FAQ
1. Do you offer individual customization?
Absolutely - that's the heart and soul of our company. We can customize anything you want, any way you want.
2. Why do we only sell Brumate Tumblers?
Brumate is an environmentally friendly company that uses recyclable packaging and is the only brand on the market that uses tumbler lids made from recycled plastic.
3. Acrylic is not normally known as being environmentally friendly. How is yours different?
Recycled acrylic is considered environmentally friendly for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the production of recycled acrylic requires significantly less energy and resources than the production of new acrylic. By recycling acrylic, we are able to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, which helps to mitigate the negative impacts of plastic pollution on the environment. Additionally, the use of recycled acrylic reduces the demand for new acrylic, which in turn reduces the need for fossil fuels that are used in the production of new plastic. Overall, the use of recycled acrylic is an effective way to promote sustainability and reduce our impact on the environment.
4. I want a tumbler with a different color logo. Why can you only do silver?
Our tumblers are engraved; the outer coating is engraved to expose the stainless steel beneath it. That shows the gray (silver color). We do not use vinyl on ANY of our products because vinyl is also known to be toxic. When PVC vinyl is produced, it releases a variety of harmful chemicals, including dioxins, phthalates, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals can have a wide range of negative effects on human health and the environment. For example, exposure to dioxins has been linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, and immune system damage, while phthalates have been associated with hormonal imbalances and other health issues. In addition, when PVC vinyl is incinerated or disposed of in landfills, it can release even more toxic chemicals into the air and soil, further contributing to environmental pollution and human health risks.
5. Why can't you make larger wood photos or signs?
Real wood is generally considered less toxic than plywood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) due to the chemicals used in the manufacturing process of these engineered wood products. Plywood and MDF are made by combining wood fibers or veneers with adhesives and resins, which may contain formaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can cause health problems such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as more serious issues like cancer. In contrast, real wood is a natural product that does not require the use of harmful chemicals in its production. As a result, real wood is often seen as a safer and healthier choice for both people and the environment. The wood we use is sustainable harvested and since trees only grow so big, we are limited in size due to the size of the boards.
6. Do you use plastic for shipping? Absolutely NOT!
Plastic has become a ubiquitous material in many industries, including shipping and packaging. While plastic is lightweight, durable, and inexpensive, it poses a significant environmental threat. When used for shipping products, plastic generates a significant amount of waste that takes centuries to decompose, clogging landfills and waterways. Furthermore, the production of plastic requires the use of non-renewable resources, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, and causing environmental pollution during the manufacturing process. Plastic waste also has adverse impacts on marine life, with animals mistaking plastic for food or getting trapped in plastic debris. For all these reasons, using plastic for shipping products is not sustainable and we do not use it. Our shipping materials are biodegradable.
7. How are your aluminum wallet cards sustainable?
Aluminum is considered a sustainable material for several reasons. First, it is highly recyclable, which means that it can be used and reused repeatedly without losing its properties. In fact, aluminum can be recycled indefinitely, which reduces the need for mining new materials and lowers the energy required to produce new products. Second, aluminum is lightweight, which means that it requires less energy to transport than other materials. This reduces carbon emissions and helps to mitigate the environmental impact of transportation. Finally, aluminum is corrosion-resistant, which means that it has a long lifespan and requires minimal maintenance, reducing the need for replacement and associated waste. Overall, the sustainable properties of aluminum make it a popular choice special gift giving.
8. Are refrigerator magnets really eco-friendly?
Yes! Refrigerator magnets are generally considered to be eco-friendly as they are made from materials that are recyclable and reusable. Most magnets used for refrigerators are made from ferrite, a type of ceramic material that contains iron oxide and is not harmful to the environment. Ferrite magnets can also be easily demagnetized, making them safe to dispose of in regular waste. Additionally, refrigerator magnets can be used to hold notes and reminders, which can help to reduce paper waste by providing an alternative to disposable sticky notes.
9. Why do you not use mineral oil on your cutting boards?
Mineral oil is a type of petroleum-based oil that is commonly used as a wood finish and for lubrication. While it may seem like a good idea to use mineral oil on a cutting board to keep it from drying out and prevent cracking, it is not recommended. The main reason is that mineral oil can go rancid over time, which can make your cutting board smell and potentially affect the taste of your food. Additionally, mineral oil is not food-safe and may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into your food over time. Instead, it is recommended to use food-grade oils, such as coconut oil or beeswax, which are safe for human consumption and won't go rancid like mineral oil. Our oil is a special formulation of fractionated coconut oil, essential oil, rosemary extract and sunflower oil.
10. How do you print your products?
We only use UVLED printing technology.
UVLED printing is considered to be more eco-friendly than sublimation printing because UVLED inks do not contain solvents or other harmful chemicals, which can be released into the environment during the printing process. UVLED printers also consume less energy than traditional printers and do not produce as much waste due to their instant drying process.
In contrast, sublimation printing involves the transfer of dye onto an item using high heat and pressure, which can release harmful VOCs into the air. Additionally, sublimation inks are often petroleum-based, which means they are not biodegradable and can have a negative impact on the environment if not disposed of properly. The heat used in sublimation printing can also consume more energy than UVLED printing, which adds to its environmental impact.
Another factor that can make UVLED printing more eco-friendly is that it can be used on a wide range of substrates, including plastics and metals, without requiring pre-treatment, while sublimation printing is primarily used on polyester or polymer-coated surfaces. Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum-based materials, and it is not considered to be eco-friendly. Like polyester, some polymer coatings may not be biodegradable and can take a long time to break down in the environment. This can contribute to the buildup of waste in landfills and the release of microplastics into the environment.
It's important to note that both UVLED printing and sublimation printing can have environmental impacts, and the eco-friendliness of each method depends on various factors such as the ink and substrate used, the energy efficiency of the printer, and the disposal of waste materials. However, overall, UVLED printing is often considered to be a more eco-friendly printing method due to its lower energy consumption, reduced waste, and use of non-toxic inks.