OtterBox · Insulated Travel Mugs
OtterBox Elevation 28 Sport Bottle
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes stainless steel, copper lined, powder-coated finish, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
The better-graded swap
Contigo
Contigo Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel 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, copper lined, powder-coated finish
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
Powder-coat finish degradation
OtterBox does not disclose the specific composition of the powder coat. While powder coatings are generally low-toxicity, flaking or chipping could expose underlying steel and is a maintenance concern rather than an acute safety issue.
Silicone gasket degradation
Silicone seals and caps can degrade with age and thermal cycling, potentially releasing trace silicone particles or causing seal failure. Replacement gaskets are readily available and recommended after 2-3 years of regular use.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Copper lining leaching
Copper bonded to stainless steel does not typically leach into beverages under normal pH and temperature conditions. No documented cases of copper contamination from this product line.
Heavy metals
18/8 stainless steel is food-grade and does not leach chromium or nickel under typical beverage use (neutral to slightly acidic liquids at ambient to warm temperatures). No documented leaching concerns for this material class.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Elevation 28 uses 18/8 stainless steel (chromium-nickel alloy) as the primary material, which is chemically stable and does not leach metals under normal use. The copper lining is bonded to the interior and contributes to thermal performance without direct food contact risk in typical beverage conditions. The exterior powder-coated finish provides durability and corrosion resistance but requires inspection over time for chips that could expose underlying steel.
The brand's record and disclosure
OtterBox is known for rugged protective products but has not published specific material safety certifications or PFAS statements for this drinkware line. The brand does not appear in major public controversies regarding heavy metals or coatings in water bottles, though transparency about finish composition and testing is limited. No recalls specific to this model are documented in public records.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel insulated bottles have lower concern for BPA and phthalate risks compared to plastic alternatives in the drinkware category. The powder coat finish is standard for this product type and has lower concern for certain risks than some older painted or enamel finishes, though less transparent than brands that disclose coating chemistry. Price and durability position it competitively with Hydro Flask and Yeti models, which also lack detailed PFAS disclosures.
If you buy it
Inspect the powder-coated finish regularly, especially the rim and cap threads, and replace the bottle if flaking develops. Hand wash or use the top rack of a dishwasher, though repeated high-temperature dishwashing may degrade the finish over time. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat (boiling liquids) or abrasive scouring. Replace the silicone seal or gasket if it shows wear, as degradation can allow leakage and reduce insulation performance.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 62% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- OtterBox has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Insulated Travel Mugs
Thermos
Stainless Steel King Travel Mug
Stainless steel interior and exterior, plastic lid
Plastic lid polymer degradation
Limited concern
Gasket/seal material composition
Limited concern
Thermal shock stress on seals
Limited concern
Lower concern; bare stainless steel has minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Thermos
Icon 16 oz Stainless Steel Mug
stainless steel, no stated interior coating
Seal degradation and bacterial growth
Limited concern
Lid or cup material (not specified)
Limited concern
Low concern from bare stainless steel construction.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Thermos
18 oz. Icon Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Mug
stainless steel exterior, vacuum insulation, stainless steel interior
Nickel leaching from stainless steel
Limited concern
Chromium leaching from stainless steel
Limited concern
Thermal shock and seal degradation
Moderate concern
Lower concern; stainless steel mug has no water-repellent coating.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
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.