Anchor Hocking says the glass used in the LifeProof water bottles is "up to 100 percent stronger than regular glass."
Released Tuesday under their Anchor Hocking brand, the “LifeProof Glass Water Bottle” is the longtime manufacturer’s attempt to carve out a space in an increasingly crowded $1 billion industry.
Glass has been touted by some as a safer alternative to plastic and metal bottles, some of which could still contain chemicals such as BPA, although BPA-free plastic bottles have become common.
Opportunities for glass water bottles still exist on the higher end of the market, says industry research firm The Freedonia Group.
“Glass’ upscale image, superior gas barrier properties, and better preservation of taste compared with plastic have allowed glass bottles to claim a small portion of the bottled-water market, particularly in the premium segment,” a Freedonia report said.
In the past, the durability of glass bottles has been a concern to some consumers, but Anchor Hocking hopes that the LifeProof’s tempered glass construction will allay those fears.
“We’ve dedicated more than a century to excellence in glass manufacturing and glassware design right here in the U.S., and as more consumers are once again realizing the benefits of glass containers, we set out to design a glass water bottle that would be superior in strength and durability,” said Jeff Jarrett, chief marketing officer at Onedia Group, Anchor Hocking’s parent company, in a release.
The glass used in the LifeProof bottle is “up to 100 percent stronger than regular glass,” according to the company.
To protect the glass further and add some grip, each bottle comes with a textured, BPA-free silicone sleeve.
Oneida Group, parent of Anchor Hocking, moved its headquarters to Columbus from Lancaster earlier this year.