nendo tackles plastic waste with replaceable paper carton soap dispenser

led by oki sato, japanese design studio nendo has unveiled a replaceable soap dispenser which aims to tackle the environmental problem presented by plastic waste pollution. it is known that refillable liquid hand soap, shampoo and body wash, among others, are used by many. the problem is that the repeated use of these containers present a hygiene issue while their disposal is not safe for the environment. in response to this, nendo has created a dispenser with a replaceable body that stays clean and even contributes to plastic waste reduction.

images by akihiro yoshida

nendo has envisioned a dispenser shaped like a milk carton container with some clever twists. the replaceable part of the soap dispenser will be the carton one which has been designed in such way that none of your product will be left to waste. this container has been constructed to have the pump directly inserted into it. to do so, just turn the carton upside down — with the gabled part down — and insert the pump on top, just like with a juice straw. this also ensures the contents will not spill when refilling.

this new replaceable dispenser ensures your soap or detergent never mixes with the remainder of the old formula. the liquid inside the container will be used to the last drop as the liquid collects in the center of the carton’s gable top which rests at the base of the dispenser. consequently, the top and bottom covers distribute the pressure of the pump, making the carton less likely to collapse and preventing it from getting soaked and moldy. unlike standard plastic pouches, the cartons’ boxlike shape allows them to be stacked for storage. two types of pumps and replacement container sizes were prepared: liquid and foam, 250 and 400 ml.

the product launch is intended for 2022. product specifications may change.