Drinkware Trends of 2024

Let’s recap on the drinkware trends we noticed for 2024, and predict what is to come for 2025.

2024 Drinkware Trends

Building on the growing demand for reusable drinkware, 2024 has been a year where new trends take center stage, pushing the boundaries of design, functionality, and personal expression. As we look to the upcoming year, let’s dive deeper into some of the key trends we see what dominated the market in 2024:

Licensing Takes the Spotlight

Licensing continues to be a massive trend in the drinkware industry, with popular characters, franchises, and cultural icons making their way onto bottles, mugs, and tumblers. The success of licensed products featuring beloved brands like Barbie, superheroes from comic universes, or nostalgic characters from 90s cartoons is proof that people love associating their everyday items with what they’re passionate about.

For instance:

• Pop Culture Icons: The resurgence of iconic characters like Barbie, due to recent movies and collaborations, has led to a huge demand for themed drinkware. Whether it’s a retro design celebrating Barbie’s history or a modern take inspired by the latest film releases, consumers love integrating these pop culture symbols into their daily lives.

• Fantasy and Adventure: Characters from popular fantasy series or superheroes are finding a home on stainless steel bottles and insulated mugs. These items don’t just appeal to kids but to adults who grew up with these characters and enjoy collectible items that add a touch of nostalgia to their routine.

Tip-to-Tip Full Coverage Designs

In 2024, drinkware design has been all about making bold statements. Consumers expect to see tip-to-tip, 360-degree full-coverage images that transform the entire surface of the bottle into a canvas. These designs often feature striking visuals that tell a story, from vibrant landscapes and nature themes to abstract art that catches the eye.

• Full-Color Imagery: Direct-to-shape printing technology has made it possible to seamlessly wrap full-color imagery around drinkware, ensuring that every inch of the product is utilized. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also opens up opportunities for brands to get more creative and experimental with their designs.
• Gradients and Photorealism: Photographic images, intricate patterns, and gradient effects that once seemed impossible on curved surfaces are now being brought to life through advanced printing techniques, setting a new standard for what’s achievable in drinkware decoration.

Playful Use of Color and Patterns

Vivid colors and whimsical designs are making their mark on drinkware in 2024. There has been an explosion of bright hues and quirky patterns that add personality and fun to everyday hydration habits. This trend is especially popular among younger consumers who see their drinkware as an extension of their style and mood.

• Retro and Vintage Inspirations: 60s and 70s-inspired patterns with groovy, psychedelic designs are making a comeback. These elements infuse drinkware with a sense of nostalgia while keeping the vibe fresh and modern.
• Nature and Wellness Themes: Earthy tones, botanical prints, and calming designs inspired by nature are also on the rise, reflecting the growing consumer focus on health, wellness, and mindfulness.

Customization Remains King

Personalization is still a driving force behind the drinkware market. Consumers continue to gravitate toward customized items that let them put a personal touch on their bottles, cups, or tumblers. The ability to add names, monograms, important dates, motivational quotes, or even inside jokes makes these products perfect for gifting.

• Special Occasions and Gifting: Custom drinkware has become a favorite choice for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and corporate giveaways. With advanced direct-to-shape printing capabilities, even complex designs and multi-colored logos can be easily added to a single product, making it a unique keepsake.
• Corporate Branding: More companies are opting for customized drinkware with their logos, slogans, or brand colors as part of their promotional merchandise. The demand for eco-friendly and durable items has led businesses to invest in reusable drinkware as both a marketing tool and a sustainability statement.

These trends indicate that 2024 has been a year of creativity, sustainability, and personalization in the drinkware space. With the evolution of printing technology, like direct-to-shape capabilities, brands are better equipped than ever to bring these vibrant, bold, and personalized designs to life on a wide range of drinkware products.

As we look forward to 2025, the drinkware industry is poised for continued growth and innovation. The trends we’ve seen in 2024, from licensing and personalization to sustainability and eco-friendly materials, are likely to persist and evolve. Brands that stay ahead of these trends by offering unique, high-quality, and personalized drinkware will continue to thrive in the competitive market.

So, what can we expect in the coming year? We can anticipate even more creative designs, innovative materials, and a greater focus on sustainability. The possibilities are endless, and the future of drinkware looks bright.

How to Decorate Drinkware

If your brand wants to stay ahead of these trends, consider the potential of direct-to-object printing, especially with cylindrical inkjet machines. Many of the major drinkware brands are already digitally decorating, join in! For established brands, maintaining consistency is key, and digital printing offers the precision required to meet strict branding guidelines. It ensures color accuracy, especially important for licensed designs, while delivering the highest level of quality. With CMYKWW capabilities, these printers can produce a wide range of colors and innovative print techniques, allowing for unmatched design versatility.

The Helix® line of cylindrical inkjet printers is at the forefront of this technology, printing 360-degree full-color images directly onto drinkware. In the past, brands relied on methods like shrink sleeves, stickers, screen printing, or inserts between double-walled layers. Now, with the right ink series and pre-treatment for each material, digital inkjet printing provides the durability and dishwasher-safe capabilities that consumers expect and can easily keep up with the ever evolving trends.

Our Helix® line includes the Helix ONE®, Helix®, Helix®+, Double Helix®, and Revolution®, each designed to meet the specific needs of drinkware decorators. Whether you require print-on-demand printing for single items or need machines capable of handling medium to long production runs, our printers deliver exceptional results every time. Plus, with Inkcups’ unparalleled service and support—including digital technicians strategically located around the globe—you can count on reliable assistance whenever you need it.

Choosing a digital printing solution like the Helix® line is more than just an upgrade; it’s a commitment to superior quality, consistency, and innovation in the ever-evolving world of drinkware decoration.

Other Cylindrical Inkjet Resources: 

All About Direct to Object Printing Methods

Print on Demand Drinkware Solutions

Drinkware Applications