Member Spotlight: How First Editions is Pioneering Sustainable Drinkware
Reusable drinkware might not instantly strike you as central to clean growth, but it helps cut waste at scale and supports a culture of greener choices. That’s why we’re delighted to introduce First Editions, an onsite member at Tyseley Energy Park.
In our latest member spotlight blog, we discuss the work that First Editions does; from its origins in 1994 to the launch of its latest award-winning product.
Meet First Editions
First Editions began in 1994 as a UK importer of European bottle manufacturers and quickly became a trusted supplier through strong customer service and a personal approach.
By 2002, the company had shifted direction by creating a UK-based printing service, holding stock, and offering in-house personalisation. Growth continued through the acquisition of competitors, several relocations, and a major move in 2007. This created the capacity needed for investment in UK moulding and next generation technology.
In 2014, First Editions launched its first full colour print solution and in 2015 introduced Europe’s first digital print service for bottles, achievements that helped secure the British Plastic Federation’s Horners Bottle Makers Award in 2017.
Today, First Editions is the largest specialist trade supplier of British-made branded sports bottles and remains an independent family-run business. Its purpose-built facility onsite at Tyseley Energy Park houses advanced machinery including digital print systems, twin head blow moulding, injection-blow moulding, and automated screen printing.
The company designs, manufactures and brands all products in the UK, maintaining strict quality control and supporting many global brands.
Introducing Foamo
With sustainability driving demand, First Editions now offers a range of reusable drinkware from sports bottles to protein shakers, plus biodegradable options. The team identified a surge in popularity for all things reusable, driven by the global concern for single-use plastics.
The company’s answer to this demand: Foamo.
Weighing just 60g, Foamo cups are ultra-low CO2, using 85% less virgin material compared to standard reusable cups and are 70% plant based. The patented foam core gives warmth, strength, and lightness, while using 50% less material and generating a carbon footprint 20× smaller than standard reusable cups.
From the very first use, Foamo produces less CO₂e than a paper cup. A lower-impact latte from day one. Explore its Life Cycle Assessment here to discover more about the positive impact it has on the environment.
Time to celebrate
At Merchandise World in January 2026, First Editions’ Foamo product took home three British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) awards in the categories of ‘Drinkware Product of the Year’, ‘UK Made Product of the Year’, and the prestigious ‘Grand Prix’ award.
Mark Alderson, CEO at First Editions, commented: “We’re incredibly proud to share that FOAMO has been voted BPMA Grand Prix winner.
“FOAMO isn’t just another cup. It’s reshaping the way we think about plastic, sustainability, and reusable solutions, proving that innovation can drive real change.
“A massive thank you to British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA), our brilliant team and everyone who’s supported the journey so far. This is a proud moment and we’re only just getting started.”
David Horsfall, Director of Property and Sustainability, Tyseley Energy Park, said: “We’re delighted that First Edition’s Foamo cup has been recognised on this scale. To support another family-run business drive progress towards a circular economy is what we envisioned the ecosystem at Tyseley Energy Park achieving when we established it. I can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Want to join First Editions and become part of Tyseley Energy Park’s story? Get in touch here to find out how our collaborative ecosystem can help your business scale-up and become part of the clean growth revolution.