IIT-M grad designs ‘cool’ water bottles to help Chennaiites beat the heat

Made of red clay, jute and cork, the bottle is designed to hold water at an optimal temperature. Many in the city have started making the push towards containers made out of clay due to its many health benefits and their desire to get ‘back-to-the-roots’. In anticipation of this, Gangaram launched his brand Kandy Bottle two years ago, and has thus far sold nearly 2,500 such bottles.

“What I found was that the refrigerated water bottles we buy from shops are too cold to be consumed straightaway. Also, consuming cold water after being out in the hot sun can cause illness due to the sudden temperature change. These clay bottles keep the water at optimum temperatures to ensure that the water is refreshing and easily consumable,” said the 35-year-old. Clay also maintains the pH balance of water, and is said to boost metabolism and virility.

The popularity of the clay bottle, said Gangaram, is due to the increased environmental awareness in the city. “More and more people are showing awareness on the products they use and the waste they create. This is the first step towards developing an environmentally-conscious lifestyle, and people are slowly taking to these kinds of products,” he said.

Gangaram’s company now employs around 35 local potters to assist him with the production. “After I left IIT, I worked with the Centre for Social innovation and Entrepreneurship. I worked with artisans in rural areas. What I discovered was that while they have skill, they do not have the knowledge and skills to market, and this is what was holding them back. As I am a designer, I decided to act as the bridge,” he said.

Currently, his team is working on ensuring that there is not much leakage due to the porous nature of the bottle, as well as improving the strength of the bottle to avoid breakage. He has also launched a website www.kandybottle.com to popularise his product.