Is Simple Modern a clean brand? An in-depth look at their safety and sustainability claims

September 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the company's official product safety page, Simple Modern ensures its accessible components are made without BPA, regulated phthalates, lead, or cadmium. This raises the question for many consumers: Is Simple Modern a clean brand, and what exactly does that mean for health and the environment?

Quick Summary

Simple Modern is generally considered a clean brand by many due to its use of BPA-free and lead-free materials in accessible parts and its commitment to independent safety testing. The company also emphasizes sustainable practices and corporate responsibility in its operations.

Key Points

Material Safety: Simple Modern confirms its accessible product components are free of BPA, lead, phthalates, and cadmium, with independent lab testing confirming compliance with U.S. regulations.
Inaccessible Lead: There is online discussion about lead-based solder potentially being used in the inaccessible vacuum seal of insulated bottles, a common industry practice. However, this poses an extremely low risk to the user unless the bottle is severely damaged.
Sustainability Initiatives: The brand prioritizes sustainability by designing long-lasting products, implementing recycling in manufacturing, using recyclable packaging, and investing in domestic production.
Recycled Materials: Simple Modern has a 'Revive' line featuring 100% recycled stainless steel, demonstrating a commitment to using more sustainable materials.
Ethical Business Model: The company operates with a 'give generously' mission, donating a percentage of profits to charitable organizations, which contributes to its positive brand image.
Reputable Brand: Simple Modern has garnered positive reviews for its product quality, insulation performance, and customer service, offering a reliable alternative to pricier competitors.

Defining a 'Clean Brand' for Drinkware

For consumers, the term “clean brand” has evolved beyond basic hygiene to encompass a broader set of ethical and safety standards. When applied to drinkware, it refers to products that are manufactured without harmful chemicals, are transparent about their materials, and prioritize sustainable and ethical business practices. This includes eliminating toxins like BPA and lead, using high-quality and durable materials, and considering the environmental impact of manufacturing. Evaluating whether Simple Modern fits this description requires examining its material transparency, safety protocols, and corporate ethos.

Material Safety: BPA-Free, Lead-Free, and Independent Testing

Simple Modern has taken explicit steps to assure customers of its product safety through material declarations and external testing. The company's product safety statement is a cornerstone of this positioning, addressing some of the most common consumer concerns.

Accessible Components are Free of Key Toxins

Simple Modern is transparent about its core material safety claims. The company states that all accessible components of its products—the parts that come into direct contact with food and drink—are made without specific harmful substances, including BPA, regulated phthalates, lead, or cadmium. This is crucial for consumer health, as these substances have been linked to potential health risks with long-term exposure. Furthermore, Simple Modern confirms that its paints, inks, and powder coatings are also independently tested to be free of BPA, lead, and other toxins.

The Lead Solder Discussion

While Simple Modern's official stance covers accessible components, an online conversation has emerged regarding the potential use of a lead-based solder in the vacuum seal of some insulated stainless steel bottles, a common industry practice. It is important to distinguish between accessible and inaccessible components. A third-party bottle review site pointed out that Simple Modern, like most competitors except for a few brands, may use a lead-based solder for sealing the vacuum insulation. However, the same source clarifies that the lead is not in an accessible area and the risk is extremely small unless the bottle is severely damaged, compromising the seal. Simple Modern's own website consistently highlights the lead-free status of accessible parts, indicating transparency regarding what is and is not in contact with the consumer.

Independent Testing and Regulatory Compliance

To back up its claims, Simple Modern uses independent, accredited testing laboratories to verify that its products meet or exceed safety standards and regulations. This includes adhering to U.S. requirements from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), and California's Proposition 65. Relying on independent testing adds a layer of credibility to the brand's self-reported safety standards, giving consumers greater confidence in their products.

Sustainability and Ethical Initiatives

Beyond material safety, Simple Modern emphasizes its commitment to broader environmental and ethical responsibility. These actions further contribute to its reputation as a 'clean' or responsible brand.

Domestic Manufacturing: In a significant move toward sustainability and ethical sourcing, Simple Modern began domestic manufacturing operations in Oklahoma in 2022. This domestic production focuses on reusable plastic water bottles made from domestically sourced Tritan plastic and is intended to expand into other product lines. Manufacturing closer to home reduces the logistical and environmental costs associated with long-distance shipping.
High-Quality, Durable Products: The company’s core strategy involves creating high-quality, durable products intended for repeated use, which directly reduces single-use plastic waste. This focus on longevity is a key aspect of their sustainability commitment.
Recycled Materials: Simple Modern has actively worked with its manufacturing partners to implement sustainable practices, such as recycling unused or damaged materials. The brand has also launched specific product lines, like 'Revive,' featuring 100% recycled stainless steel drinkware, which is a significant step toward a circular economy.
Corporate Giving: Simple Modern’s mission statement, “We exist to give generously,” reflects its corporate responsibility ethos. The company donates a portion of its annual profits to nonprofit organizations, supporting various causes like clean water access, education, and humanitarian efforts. This mission-driven approach contributes to its overall positive brand image.

Comparison of Simple Modern with Other Brands


Feature	Simple Modern	Owala	Stanley	Hydro Flask
BPA-Free	Yes, in accessible parts.	Yes.	Yes.	Yes.
Lead-Free	Yes, in accessible parts.	Yes, explicitly lead-free.	Some products use lead-based solder.	Explicitly lead-free with a non-lead solder.
Independent Testing	Yes.	Yes (implied, common practice).	Yes (implied).	Yes (implied).
Sustainability	Initiatives include domestic manufacturing, recycled materials, and reduced waste.	Focus on durability and quality, uses sustainable materials.	Focus on product longevity and durability.	Certified B Corporation, active sustainability efforts.
Leak Resistance	Generally good, though not fully leak-proof on all products.	Excellent, includes 'FreeSip' design.	Prone to leaks in popular tumblers.	Variable by product, generally good seal.
Key Differentiator	Affordability and wide range of colors/designs.	Innovative FreeSip and locking lids.	Heritage brand, rugged style, recent viral popularity.	Premium outdoor brand, quality reputation.

Conclusion: Is Simple Modern a Clean Brand?

Based on a review of its materials, safety practices, and corporate policies, Simple Modern can be considered a clean brand by modern standards. The company clearly and repeatedly states that the parts of its drinkware that you touch and drink from are free of BPA, lead, regulated phthalates, and cadmium. This is backed by independent testing to ensure regulatory compliance. While the company's approach to the vacuum seal has been a point of discussion, its transparency and focus on customer-facing safety are significant. Furthermore, Simple Modern's strong commitment to sustainability through durable product design, the use of recycled materials, domestic manufacturing, and its corporate giving program bolsters its reputation as an ethical and responsible company. Ultimately, Simple Modern offers a reliable, accessible, and generally safe option for consumers seeking cleaner, more sustainable drinkware.

Simple Modern Product Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Simple Modern's plastic components are BPA-free. The company explicitly states that all accessible components, including plastic parts used in lids and straws, are made without BPA.

All paints, inks, powder coatings, and accessible components of Simple Modern products are tested and verified to be lead-free. Some online sources note that an inaccessible lead solder may be used in the vacuum insulation of certain bottles, though the risk is minimal unless the bottle is damaged.

Simple Modern uses premium 18/8 stainless steel, which refers to a specific grade of steel containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This type of steel is high-quality, durable, and food-grade.

Yes, Simple Modern states it takes product safety seriously and uses independent, properly accredited testing labs to ensure its products meet or exceed industry safety standards and U.S. regulatory requirements.

Simple Modern manufactures many products overseas but has been expanding domestic manufacturing since 2022. It now produces reusable plastic water bottles in Oklahoma City, with plans to expand domestic production further.

Simple Modern promotes sustainability by focusing on durable, reusable drinkware to reduce single-use plastic waste. They also use recycled packaging materials and have introduced a line of 100% recycled stainless steel products.

While both brands use materials like stainless steel, a key difference noted by independent reviewers is that Stanley has admitted to using a lead-based solder in their seals, while Simple Modern is more transparent about its accessible parts being lead-free. However, the risk from the inaccessible solder is minimal for both unless damaged.