You can bend this bottle - and why I'm not the only one who likes it
It has an origami look and can be folded into a small pack size. Because it is also made from plant-based raw materials, the Difold bottle was honoured with an award at the ISPO sports trade fair.
Having a reusable water bottle with you on hikes, during sport and in everyday life has long been standard practice. After all, you can reduce the use of single-use plastic and stay hydrated. But when it's empty, your conventional bottle often takes up an unnecessary amount of space in your bag or rucksack. And therefore sometimes stays at home after all.
The Bulgarian company Difold wanted to find a remedy. It developed a 0.75 litre water bottle that can be folded to a fraction of its size. Difold's folding bottle was honoured with the Globetrotter "Brandnew Special Recognition Award" at the award ceremony at the ISPO sports trade fair. Also this year, Difold has already won a Red Dot Design Award, an IF Design Award and a Design Educates Award. Old butterfly, I think.
Source: Siri Schubert
Silicone bottles that can be reduced to a small pack size already exist. Boyana Siromahova, responsible for Business Development at the bottle manufacturer, explains to me why Difold took a different approach. Difold was looking for a material that was plant-based and recyclable without any loss of quality. It also needed to be robust so that it could withstand frequent folding and prevent the bottle from wobbling around or buckling when filled.
Raw material from rapeseed
Difold found a suitable partner in the Dutch company DSM Engineering Materials. The material for the bottle consists partly of rapeseed oil and, according to the manufacturer, does not absorb the odour or taste of the drinks. As it is designed to withstand temperatures from -30°C to 100°C, it can be washed in the dishwasher.
Can be used as a drinking bottle, but also for shampoo
The special origami-inspired folding structure, developed by architect and co-founder Petar Zaharinov, makes the bottle both robust and small when folded. Difold is also considering other uses in addition to the drinking bottle. For example, the bottles could be used as containers for refillable shampoo or detergent in unpackaged shops. The Difold bottle is not yet in the Galaxus range, but I will let you know as soon as it is available.
Cover photo: Siri Schubert
Research diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.