Reusable Ice Cubes Market Assessment, By Material [Silicone, Stainless Steel, Plastic, Others], By Packaging [Pack of 6-12 Pcs, Pack of 12-20 Pcs, Pack of 20-30 Pcs, Others], By Application [Residential, Commercial], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offli

Reusable Ice Cubes Market Assessment, By Material [Silicone, Stainless Steel, Plastic, Others], By Packaging [Pack of 6-12 Pcs, Pack of 12-20 Pcs, Pack of 20-30 Pcs, Others], By Application [Residential, Commercial], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global reusable ice cubes market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.35% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 351.2 million in 2023 to USD 667.09 million in 2031. The major factor which drives the growth of the market is the non-melting property unlike the traditional ice cubes, providing a standardized and consistent taste in the drink from the first to the last sip. When the reusable ice cubes are added to the beverage, they help in cooling the beverage without affecting its flavor.

Reusable ice cubes serve as a quick solution for consumers, eliminating the need to fill the ice cube trays and wait long hours for them to freeze. However, the formulation of reusable ice cubes with chemical-based or other harmful materials like plastic may restrain the market's growth. In line with this concern, manufacturers are launching reusable ice cubes designed with safer materials, such as hydrogels and stainless steel, to address the problem and strengthen their position in the market.

Manufacturers have developed innovative reusable ice cubes with different materials and designs, comprising solid and hollow cubes filled with purified water or non-toxic gels, helping in cooling and maintaining the beverage's temperature without the problem of dilution of the drink. The most basic and commonly used ingredient in reusable ice cubes is silica gel, which keeps a beverage cooler longer than a regular ice cube. Since these types of reusable ice cubes can be risky for consumption due to leakage into the beverage, consumers are shifting their preferences towards solid reusable ice cubes made from non-toxic materials such as stainless steel.

Reusable ice cubes are mainly used in the food and beverage industry to cool beverages. Additionally, consumers associate stainless steel reusable ice cubes with a premium option due to their hygienic properties and durability. Other materials, such as plastic and silicone, fall into the mass category due to their cheaper price points and non-durability.

Advent of Freezable Hydrogels

Reusable ice cubes serve as a sustainable, versatile, economical, and convenient option for consumers since they can be washed and used multiple times before discarding them.

Research has been conducted to develop newer and innovative reusable ice cube solutions, such as jelly ice cubes, which are made of Hydrogel or water gel. These jelly ice cubes are a sustainable and eco-friendly option as hydrogel is biodegradable, can be frozen, and re-used multiple times which helps in saving water. These freezable hydrogels are even compostable and can boost the growth of plants as well.

It is an efficient alternative to ice, as just as regular ice, the cooling agent of the hydrogels is water. They provide a similar cooling effect to the ordinary ice. For instance, in the research it was observed that when both the ice cubes were added to a sample, after a duration of 50 minutes, the temperature of a regular ice cube cooled sample was 3.4 degrees Celsius while the sample cooled using jelly ice was 4.4 degrees Celsius. Thus, the jelly ice is as effective as an ordinary ice but is a sustainable option as compared to the latter.

Sustainability to Gain Momentum

Reusable ice cubes are a more sustainable option than regular ice cubes as they eliminate the problem of wastage. Additionally, these reusable ice cubes help in the reduction of water consumption and cater to the problem of limited access to drinking water in some places. Apart from that, there are various single-use disposable ice cube options available in the market, which are made up of plastic. Thus, the reusable ice cube helps consumers avoid the consumption of plastic ice cubes and demand more sustainable options.

Moreover, the innovations by the key players associated with the goal of sustainability, like using environmentally friendly packaging and incorporating recycled materials, resonate with eco-conscious consumers, fostering the growth of the reusable ice cube market as a sustainable alternative to the reusable plastic ice cube. Reusable ice cubes can be cleaned and reused by consumers multiple times, which makes them an economical option, eliminating the waste by the disposal of single-use ice cubes.

Manufacturers and researchers are experimenting with and introducing newer, more sustainable options in the reusable ice cube market to enhance consumers' experiences and supplement the market's growth.

On-going Product Innovation is Driving the Growth

Innovations are playing an essential role in driving the growth of the reusable ice cube market by addressing consumers' needs, enriching the product's functionality, and expanding the market's appeal.

The reusable ice cube market has been witnessing significant innovations in various aspects. One of the notable innovations is the formulation of reusable ice cubes with advanced materials such as stainless steel, bamboo, food-grade silicone, and stones, which provide better durability, long lasting effect, non-diluting solution, temperature retention abilities, and convenience of cleaning as compared to the prevailing plastic reusable ice cubes. For instance, Rock Ridge Outdoors LLC’s Mammoth stainless steel reusable ice cubes are developed with 18/8 kitchen grade stainless steel.

The manufacturers are innovating reusable ice cubes in terms of shape, material, and size. Additionally, the key players are expanding their existing product portfolios by launching innovative reusable ice cubes, such as those that incorporate LEDs. For instance, Flashing Blinky Lights’s multicolor LED Ice Cubes can be used in drinks to decorate them as well.

The key players' innovation in reusable ice cubes is driving the market's growth due to their enhanced functionality.

Stainless Steel Reusable Ice Cube Contributing to the Trend

The stainless-steel ice cubes are expected to gain popularity in the forecast period as they cater to the premium audience and give a luxurious appeal to the consumers. Also, as stainless-steel ice cubes are durable, they are considered a reasonable alternative to other reusable ice cubes. They offer convenience in cleaning and are a hygienic option that ensures food safety. Unlike other materials, such as plastics, stainless steel, a non-porous material, is resistant to the growth of bacteria them, reducing the risk of contamination of the beverage.

Additionally, being a long-lasting and safe material option for reusable ice cubes, they provide superior cooling properties, increasing their advent among consumers seeking superior quality and sustainable alternatives to other reusable ice cubes. They can keep the beverages cooler for a longer duration without the problem of dilution of the drink or degradation of the material, making it a preferred choice.

Moreover, their non-toxic and non-reactive properties make them a preferred option for beverages such as wine and whiskey, which have a delicate taste, and any contamination leads to the alteration of their flavor profile. For instance, Qoolivin is offering reusable stainless steel ice stones for Scotch Whiskey, Wine, and other drinks.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

The market is saturated with reusable ice cubes made from stainless steel and plastic. The key players are innovating in the industry and introducing better, new, and effective reusable ice cube solutions to cool beverages, replacing traditional water-based ice cubes. For instance, manufacturers are working on launching bamboo-based reusable ice cubes, jelly ice cubes, and other chemically manufactured ice cubes. Research is ongoing on the introduction of jelly ice cubes as a sustainable solution in the category of reusable ice cubes.

With the rising problem of accessibility to clean drinking water, reusable ice cube will be in greater demand in the future.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players in the market are helping in the growth by focusing on continuous product innovation, retail expansions, and strategic marketing. The manufacturers are actively expanding their product portfolio, increasing the base of the customers and catering to their evolving needs.

The key players are making innovations in terms of shapes, sizes, materials, and packaging in the reusable ice cube market. For instance, Tero Design Holdings, LLC retails its whisky stones in a golf theme retail box. Kikkerland Design Inc being a dominant player in the market has a varied product offering for its consumers. For instance, they offer reusable ice cubes made of food safe BPA-free plastic, in multiple colors like pink, violet, green, blue, and yellow.