Consumer watchdog finds travel mugs unable to hold their stated capacity

The Consumer Council tested 18 models of tumblers and travel mugs purchased from retailers and found that the nominal capacity of five of them was more than 10 percent less than the stated capacity, thus falling short of the relevant labeling requirement of the European standard.

The 18 models of tumblers and travel mugs include seven equipped with a drinking straw, and 11 of a typical tumbler or coffee mug style, and all with a lid. The models were priced from about HK$80 to HK$425, with purported capacities ranging from 350ml to 900ml.

According to the Council, the tests were conducted in accordance with the European standard, in filling the models with room temperature water until the water level was 10mm below the lid after it was closed, and this was taken as the nominal capacity.

Out of the 18 tested, 14 of them recorded a nominal capacity that was 3.33 percent to 20.24 percent below the stated capacity. In five models, the discrepancy even exceeded 10 percent, thus failing to comply with the European standard that allowed for a 10 percent discrepancy, said the watchdog.

The biggest discrepancy was noted in 1 model branded “PoleBear” which was priced the lowest - about HK$80. Its stated capacity was 420ml, but its measured nominal capacity was just 335ml, a discrepancy of over 20 percent.

The Council also noted that even if the water level was filled right up to the lid or with the lid partially immersed in water to measure the maximum capacity of each model, in one model with a purported capacity of 600ml, its maximum capacity was only 532ml, which was 11.33 percent below the stated capacity.

In addition to reflecting the test results to the manufacturers, the Council has passed the results to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up.

Meanwhile, the Council’s test also revealed significant differences in the insulation capabilities of each model.

The test, carried out with reference to the European standard, first saw the models filled with hot water at 95 degrees Celsius or above. When they were placed in an environment of around 20 degrees Celsius for 6 hours, the temperatures dropped to between 26.3 degrees and 63.8 degrees.