Many companies are currently in the process of making their manufacturing processes and products more ecologically friendly. The Buoy Bottles are already designed according to circularity principles and manufactured in a sustainable process that is entirely solar-powered. Developing the bottles, which are made from 100 per cent recycled HDPE, was by no means easy. One problem the developers faced is that molten HDPE behaves fundamentally differently to new plastic during processing, and it took a great deal of commitment to make everything work. Four years – and four manufacturers – later, the designers were finally satisfied with the shape of the product. Sustainability was always the top priority, but the bottles also had to be functional and emotionally appealing. This is achieved with a three-part design. A convenient finger loop makes it possible to remove the cap with just a few twists. The middle part can also be easily unscrewed to add ice, for example. And the main body can be used as a drinking cup. Considering its 900 ml capacity, this bottle is surprisingly lightweight. The brightly coloured Buoy is designed for consumers with an active lifestyle who like to have their water bottle with them wherever they go. The slightly roughened surface provides excellent grip and makes the bottle ideal for sporting activities. Another practical feature is the finger loop on the cap, which can be used as a carrying ring or attached to a bag. And people who own several Buoys can mix and match different coloured parts to personalise the bottle. “We think Buoy ticks all the boxes,” said the judges. “Made from recycled ocean-bound plastic sourced from coastal regions in North America and elsewhere, it is a great example of a circular design product with impressive functionality. The surface is pleasant to the touch, and the bottles are easy to clean thanks to their modular design. The company even accepts them back for recycling at the end of their useful life. It’s the perfect closed cycle.” So Buoy’s products are not just bottles – they also contain a message that matters.
