I'm a big fan of Sigg as well. Imagine the plastic saved if bottled-water drinkers made the switch.
I did however notice that their double-walled bottles are made in China, as opposed to Switzerland.

Sigg bottles are made of aluminum, but the inside is treated, so (according to them) you don't have to worry about aluminum leeching. This is from the reusablebags.com sigg bottle subsite (Where I bought my Sigg bottle after getting sick of how shitty water tasted after refrigerating it in a plastic bottle overnight)

http://www.reusablebags.com/news.php?action=details&id=144

http://www.reusablebags.com/store/sigg-traveler-classics-reusable-bottles-p-207.html

"Only the two bottles made by the manufacturer Sigg, market leader in both Switzerland and Germany, showed no traces of aluminum... the manufacturer Sigg shows that it is possible to avoid residue from synthetic coating. Rolf Kothrade, responsible for aluminum bottles at Sigg, explains that his company changed the entire production process two years ago and now uses a water-based interior coating"

"Healthy & Safe
SIGG reusable bottles exceed FDA requirements and have been independently tested to prove 0.0% leaching, helping reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals like BPA (see Newsroom for more). The proprietary SIGG bottle lining is a water-based, non-toxic coating that is baked into the interior walls and remains flexible and crack resistant for the life of the bottle. The special SIGG lining is not plastic – it is a micro-thin epoxy. Due to the finish of the liner, there is much less chance for bacteria build-up with a SIGG as opposed to plastic containers. The liner is taste-neutral and resistant to fruit acids and energy drinks, ensuring that your drinks taste like your drinks every time."

you also might want to look into Kleen Kanteen which reusablebags.com also sells. I personally opted for those since they are stainless steel. Not as "pretty" as the Sigg bottles, but steel isnt going to make you sick for certain.

The Sigg bottles use a coating to line the bottles (because unlined aluminum leaches onto the water) and that coating is water-based. This doesnt really mean anything. there are plenty of water based chemicals that can kill you. The sigg bottles are probably fine, but I figured they are about the same price, so why chance it.

they do have nice designs though. man the Kleen bottles are boring.

We also have a Kleen Kanteen. And for what it's worth the Kleen product leaves a metal aftertaste and the Sigg does not. Are the metals that make up stainless steel any better than aluminum? My reading suggests not. But then again, the Sigg has a coating.
Also, the Kleen Kanteen is made in China, whereas the standard Sigg is produced in Europe. My assumption here is that the Sigg is produced with higher standards.

I have a Sigg bottle as well, loved it, but if you don't have a dishwasher it gets smelly and gross. A Nalgene is easier to clean, with a wider top. But yes, I am obsessed with the designs.

Lining an aluminum bottle with plastic doesn't make any more sense than having a plastic bottle. I don't care if it's a "micro epoxy" polymers leach, especially when exposed to heat.

Aluminum and stainless both leach too.

If you want a leach-free bottle your only real bet is ceramic. Glass, or a ceramic-enameled stainless bottle(I saw one once, though i forget where...)

Good to hear the the SIGG water bottles are not leaching aluminum!

Also, this contest is a bit on the sketchy side, as the winners aren't the ones with the highest ratings, but the largest number of people who rate the design. And it seems like there is no limit to the number of times any one person can vote...

But it's still kind of fun to enter if you've got a bit of spare time and some design skills, and don't mind giving SIGG the right to use your image.

Oh, and go vote for mine. :-)

What about glass? I have a water system in my house and with the water system came glass one liter bottles to take my water with me I think it is called aquasana...anyone know of any harm glass could have??

Awhile back I used to use the disposable water bottles. Then, realizing the environmental disaster that caused, I switched to a type 7 water bottle. Little did I know that by changing something for the better of the environment, I was endangering my own health. I don't understand how something that can be so dangerous is sold so frequently, and no one really knows of the dangers.

I have thought of purchasing a Klean Kanteen. The aluminum bottles are coated with epoxy, which leeches.

Although, that metal taste that someone mentioned does not sound too appetizing, plus they are quite pricey.

Overall, I'd like to reuse a glass bottle, although that can be hard with traveling and sports and the like.

Sigh... with knowledge comes even more uncertainty!

I have three Kleen Kanteens and my kids both have the 12 oz styles for school lunches. They can be adapted as sippy cups. I think they're great! I don't buy the adorable sigg bottles precisely because no one can tell me what the lining is composed of.

I have heard of no studies correlating stainless steel with any illness and it is the best option right now. My kids decorate theirs with stickers.

If you check with the SIGG website, you'll see how the bottle is made, including some information on the food-compatible stove enamel that is baked on as an interior coating.

I have both Klean Kanteen's & SIGG, and while I prefer my Klean Kanteen for my 1 year old, & for washing, it is not safe for juice, or anything sweet. There are also concerns currently being raised that the stainless steel is also leeching chemicals.

Who knows what to do, there seem to be problems with everything, but at this point my SIGG seems the lessor of the evils.

I have had two Kid Siggs develop "build up" spots on the bottom from just water use. I contacted sigg, who said to soak in vinegar/water overnight and if that didn't fix it, that they'd be interested in seeing it and would send another. It's been a month, and no word, no reply to my emails, and my NEW Sigg has a buildup spot! They are pretty small black spots, about the size of pencil point on the very botttom. anyone else have these?!?!?! I am going to order a Kleen Kanteen asap!

Anonymous, the SIGG website's FAQ page says that is a buildup of sugar deposits and is not harmful.

Just an FYI Klean Kanteen are made in China. Are you sure they're only made of what they say they are. Sigg are mad in Switzerland with a LONG history of quality.

I have read that stainless steel dental implants and other forms of stainless steel surgical implants can cause long term health problems, so I would assume drinking from stainless steel might not be the safest. I personally would wait for further testing before letting my kids drink from a stainless steel or aluminum jug. Until we find a better alternative, we are using the glass juice bottles that can be purchased with various juices at stores and restuarants, and using our dishwasher to sanitize them between uses. I will be using wool to crochet or knit some padded bottle holders for them, with a little handle so they don't slip. This will offer a small amount of insulation as well as protection from bumps while transporting the bottles in bags or purses. I know it's only a small step, but it's a very quick (and fun) project to do. These small bottles will fit in most stroller and car cup holders. I am assuming, of course, that the metal cap that came on the juice bottles is reusable after being washed. It works so far. Empty glass spagetti sauce jars also work well for a slightly larger volume size. Feel free to give me feedback.

It looks like this design competition is for 2007. Is there a link for a 2008 competition?

Kelan Kanteens,Guyot Design AND Sigg's stainless steel bottles are ALL made in China. Only Sigg's lined aluminum bottls are produced in Switzerland.

Go to REI or another Sigg retailer and grab one of the Sigg stainless bottles. They deviously hide the "Made in China" by printing it in a grey ink almost the same color as the plastic product box . . . then they put a cap on it that is labeled "Swiss Made" so consumers think they have not bought Chinese. I am amazed the Swiss trade groups are allowing this, it would never be allowed for a watch.

I would caution to be sure you want Sigg before you order because if you havent read the return policy you will be shocked. No refunds!!! That says alot about a company.

There is a difference between enamel that is a polymer (like epoxy or enamel paint) and enamel that is "vitreous enamel" that is : GLASS.
Sigg bottles are lined in polymers that have BPA, not glass enamel like old stoves and enameled bakeware were made of.
I've never heard of problems with glass, but like anything it maters how it was made. Was the sand contaminated?
People pointed this out with respect to Stainless and aluminium bottles. If the metal has contaminants, they can leach to the bottle contents.

Sand is used as a filter to treat many cities tap water, if sand is safe, glass should be.

Lily,
Where did you see information stating that Sigg liners contain BPA? I work for a store which sells Sigg bottles and, while rumours abound, I have never seen any actual proof of BPA in the liners. If you (or anyone else) could direct me to any sites or literature indicating BPA in the liner I would really appreciate it.

Thanks! :-)

K.

>I would caution to be sure you want Sigg before you order >because if you havent read the return policy you will be >shocked. No refunds!!! That says alot about a company.

SIGG is a Swiss company and the no refund policy is the standard way of doing business in Switzerland .