FAQs

1. What environmental groups do you support?

   As a member of 1% for the Planet, KOR donates 1% of sales to participating environmental groups that focus on water-related issues such as the global water crisis, ocean and watershed protection, and container recycling. Our goal is not only to provide much-needed funds to our partner organizations, but to help them engage the public on these issues. We have specific information on our partnerships and how you can be involved on our Thirst for Giving™ page.

2. Where are KOR products manufactured?

   KOR has partnered with Nypro, one of the largest U.S. manufacturing firms, to produce and assemble our KOR ONE and KOR Special Edition products in their Monterrey, Mexico facility. Nypro owns and operates nearly 30 manufacturing plants worldwide. The facility in Monterrey, Mexico was selected due to its proximity to our warehouse in Southern California, expertise in plastics molding and ISO 14001 environmental certification. Our KOR Delta and KOR Aura are made by a highly respected and environmentally conscious plant in China. We have personally inspected both plants to assure that they are “practicing what they preach.”

3. Where can I purchase KOR products at retail?

   You can use our store locator to find a retail store near you. We're always adding more, so check back soon if no locations are found! The KOR products are available for purchase in our shop and selected online partners. Please call ahead to make sure that the retailer has the item you are looking for in stock — we don’t want you to waste precious fossil fuels.

4. How do I clean my KOR vessels? Can they go in the dishwasher?

   Yes, you can, but in the top rack only. We highly recommend hand washing with hot water, a small drop of dish soap and a bottle brush. Tritan™ (the transparent plastic that comprises the vessel body) has been shown in tests to withstand 500 washings with no visible degradation. That means if you wash your vessel once a week, it should last 10 years or more (compare that to polycarbonate, the most common type of clear hard plastic used in water bottles, which started to degrade after only 30 washings in our tests). Why the top rack, you ask? The heating elements used to heat the water and air dry the dishes are often located beneath the bottom rack. These can get much hotter than the water that circulates inside the dishwasher and plastic objects nearby may melt. Allowing your vessel to air dry completely with the cap open will help to avoid unwanted moisture build up in your KOR and around the seals.
   
   Keeping your vessel clean is important, especially if you are using it for any other liquid besides plain water. Daily washing of your bottle is necessary when you are using additive powders, liquids, vitamins, and non-water liquids, as these types of contents can smell or cause mold if residue is left in your vessel. Since our mouths naturally harbor bacteria, it is highly recommended that you do wash your vessel daily even when carrying just water.

5. Is it safe to put my KOR vessels in the microwave?

   No. The KOR products feature stainless steel components (in the hinge and within the cap assembly) and therefore should never be placed within a microwave.

6. My KOR vessel appears to be leaking. What should I do?

   KOR vessels features an innovative cap and seal that is completely leak-proof when fully closed. If you think your vessel might be leaking, please first check these potential causes to address the issue:

   1. Make sure the water leak is not coming from residual water that is trapped outside the spout and within the cap before closing (note: when filling your KOR, make sure you do not accidentally fill the cap with water as this water will spill when the cap is flipped close to seal the bottle).
       
   2. It is possible residual water has been trapped within the side trims of the KOR bottle when washing or refilling. Simply wipe the bottle surface with a dry towel or allow to fully air dry after cleaning.
       
   3. Be sure not to pull too aggressively on the handle as this can temporarily create a minor gap between the seal and spout, particularly if positioned upside-down. This could result in a momentary leak.
       
   4. Examine your round interior seal and make sure it is seated properly with no twists or gaps. If it is not on securely, the vessel most likely will leak. If your seal on your KOR ONE has seen better days, we offer replacements on our site. The seal is fully replaceable. Purchase a new seal in the KOR Vessel Parts shop.
7. How do I know if my KOR vessel is completely closed?

   KOR ONE and KOR Delta vessels feature an innovative hinged cap and threadless spout. The cap, hinge and seal have been designed to be completely leak-proof seal when closed. To close, be sure to firmly push down on the cap and ensure the latch closure has fully engaged. You should hear a "snap" sound when the KOR cap is securely closed.

   KOR Vida and Aura: Simply turn the cap clockwise until it is tight, which puts enough pressure between the cap and the spout to seal it closed.

8. My seal came off during washing. What should I do?

   KOR ONE was designed to allow for complete cleaning of the vessel and spout seal. During normal use, it is tethered to the roof of the cap to ensure it does not get lost. To reconnect, simply push the seal along the cap rim. If you have lost your seal, please purchase a new seal in the KOR Vessel Parts shop.

   The seals on the KOR Delta, Vida and Aura are permanently fixed to the cap, so they should not come off while washing.

9. The rubber seal on my KOR ONE cap is gone or needs replacing. How do I get a new one?

   The seal is fully replaceable. Purchase a new seal in the KOR Vessel Parts shop.

10. The cap on my KOR Delta, Aura or Vida needs replacing. How do I get a new one?

    These caps are fully replaceable. They will be available online to purchase in the KOR Vessel Parts shop by July 2012.

11. Can I put my KOR vessels in the freezer?

    We don't recommend it as this may cause the vessel to crack.

12. Can I put hot liquids in my KOR vessel?

    We don't recommend it because the sides of the vessel may get very hot to the touch. However, liquids up to 100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit will not damage the vessel.

13. Can I put alcoholic beverages in the KOR ONE?

    We don't recommend it since the KOR vessels weren't designed to hold alcoholic beverages and hasn't been tested for use with them.

14. Will ice cubes fit in my KOR vessel?

    Yes. We made sure the mouth of the KOR vessels would be large enough to handle most ice cubes.

15. Do I need to wash my KOR vessel before using it for the first time?

    Yes. Before use, you should either thoroughly rinse your vessel with soap and warm water or run it through the dishwasher in the top rack.

16. My company would like to purchase some vessels and put our logo on them. Can you do this?

    Absolutely. A co-branded KOR is a wonderful way to present your company, your team or your special event. Please use our contact form to let us know you are interested and we'll contact you to provide information on our program.

17. Does the KOR vessel keep water cold?

    KOR vessels weren’t designed to keep beverages cold, but its wide mouth is great for dropping in a few ice cubes.

18. Will the KOR ONE or KOR Delta vessel make my water smell or taste like plastic?

    No. We sometimes hear this complaint about polycarbonate, steel, aluminum and HDPE bottles. KOR vessels are made from Eastman Tritan™, which has no odor and imparts no taste.

19. Is the KOR ONE unbreakable?

    No. While made with durable materials and high quality manufacturing techniques, KOR vessels are sophisticated pieces of engineering and not intended for extreme physical conditions. When cared for properly, it will provide years of pleasurable and practical use.

20. Will my KOR vessel leak if I leave it in my bag or I lay it on my car seat?

    KOR vessels are designed to be completely leak-proof under normal conditions and with proper use. As long as the vessel has been properly closed, it should not leak in your bag. Listen for the “click” and you will know it is shut tight.

21. The Stones? thing sounds cool, but what are they?

     

    KOR Stones™ are disc-shaped inserts that fit inside the cap of KOR ONE and KOR Delta vessels. They're a way to personalize your vessel and a reminder of what's important to you. You can put anything you like on a Stone™ — a phrase that inspires you, the name of a loved one, your company's logo, even a picture. Once a Stone™ is inserted, it becomes visible inside the cap so every time you take a drink, you'll have a private moment with your Stone™.

    Our KOR Stones™ are printed on a treeless waterproof paper by Fiberstone®, just in case you get any moisture in the Stone™ area while washing the vessels. When using your own paper or photo, it is advisable to remove it while washing the vessel.

    Each KOR ONE and KOR Delta vessel comes with two Stones™ of pre-printed messages that inspire us (and hopefully you!).

22. Where can I purchase additional KOR Stones??

    We have several different sets of Stones™ available on our website over and above the standard KOR Stones™ that come in your vessel when you purchase it. Please take a look and see what speaks to you!

23. Can I create my own KOR Stones??

    In the near future, we'll be offering some online tools that will make creating Stones™ easy and fun. When you create a Stone™ online, you will have the option of having it printed by us on special waterproof paper and delivered to you or printing it out at home. If you print your stones at home, we want to caution you that the chamber where the Stones™ are inserted isn't waterproof. Washing your vessel or filling it too vigorously could result in your Stone™ getting wet. This could cause the ink to run or the paper to curl. If you create your own Stones™, please remember to remove them before washing your vessel and be careful not to splash too much water on the cap when filling it with water.

24. How do I change my KOR Stone??

    Stones™ are located underneath the cap insert on top of your vessel. The cap insert is the piece of rubber that sits on top of your vessel, directly under the handle. Simply lift the rubber tab and the insert will pop off. Then, insert your Stone™ in the hollow area underneath the insert. Remember to place the Stone™ face down with any words facing the front of the vessel. If you're having trouble removing a stone, just tip the vessel over and give it a little shake. The Stone™ should drop right out.

25. What are KOR Stones? made from?

    Stones™ are printed on a unique recyclable, biodegradable treeless waterproof paper called Fiberstone®. This special treeless paper is actually made up of non-toxic resins and ground up rock.

26. I have been hearing a lot about BPA. What is it?

    Bisphenol-A, also known as BPA, is a chemical that is commonly used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate is the most common type of plastic used in clear water bottles. BPA has been linked to a variety of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and early onset of puberty. The longer a liquid sits in a container made with BPA, the more of it leaches into that liquid. The hotter the liquid and the older the container, the faster this leaching occurs.

    The controversy over BPA has escalated in recent years as more scientific data has accumulated. While government agencies such as the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR) have called for a ban on BPA, the Food and Drug Administration believes these measures are premature and that more research is required.

    As a company, we place the utmost priority on the health safety of our products. While there is still debate over the health impact of BPA, we didn't want to leave anything to chance. That's why none of our products contain BPA.

    The controversy over BPA is complex and fast-moving. To learn more and stay up-to-date we recommend you check out the following resources:

    http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/b/bisphenol_a/index.html http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-09-16-bpa-heart_N.htm

27. What is the KOR ONE made of?

    The main body of the KOR ONE is made from a BPA-free material called Tritan™. Tritan™ is a new co-polyester polymer manufactured by Eastman. We're very excited to partner with Eastman to provide a durable, attractive water vessel that eliminates the concerns of BPA. Additionally, the handle and side trim parts are made from ABS plastic, and the seal, cap insert and soft base are made from GLS TPE. All of these materials are BPA-free and phthalate-free.

28. What is the KOR Delta made of?

    The main body, handle and side trim of the KOR Delta is made from a BPA-free material called Tritan™. Tritan™ is a new co-polyester polymer manufactured by Eastman. We're very excited to partner with Eastman to provide a durable, attractive water vessel that eliminates the concerns of BPA. The seal, cap insert and soft base are made from GLS TPE. All of these materials are BPA-free and phthalate-free.

29. What is the KOR Aura made of?

    The body of the KOR Aura is made of a BPA-free material called Tritan™. Tritan™ is a new co-polyester polymer manufactured by Eastman. We're very excited to partner with Eastman to provide a durable, attractive water vessel that eliminates the concerns of BPA. The cap is made of BPA-free polypropylene with a food grade silicone seal. All of these materials are BPA-free and phthalate-free.

30. What is the KOR Vida made of?

    The body of the KOR Vida is made of tapered 18/8 stainless steel. The spout and cap are both made from BPA-free polypropylene with a food grade silicone seal in the cap. All of these materials are BPA-free and phthalate-free.

31. Is my KOR vessel made from recycled materials?

    No, but we're working on it. Our primary goal was to provide a BPA-free product using a clear, durable material. Tritan™ was therefore the obvious choice for the vessel body on the KOR ONE, the KOR Delta, and the KOR Aura. But while Tritan™ is fully recyclable, it is so new that it is not currently available in recycled form. As the market for Tritan™ matures, we expect this will change.

    In addition to Tritan™, the side, top and bottom trims of the KOR ONE are made from ABS plastic. Recycled ABS is available, but we have not yet been able to find a supply that meets our requirements for color consistency and structural integrity. We continue to evaluate both recycled ABS and other recycled plastics and hope to someday offer a “recycled” KOR vessel that utilizes recycled materials for the trim parts.

32. You say that KOR vessels are recyclable. So why isn't there a recycling symbol or code on it?

    You've probably noticed that many plastic products display a single digit code within a triangular recycling symbol. These are called resin identification codes and they indicate what type of plastic the product is made from. Recycling centers use these codes for sorting the different plastics into groups for efficient recycling. You can view a list of these codes and their definitions here.

    Although the KOR vessels are made from recyclable materials, they fall into the number 7 category, which is reserved for miscellaneous resins (those that aren't covered in categories 1-6) and products that contain a combination of resins. As you can see, KOR vessels are made up of several different materials, while the numbering system only works on single material items.

    Polycarbonate plastic, which contains BPA, also falls into the number 7 category. Unfortunately, this has resulted in news stories instructing consumers to avoid products displaying a number 7 resin code. KOR vessels do not contain BPA and we didn't want consumers to be confused about this. We therefore left off the code.

    We also felt the code was confusing for another reason: it falsely implies that the product is easily recyclable. This is not the case for number 7 resins because very few municipal recycling programs exist for these.