In our blog posts we often talk about socially responsible design – the benefits of which far extend aesthetics.
The work of product design student Ari Jónsson most definitely falls into this category, with his biodegradable water bottle project being both innovative and practical.
Jónsson combines red algae powder with water to create a material that is 100% environmentally friendly – something the designer feels particularly passionate about.
The product was first exhibited at DesignMarch , Reykjavik (10-13 March 2016), and was developed by Jónsson during his studies at the Iceland Academy of the Arts.
The creation process involves heating powdered agar mixed with water to form a jelly-like material. This is then added to a freezing-cold mould that has been cut to the shape of a bottle. Through swirling the mixture around inside the mould, whilst it’s submerged in a bucket of cold water, the bottle takes its shape and form.
As long as the bottle is filled with water it will retain its shape, but once empty it will quickly start to decompose.
