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Outdoor Living

Nalgene Outdoor Offers Everywhere Filter System

Nalgene Outdoor, a leading manufacturer of reusable water bottles since 1969, offers a compatible filter system cap with an easy sip straw for its Wide Mouth bottles that filters out harmful contaminants from both tap and outdoor water sources. Consumers can now purchase the Everywhere Filter System made by Epic Water Filters direct from Nalgene.com. The filter system caps, originally designed with Nalgene Wide Mouth bottles in mind, eliminate harmful contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, industrial & agricultural pollutants and trace pharmaceuticals.

“Now anyone using a Nalgene water bottle can feel that much better about the water they consume, no matter where their adventures take them,” says Elissa McGee, general manager, Nalgene Outdoor. “We’re thrilled to partner with Epic Water Filters, a brand that cares as much as we do about keeping you hydrated, while also reducing single use plastics and promoting sustainability.”

The Everywhere Filter uses patented CoreXchange Technology to remove more than 200+ contaminants from tap and freshwater. The multi-layered filter targets both tap water (Chlorine, Microplastics, Lead, PFAS, etc.) as well as outdoor water contaminants (Bacteria, Virus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, etc.). Each filter has a replaceable filter cartridge that is good for 75 gallons of clean water or about four months of daily use and is compatible with all 32- and 48-ounce Wide Mouth and 24oz On-the-Fly Nalgene water bottles.

“We were purposeful in designing Epic’s patented Everywhere Filter System to enhance the already great experience of drinking from a Nalgene bottle,” says Joel Stevens, co-founder, Epic Water Filters. “Our water filters offer Nalgene bottle users peace of mind that their water is clean and also uphold a commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle. Each everywhere filter cartridge replaces the need to buy 550 single-use plastic water bottles.”

The Everywhere Filter System, which replaces an existing Nalgene bottle cap, is available for purchase on Nalgene.com in the following combinations:

As two like minded brands, Nalgene Outdoor and Epic Water Filters share a commitment to reducing and repurposing single use plastics for the betterment of the environment and mankind. Both products are designed and made in the USA.

For more than 70 years, Nalgene Outdoor has sourced and made its bottles in the USA to minimize its carbon footprint and, as of January 2023, all Nalgene lifestyle bottles are made with material derived from 50% certified recycled content. Today, by using a Nalgene bottle, users not only eliminate the future use of single plastics but promote the repurposing of existing plastic waste otherwise destined for a landfill.

In similar fashion, Epic Water Filters seeks to provide a solution for the world problem of accessing clean water without the continued use of single-use plastic water bottles. Designed for prolific and long-term use, each Everywhere Bottle Filter filter cartridge replaces the equivalent of 550+ plastic bottles, and at end of life is 100% recyclable (with hard to recycle plastics or #7 plastics).

To purchase a Nalgene bottle or an Epic Everywhere Filter System with an easy sip lid and straw for an existing Nalgene bottle, or to learn more about Nalgene Outdoor’s overall commitment to sustainability visit here.

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Japanese Manga Inspires Igloo Coolers

Igloo has launched two Playmate coolers inspired by NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, the international hit anime adapted from the original Japanese manga series by creator Masashi Kishimoto. Marking Igloo’s first anime collaboration, the all-new Playmate Cooler Series featuring custom Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha character graphics is available at igloocoolers.com/naruto.

“We are deeply honored to launch our anime collaboration category with none other than the legendary and internationally loved NARUTO SHIPPUDEN,” said Adrienne Berkes, vice president of marketing at Igloo. “Bringing together this global cultural phenomenon with our world-famous Playmate cooler is a force like no other. Once fans catch a glimpse of our two Naruto cooler designs, they will be fired up to get one of their very own.v

“We at VIZ are very excited to be partnering with Igloo on this iconic collection of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN coolers,” said Stephanie Fradue, senior manager of licensing, hardlines at VIZ Media. “Both iconic and respected brands in their own rights, bringing together NARUTO SHIPPUDEN and Playmate coolers in this unique collaboration will hope to bring out the inner ‘hokage’ in our fans. Whether training to be a shinobi or protecting Hidden Leaf Village, these coolers can go along with any adventure that may await!”

Igloo’s NARUTO SHIPPUDEN collaboration, in partnership with VIZ Media, kicks off with two exciting Little Playmate cooler designs featuring Naruto-themed artwork, one of the most popular anime of all time — each $39.99 with a 7-quart capacity that fits up to nine standard 12-ounce cans.

The NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Little Playmate cooler focuses on young shinobi Naruto Uzumaki, the powerful main character on a mission to be the world’s greatest ninja, while the second Little Playmate design depicts Naruto’s rival-turned-closest-friend Sasuke Uchiha.

Anime fans can shop Igloo’s new Playmate Cooler Series on igloocoolers.com/naruto, while supplies last.

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Fall for Fanttik Means Helpful Appliances

While the summer dust blows away and we prepare for the colorful Fall season, Fanttik brings forth an array of perfectly timed products for the joyous time. The multiple international award-winning household and automotive brand has geared up to prepare the cleanest patios, the most cheerful terraces, new furniture and renovated spaces across all homes in the country.

Indeed, with the launch of Fanttik’s L1 Ace Screwdriver, the flagship X5 Max Screwdriver set and V7 Ace Vacuum – the brand is offering a fresh start for your garden and home décor in a holistic manner.

With the introduction of the L1 Ace Screwdriver, an innovative solution perfectly timed for August’s garden cleaning and the forthcoming Fall season, Fanttik is catering to both home renovation enthusiasts and furniture assembly aficionados. Embodying the motto “Build Your Ideas Simple,” this versatile cordless screwdriver kit is a small yet potent companion for various tasks.

Boasting a formidable motor that delivers powerful torque, it is an ideal choice for tasks ranging from furniture assembly to air conditioning maintenance, faucet installation, and computer upkeep. With a maximum hard torque of 6 N.m and a manual torque of 8 N.m, its compact design ensures an uncompromised performance.

Moreover, its built-in HD display enhances usability by intuitively presenting gear and power levels even in dimly lit environments. As patios, terraces, and gardens require attention during this season transition, the L1 Ace Screwdriver emerges as an indispensable asset for households aiming to usher in renovations and meticulous enhancements effortlessly.

In a similar vein, the new Fanttik X5 Max Screwdriver, a remarkable advancement poised to redefine the realm of home improvement and garden furniture assembly, seamlessly aligns with the demands of garden rejuvenation and the impending Fall season. The X5 Max surpasses the L1 Ace in heavy-duty work.

Moreover, its ergonomic handle conforms to the hand’s contours, optimizing comfort. The defining feature of this innovation lies in its comprehensive 50-in-1 metal bits arsenal, accompanied by precision tools such as tweezers and a pry bar, spanning 9 variations. From Torx to Philips, flatheads to hex, this impeccable tool kit boasts an extensive repertoire to tackle a myriad of maintenance tasks with finesse.

Beyond its functional prowess, the X5 Max amplifies DIY versatility, empowering users to seamlessly repair electronics, gadgets, furniture, and more, resonating harmoniously with the seasonal call to refresh and enhance one’s surroundings.

Once you have everything set up, it is time to tidy things up. Enter the Fanttik V7 Ace Vacuum, a graceful addition tailored perfectly for the August garden cleaning phase, where patios and terraces require meticulous attention in preparation for the fall season.

With the guiding slogan “Shift to a Graceful Mode,” this remarkable vacuum transcends traditional cleaning norms. Weighing a mere 1 lb., similar to a standard Coke bottle, its wireless and lightweight design allows for effortless movement and portability. Its prowess shines through its comprehensive coverage, illuminated by bright LED lights and dual brush heads, effectively conquering even the darkest and most inaccessible corners.

Its adaptability extends to various spaces, as the extension tube and short brush combine seamlessly for diverse tasks like kitchen surfaces, sofas, and desktops. Beneath its unassuming profile lies a powerful 27AW/11kPa brushless motor, ridding hidden and stubborn dust with efficiency. Its 75,000 RPM brushless motor extends its lifespan and amplifies cleaning potency.

Fanttik is a youthful, dynamic brand dedicated to outdoor, household, sports and automotive products that cater to every need for the perfect adventure. In a short span of time, it has garnered extreme acclaim from enthusiasts, social media influencers, digital media, and consumers. It has earned the internationally revered Red Dot Design Award multiple times, along with the prestigious IF Design Award.

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First Casual Market Atlanta Exceeds Expectations

The inaugural Casual Market Atlanta exceeded buyer and seller expectations for its debut, July 10-13, at AmericasMart Atlanta, with an elevated presentation of 150 permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits attracting furniture and outdoor/patio buyers from across the nation, as well as interior designers and gift/home retailers seeking cross-category sourcing and shopping opportunities created by co-location with the Atlanta Market.

“Casual Market Atlanta offered a bigger and better presentation of casual furniture and outdoor accessories to buyers from all over the country,” said Bob Maricich, ANDMORE CEO. “The new business opportunity created by the co-location of Casual Market and Atlanta Market was a benefit for both the casual furnishings industry as well as the gift and home industries.”

Buyers from furniture and outdoor/patio stores from across the nation converged at AmericasMart for the first annual Casual Market Atlanta. Attendees represented almost all 50 states and four international countries, and more than half of the Casual Market Atlanta buyers were first-time visitors to AmericasMart Atlanta. The first Atlanta-based event also drew a significant number of interior designers, as well as gift and floral/garden/seasonal retailers, who were shopping the concurrent Atlanta Market.

International Casual Furnishings Association board chair, Erik Mueller, participated in Casual Market Atlanta as both a buyer and seller – President and CEO of Watson’s, a patio store with 26 locations in the Midwest and Founder and CEO of Plank & Hide, a luxury home entertainment and outdoor furnishings brand respectively – giving him a unique perspective on benefits for both audiences.

“I thought the overall shopping experience from a buyer standpoint was tremendous. It was easy to shop and much easier to see the product,” said Mueller. “As for our Plank & Hide showroom, we have had a tremendous week. We introduced quite a bit of new product because we wanted to really make a splash and to excite the customer. The response we’ve gotten from retailers has been wonderful.” 

Buyers responded positively to the market’s new venue, praising AmericasMart’s consolidated layout and the downtown Atlanta campus’s convenient location.

“This show has been so easy to shop,” said newcomer to Atlanta, Joel Huseby, of Becker Furniture (St. Paul, Minn.). “It’s my first time here, and I’ve found it extremely convenient to get around, especially to and from my accommodations.”

Casual buyer Donald Dilliplane, of Turner’s Furniture (Valdosta, Ga.), added, “We loved having the category consolidated with a narrow focus on several floors. It looked great and was easy to shop.”

The inaugural market in Atlanta featured nearly 50 permanent showrooms in AmericasMart’s Building 1. Spanning four floors, the purpose-built showrooms featured inviting glass-walled and brightly lit spaces which allowed casual and outdoor furnishings brands to highlight more product lines than ever.

“To be able to have twice the amount of showroom space and showcase our full breadth of product is truly exciting,” said Lindsay Schleis, VP of Business Development at POLYWOOD, a manufacturer of outdoor furniture made from recycled materials. “This space is a true reflection of our brand and who we are, so we are very excited for what Casual Atlanta has in store long-term.”

Some 100+ temporary exhibitors were presented across one-and-a-half contiguous, purpose-built tradeshow floors in Building 1, Floors 6 and 7. Outdoor sectionals, patio umbrellas, backyard firepits and more were among highlights of casual category offerings.

“The relocation of the Casual Market to Atlanta created excitement in the category, and retailers wanted to come see what we have to offer,” said temporary exhibitor Charles Emmons, EVP, sales and marketing at Windward Design Group. “Traffic in and around our booth was excellent, and buyers were looking at new products, so we’re very happy with our performance this market. Eventually, we’re going to want to transition to a permanent showroom here.”

Beyond exhibits, networking events like the ICFA-sponsored 65th Birthday Bash and the ICFA Awards Gala promoted an opportunity for the industry to gather and celebrate. The ICFA’s “Pink Out Atlanta” event created a visible demonstration of community with a multi-hued sea of pink-clad market attendees raising awareness and funds for City of Hope.

Additionally, celebrity interior designer Vern Yip addressed key trends in outdoor entertainment spaces to a standing room only audience.

“Both buyers and brands were buzzing with excitement that started day one of the Casual Market,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, executive director of ICFA. “Our at-market events were all well attended with industry collaboration, and the presentation that buyers and designers saw within showrooms was tailored to showcase the full range of their needs. The outside space is the new centerpiece of American living, and we are thrilled to have a significantly expanded yet cohesive display in Atlanta to showcase such a vital category.”

The first Casual Market Atlanta was presented concurrently with the semi-annual Atlanta Market. The co-location provided buyers and sellers across the casual and home furnishings categories access to more than 350 home and décor showrooms and 200+ temporary exhibitors with lighting, accent furniture, casual furnishings, rugs, wall décor, linens, textiles and more in AmericasMart Buildings 1, 2 and 3.

“Through the Casual Market’s co-location with Atlanta Market, outdoor suppliers gained visibility across a greater breadth of furniture and décor retail categories and interior designer channels,” added Maricich. “AmericasMart has served as a platform for buyer and seller connection for decades, and with Casual Market Atlanta we continue to broaden this objective.”

Following approval by ICFA members, Casual Market Atlanta will co-locate with Atlanta Market through 2025. For information, visit CasualMarketAtlanta.com.

“The transition from Chicago to Atlanta has been good, and I’ve heard nothing but positive remarks from retailers and manufacturers. The ANDMORE team has friendly people greeting us at the entrances every day with a smile,” added Mueller. “Our gala attendance was up from past years in Chicago, and we also noticed a nice increase in our membership numbers. All in all, it has been super positive, and I expect that we will continue to grow here.”

With a new standard set for the casual marketplace, the industry now prepares for Outdoor Design Days in Atlanta, a collaborative design experience between ANDMORE and the ICFA from Sept. 18-20. Outdoor Design Days will be a Fall sourcing experience geared towards regionally-based designers, as well as a last-chance buying opportunity for furniture and outdoor/patio retailers who may have missed the Casual Market Atlanta’s July debut. ICFAnet.org/OutdoorDesignDays

In addition to market-time visibility, 40 of the casual market showrooms also are part of AmericasMart’s Open Year Round collection, creating daily opportunities for regional buyers and designers to source and shop resources in the popular outdoor category.

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Igloo Makes European Debut in Munich

Igloo Coolers will showcase for the first time in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) market at ISPO Munich 2023, Hall 4, Booth #408, from June 4-6. Part of the Dometic Group, Igloo is a U.S.-based brand with a 75-year history of bringing new, innovative cooling products to market.

At ISPO Munich, the brand will display a wide selection of products, including coolers made with recycled materials.

President and CEO of Dometic Group Juan Vargues said, “Since Dometic acquired Igloo, a true partnership has formed between our two brands, and consumers will start to see that in the upcoming product lines. We are thrilled to have Igloo make its EMEA debut at this year’s ISPO Munich, one of the world’s largest sports trade shows.”

In addition to a product assortment, Igloo will present its 75th-anniversary video that will showcase the brand’s heritage — from crafting the first metal water cooler in 1947 to inventing the iconic Playmate cooler in 1971 and the many revolutionary products created throughout its 75-year history.

As Igloo makes its debut at ISPO Munich, the brand will host an event at its booth on Sunday, June 4 at 3 p.m. CEST, where media and show attendees can be one of the first to view Igloo’s products in person.

Born from a modest metalworking shop back in 1947, Igloo has been instrumental in redefining how we live, work and play. What began with bringing clean water to the worksite quickly moved into super-functional, best-in-class ice chests. Igloo products made the family outdoor recreation movement of the 20th century possible. Suddenly, taking your kids camping on the weekend became easy and cross-country road trips became a summer vacation staple.

Igloo became part of Dometic, a global market leader in mobile living, in 2021.

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