LastSwab Herbruikbare Depper

Press Kit

Unique Properties

LastSwab is a reusable and sustainable alternative to single-use cotton swabs. LastSwab is designed to be used up to a thousand times and to be easy to use, easy to clean, and most importantly designed to feel like the swabs we are used to. It is made in two versions, a Basic version to replace the purpose of a cotton swab, and a Beauty version with an angled tip for correcting make-up. Both come in a carrying case made from recycled ocean-bound plastic, which is also used for the rod of the swab.

Dimensions & Packaging

LastSwab (in carrying case): Width 109 mm x Depth 18 mm x Height 14 mm

Tags

Reusable, Sustainable, Swab, Buds, Q Tip, Alternative, Ocean Bound Plastic, Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Ears

Production Technology

In collaboration with Resea Project, ocean-bound plastic is collected and driven to a factory where it is transformed into plastic pellets. Afterward, the plastic pellets are pressed through an injection mold and into molds that shape the rod. Then the rod is mechanically removed, turned, and over-molded. In the next step, the tip made of TPE is applied to the rod. Finally, the swab is put into the carrying case, which undergoes the same stage of production as the rod, only in a different mold.

Design Challenge

The hardest part is creating something new, while at the same time not forcing change upon the user. We all know how hard it is to change our habits. If you create a product that expects the user to change a habit you risk them buying it but not using it. This would defeat the purpose of LastObject. Creating something beautiful, durable, simple, environmentally friendly, and self-explanatory is also important, but less of a challenge.

Research

Online search will usually lead to scientific or business reports. Ultimately we'll create several "life cycle assessment" reports for each of our products to understand the impact better. It starts with the question: Does this need to be a single-use item?
We used Google and Wikipedia which then led us to more hard facts.
We do user trials with prototypes. Our process is quite circular: research, design, tests, feedback, design changes, or new research and repeat.

Inspiration

Every day 1.5 billion disposable cotton swabs are produced and every year an average person uses hundreds of them. To manufacture a disposable cotton swab resources have to be taken out of the ground, moved to a production facility, produced, packaged, shipped, and then purchased by a consumer. This entire procedure requires the cotton swab to be used once and then discarded. By using LastSwab we eliminate the need to produce and use resources that are unnecessary.

Project Duration

The project started in November 2018 in Copenhagen and LastSwab launched on the crowdfunding platforms Kickstarter and IndieGoGo in April 2019. LastSwab is now available on our own website.

Operation Flow

When using LastSwab, simply take it out of the carrying case and use it for any purpose you may have. It can be used for anything that you would use a regular cotton swab for. It does not absorb water. After using it, you can clean it with hot water and soap.
The beauty swab has an angled tip that is made for correcting make-up.

Patents

Patent Application No: PCT/EP2020/050768 - PCT

Image Credits

Image #1, Photographer Tetiana Kolosko, 2021
Optional Image #1, Photographer Tetiana Kolosko, 2021
Optional Image #2, Photographer Tetiana Kolosko, 2021
Optional Image #3, Photographer Tetiana Kolosko, 2021
Optional Image #4, Photographer Tetiana Kolosko, 2021
Video Credits:Edvinas Maciulevicius and Louise B.Maciulevicius, silksocial.co, 2020