Image courtesy of Phase One Photography

A team of science researchers and designers has developed a prototype for a plant-based container to replace the much-maligned plastic water bottle. Led by designer Francois Azambourg and Harvard University’s Donald Ingber, whose work focuses on biologically inspired engineering, the initiative to completely rethink the transport of water has resulted in this newly unveiled model after two years of experimentation. The project was recently displayed at the research and exhibition space Le Laboratoire in Paris, including documentation of the entire design process, both the breakthroughs and the stumbling points as the team sought the proper materials and composition.

The pouch-like invention finally arrived upon represents a clear departure in design from the common bottle. Made from brown algae, this new creation functions as a more sustainable container than the plastic sort made from petroleum. It’s also closer to nature in its form and function, echoing the membrane of the biological cell. In the quest to preserve the natural world then, the message appears simple: borrow from it.