The Ocean Bottle

David Platt • 1 February 2023

When one thinks of environmentally friendly promotional products – one often thinks of recycled plastic and biodegradable items which compromise the design and performance. This product is real exception.

The concept is to fund the collection of ocean bound waste and to use it in high end product which can provide funds for the whole collection and recycling project. Every ocean bottle prevents 11.4kg of plastic waste entering the sea. That’s equivalent to 1,000 plastic water bottles!

Why is Ocean Plastic so important?

According to Friends of the Earth – ‘The total amount of plastic entering the marine environments is over 12m tonnes a year. For comparison a double decker bus weighs about 12 tonnes.

Sea creatures can get tangles in plastic or mistake it for food and the effects are often fatal. Harmful chemicals linked to plastic have been found in species from plankton to dolphins’

( https://friendsoftheearth.uk/plastics )

The UK public had their attention drawn to the issue by the legendary Sir David Attenborough in his thought provoking film Life on our Planet ( https://attenboroughfilm.com/ ). The media has shown us pictures of turtles entangled in plastic and disturbing images of rivers filled with strewn plastic waste. However it is not just the visible plastic problem but also the micro plastics ingested by marine life killing various sea creatures and ultimately entering the food chain. There is now a recognition that this is a global problem.

Ocean bound plastic is defined as -Plastic waste removed from the environment within 50 kilometres of a coastline. Ocean-bound collection programs motivate local entrepreneurs to recover plastic waste before it reaches the ocean. This may also be called prevented ocean plastic and may be included under the umbrella of recycled “ocean plastic.” - https://sustainablebrands.com/

The ocean bottle project uses the ocean bound plastic in its construction but also helps fund some of the projects worldwide, in particularly in the less developed areas of the world were the problem of ocean bound plastic can be most severe. This is done through the social enterprise Plastic Bank ( https://plasticbank.com/ ) that’s sole purpose is the collection of ocean bound plastic and claims to have so far recovered in excess of one billion bottles which would have otherwise entered our seas.

Infographic explaining the recycling credentials of the Ocean bottl

The Ocean bottle

Using ocean bound plastic in a promotional item might, for some, have been sufficient to provide an innovative and attractive product, but this bottle goes further. Using designers with a real eye for the elegant they have created a design aimed to challenge the likes of Yeti and Chilly. The bottle is not cheap at around £40 retail, compared to a Chilly at around £30, but the result of some superior design thought is an elegant product which anyone would be pleased to receive.

Not too surprisingly, the bottle has won awards including a Green Product Award for its environmental impact but also a Red Dot Design award for designer Marius Andresen of K8 Industridesign, Oslo. ( https://k8.no/ ).

The advantage for the marketer of this eco-friendly promotional product is that the back story is remarkable and it provides a big plus to the sustainability credentials of any company. A fact not lost on some of the customers which include Google, Mercedes, WebEx and EY. The successful campaigns from these brands have been careful to not only brand the bottle but have provided the receiver with the full story, so that they can feel a part of the project.

The design of the eco bottle - recycled ocean bound plastic

Made in Shanghai in a state of the art factory that nailed its SMETA audit (reference 10182431052) and has a 15,000 m2 solar system.

The bottles are always shipped or sent by rail freight and when sent by air the manufacturer pays extra towards carbon offsetting. We are happy to provide you with more information should you need it, transparency is the way forward here.

The product comes in a range of 6 tasteful colours which reflect the environment – Sky, Sun, Forest, Ocean, Rock and Obsidian. The choice of muted tones is no accident and is in keeping with the bottle shape and the personality of the design.

The co-branding has to follow strict guidelines with laser engraving to an area on the opposite side of the Ocean Brand logo – but the guidelines do not feel restrictive. It would be a crime to take an award winning design and ruin it with careless co-branding.

And Finally

Pavilion is not claiming that all other bottles are not environmentally worthy. Indeed any re-useable bottle, whatever its nature, is far better than a single use plastic bottle. And there are some great bottle products including those made from re-cycled plastic and sugar based bio-plastics which are fully biodegradable. In the right campaign these much cheaper alternatives provide a great solution.

What struck Pavilion was the blend of environmental credentials and award winning design.

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Raster versus Vector - advice for the decoration of branded promotional merchandise

by David Platt • 5 February 2025

Understanding Vector Files vs Raster Files for Eco Promotional Products When it comes to branding on eco promotional products, understanding the different file types is crucial. Whether you’re creating logos for reusable water bottles or designing training manuals, the choice between vector and raster files significantly impacts the quality, scalability, and versatility of your designs. In this blog, we’ll explore the characteristics of these two file types, their applications, and why choosing the right format matters for both print and digital media. --- What Are Vector Files? Vector files are a digital image format based on mathematical formulas that define shapes, lines, and colours. Unlike raster files, which are made up of pixels, vector files use points and paths, allowing them to remain resolution-independent and infinitely scalable. Common vector file formats include **.SVG** (Scalable Vector Graphics), **.AI** (Adobe Illustrator), and **.EPS** (Encapsulated PostScript). Advantages of Vector Files 1. Scalability: Vector files can be scaled up or down without any loss in quality. Whether you’re designing a logo for a promotional pen or a large conference banner, vector graphics remain crisp and clear. This scalability makes them ideal for **printing on eco promotional products**, signage, and manuals. 2. Editability: Vector files are highly editable. Designers can easily adjust individual elements like shapes, colours, and sizes without compromising image quality. This flexibility is particularly useful for **custom branding**, where logos or designs need modifications for various products. 3. Small File Sizes: Vector files are typically smaller than raster files because they store mathematical data rather than individual pixels. This makes them faster to load, ideal for web use, and easier to share across platforms. Applications of Vector Files Vector files are perfect for projects that require sharp, scalable designs. Their primary uses include: - **Eco promotional products**: Logos for reusable bottles, tote bags, and stationery. - **Print materials**: Brochures, business cards, and training manuals. - **Signage**: Pop-up banners and large-scale graphics. - **Web graphics**: Icons, infographics, and logos for websites. --- What Are Raster Files? Raster files, also called bitmap images, consist of individual pixels that make up the image. These files are resolution-dependent, meaning their quality is determined by the **pixels per inch (PPI)** or **dots per inch (DPI)**. Common raster file formats include **JPEG**, **PNG**, and **TIFF**. Advantages of Raster Files 1. Photorealistic Detail: Raster files excel at capturing detailed and complex images, such as photographs or digital paintings. This makes them ideal for **photographic designs** used in digital or print materials. 2. Image Effects: Raster files support various effects, such as shading, filters, and blurring. These capabilities allow designers to enhance photos or create artistic visuals for **social media posts, eBooks**, or website banners. Applications of Raster Files Raster files are better suited for detailed, photorealistic designs. Their primary uses include: - **eBooks and digital materials**: Low-resolution images for screens. - **Web graphics**: Social media posts and website banners. - **Photography**: Printing high-resolution photos for promotional use. - **Complex artwork**: Digital illustrations or detailed graphics. --- Vector vs Raster Files: Key Differences 1. Scalability - **Vector Files:** Infinitely scalable without loss of quality, ideal for logos and large-format printing. - **Raster Files:** Lose quality and become pixelated when enlarged. 2. Editability - **Vector Files:** Easy to edit individual elements (shapes, colours, etc.), making them versatile for product branding. - **Raster Files:** Difficult to edit without compromising quality. 3. Resolution Dependence - **Vector Files:** Resolution-independent; sharp at any size. - **Raster Files:** Resolution-dependent; quality depends on the original PPI or DPI. 4. File Size - **Vector Files:** Smaller file sizes, suitable for web use and quick loading. - **Raster Files:** Larger file sizes due to pixel data. --- Why File Choice Matters for Eco Promotional Products When creating branded materials for eco promotional products, the right file type ensures your designs are visually appealing and consistent across all platforms. Here’s why: - **For Print:** Vector files are essential. Logos and graphics need to be sharp and scalable for different product sizes, from mugs to banners. Vector files also work best for high-resolution branding on training manuals or reusable promotional items. - **For Digital:** Raster files are better suited for low-resolution displays, such as eBooks, social media posts, and websites. However, remember that even digital logos and icons can benefit from vector files for faster loading and a crisper appearance. --- Partnering with Pavilion Earth for Your Eco Promotional Needs At Pavilion Earth, we understand the importance of getting your branding right, whether it’s for a biodegradable tote bag, a stainless steel water bottle, or digital training materials. Choosing the right file format is just one step in ensuring your promotional products reflect your values and your brand’s quality. Our team can guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the correct file types for your eco promotional products. Need help deciding between vector and raster files? Let us assist you in optimising your designs for maximum impact. Contact Pavilion Earth today to discuss your promotional product needs and branding goals. Together, we’ll make sure your materials stand out while staying eco-conscious.