Revolutionizing Food Storage: The One-Two-One Glass Container

Wanhang Zhao's Award-Winning Design Merges Sustainability and Innovation

One-Two-One is a glass container designed for home use, comprising two parts, both made entirely of glass. The container's unique property lies in its ability to form a confined space for food storage using only glass and water. A water channel on the edge of the glass creates a water seal, eliminating the need for other materials. This single-material design not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also reduces the energy consumed during the glass sorting process.

Wanhang Zhao's inspiration for this design stemmed from his research on glass recycling. He discovered that food containers required the most sorting due to their composition of at least two different materials. By creating a container that uses only one material, Zhao has effectively reduced the need for sorting and, in turn, the energy consumption associated with it.

The One-Two-One container is produced using a 3D print to create a positive mold, which is then used to make a native plaster mold for glass blowing. The end product measures 170mm x 170mm x 124mm, a perfect size for home use. The container's operation is simple: pour water on the water channel, place food in the container, and put the lid on.

The design project, which began in September 2019 in Sweden, was exhibited at the Stockholm Furniture Fair and Malmo Design Center in 2020. Despite the challenges of incorporating an old-fashioned technology like the water seal into a modern aesthetic, Zhao was able to strike a balance between the two, creating a design that is both efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

In conclusion, Wanhang Zhao's One-Two-One glass container is a testament to the power of innovative thinking in the face of environmental challenges. By reimagining the way we store food, Zhao has created a design that is not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly. It is a shining example of how design can be used to create sustainable solutions for everyday problems.