design copying. Suppliers such as Zhejiang Yongkang Xinshidai cooperate with the government in eliminating counterfeit products in the market.

Mainland manufacturers export mostly to North and South America, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Hong Kong-based suppliers, meanwhile, ship primarily to the US and the market accounts for about 40 percent of shipments. Europe is also a key destination. Output at many companies increased by about 5 percent last year, mainly because of stronger demand from these two markets.

Hong Kong makers see export sales increasing by 10 percent or more in 2008 as the promotional sector expands.

Seventy percent of the mainland’s exports carry inhouse brands. OEM orders, on the other hand, account for 55 percent of shipments at Hong Kong-based companies. Customers include Agnes B, Disney, Nike and Puma.