Mepal

Overview

Mepal is a Dutch lifestyle consumer brand specializing in innovative, high-quality, and sustainable products for storing, serving, and transporting food and drinks, including food storage boxes, tableware, lunchboxes, bottles, and flasks. Headquartered in Lochem, Netherlands, it sells through mass and specialty retail, e-commerce partners, and its own online channels, with growth driven by expansion into German retail and e-commerce since 2018. The brand emphasizes premium design, functionality, quality, sustainability, and innovation, holding B-Corp certification since 2024.

History

Mepal began producing smart plastic products for storing food in the 1950s. It launched the Basic dinnerware line in 1976 and the school series lunchboxes around 1994, maintaining timeless designs for over 70 years. The company experienced strong growth since 2018 through retail expansion in Germany and e-commerce. In 2021, 3i Group invested in Mepal to support further European market development.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in the Netherlands, with a focus on using recyclable materials to enhance sustainability. The company supports product longevity by allowing customers to reorder replacement parts.

Notable Products

• Basic Dinnerware - Timeless plastic tableware line introduced in 1976.
• School Series Lunchboxes - Durable lunchboxes in production for 30 years.
• Food Storage Boxes - Sustainable boxes for storing food.
• Lunchboxes for Adults - Functional on-the-go meal containers.
• Drink Bottles and Flasks - Portable, leak-proof drinkware.

Reputation

Mepal is recognized by consumers and professionals for its premium design, functionality, quality, and sustainability efforts, including B-Corp certification and design awards. It differentiates through innovation in redesigning concepts and launching new lines, contributing to reduced food waste and single-use packaging. No significant criticisms noted in available sources.