Contigo · Insulated Travel Mugs
Contigo Byron 2.0 Insulated Travel Mug
Low-Medium risk. Stainless steel body is unlikely to hold PFAS.
This stainless steel travel mug has a plastic lid and interior. The brand hasn't disclosed any PFAS information or detailed the plastic lid's composition.
The better-graded swap
Thermos
Thermos 18 oz. Icon Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Mug
80/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Stainless steel exterior, BPA-free plastic lid and interior
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Contigo Byron 2.0 Insulated Travel Mug is made of, ingredients and materials
The Byron 2.0 uses food-grade stainless steel (18/8 or similar) for the exterior and insulating walls, which is chemically inert and does not leach metals or off-gas under normal beverage use. The lid and interior sealing surfaces are BPA-free plastic, likely polypropylene or acetal copolymer, which avoids the endocrine disruptor concerns of older polycarbonate designs. Stainless steel is a material not linked to PFAS for hot and cold liquids because its passive oxide layer prevents corrosion and metal migration into beverages.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Phthalates
Flexible sealing gaskets in the lid may contain phthalate plasticizers to maintain flexibility. Contigo does not publish full plasticizer disclosure. Risk is minimal with proper seal integrity and standard beverage temperatures.
Source, ATSDR ↗Stainless steel nickel leaching
Food-grade stainless steel (18/8) contains chromium and nickel; trace nickel can migrate into acidic liquids over time. This is an inherent property of all stainless steel drinkware, not unique to this brand. Risk is low for most users but relevant for nickel-sensitive individuals.
Microplastics
Repeated exposure to hot beverages or boiling water can degrade the plastic lid and seals, potentially releasing microplastics into drinks over years of use. The manufacturer does not specify a temperature ceiling for the lid material.
Source, EPA ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
BPA & bisphenols
Contigo explicitly markets the Byron 2.0 as BPA-free. No recalls or detected BPA contamination reported for this model. Plastic components do not contact liquid directly during normal use if seals remain intact.
Source, FDA ↗Bacterial growth in insulated cavity
The double-wall design traps air and moisture; if not disassembled and dried regularly, condensation could support mold or bacterial biofilm. This is a maintenance issue, not a manufacturing defect. No recalls related to pathogen contamination reported.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Contigo has marketed the Byron 2.0 as BPA-free but does not publish detailed material certifications or PFAS testing data publicly. The brand has not faced significant product recalls or safety controversies on this model line as of available reporting. No third-party certifications (such as NSF, FDA approval statements, or independent chemical audits) are prominently advertised, which is typical but not exceptional for this price segment.
How it compares in its category
The Byron 2.0 is a mid-market insulated tumbler using conventional stainless steel construction, similar to Hydro Flask, S'well, and Klean Kanteen base models. Stainless steel tumblers as a category show lower concern than double-wall glass or plastic-intensive designs in terms of leaching risk. Price and performance are competitive; safety profile is standard for the category, with no material advantages or disadvantages versus similarly constructed rivals.
If you buy it
Wash the lid thoroughly before first use and inspect for cracks or degradation, as plastic components are the primary contact point with beverages. Do not microwave the lid and avoid prolonged exposure to boiling water, which can degrade plastic over time. Replace the lid if threads loosen or seals crack; stainless steel bodies are durable but plastic parts typically fail first. Avoid storing acidic beverages (citrus, vinegar-based) for extended periods, as even stainless steel can develop pitting under extreme conditions.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Contigo has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Contigo Byron 2.0 Insulated Travel Mug?
- stainless steel exterior, ceramic lining interior
- Ceramic coating degradation over time
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Stainless steel body, plastic lid
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- Plastic lid polymer identity and leaching potential
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- Stainless steel body, no interior coating disclosed
- Silicone and plastic lid/valve leachables
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More insulated travel mugs grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.