Overview
One million single-use bottles are sold around the world every minute — that's over 500 billion per year. As well as being incredibly imperishable, they often contain chemicals that can seep out if exposed to heat — worldwide plastic production currently uses more oil than the entire aviation sector. It's a big problem. Undrinkable water is also a big problem, but that's another kettle of plastic-engulfed fish.
The good news is that a new decomposable water bottle has been created to reduce the effects of plastic waste, and right here in New Zealand. The Plant Bottle was created by Southern Lakes-based company For The Better Good (FTBG). The bottles are made from everyday plants including corn and potatoes, rather than chemical-laced oil, and will break down in a commercial compost facility in 90 to 180 days. The bottles will be sold and recollected within a closed-loop, waste-free system to help eliminate plastic waste.
FTBG founder Jayden Klinac had his first lightbulb moment after using a friend's pod coffee machine. The journey started with biodegradable coffee capsules before he started seeing other products that could be replaced with plant-based alternatives. "I wanted to target the pinnacle of plastic waste: single-use water bottles."
FTBG has also developed one of the world's first plant-based, compostable lids. The current lid is made from 100% recycled polypropylene. The company is also trialling a recycling system to turn used plant bottles back into another generation of the product.
The bottles will be launched at Wanaka's TUKI festival on February 10, where festival-goers will ideally purchase one bottle and refill it at water stations throughout the day.
Find more information about Plant Bottle and For The Better Good here.