Revolutionizing Sustainability: The LastSwab

LastObject's Reusable Swab Redefines Personal Care

Every day, 1.5 billion disposable cotton swabs are produced, contributing to environmental waste. LastObject, a design team comprising Isabel Aagaard, Nicolas Aagaard, and Kåre Frandsen, sought to challenge this wasteful practice. Inspired by the alarming statistics, they created LastSwab, a reusable swab designed to be used up to a thousand times.

What sets LastSwab apart from other products is its unique design and sustainable production process. Available in two versions - Basic and Beauty - the swab is designed to feel like traditional cotton swabs. The Basic version serves the same purpose as a regular cotton swab, while the Beauty version features an angled tip for correcting makeup. Both versions come in a carrying case made from recycled ocean-bound plastic, which is also used for the swab's rod.

The production process of LastSwab is a testament to sustainable innovation. In collaboration with Resea Project, ocean-bound plastic is collected and transformed into plastic pellets. These pellets are then molded into the rod and carrying case of the swab. The swab's tip, made of TPE, is applied to the rod, creating a product that is not only reusable but also made from recycled materials.

The design of LastSwab is not just about sustainability; it's about practicality too. The swab is easy to use, clean, and carry. It does not absorb water, making it ideal for various uses. The Beauty version, with its angled tip, is perfect for correcting makeup. After use, it can be cleaned with hot water and soap, ready for the next use.

LastSwab's journey began in November 2018 in Copenhagen and launched on Kickstarter and IndieGoGo in April 2019. Today, it is available on LastObject's website, a testament to the team's commitment to sustainable design. The project faced challenges, particularly in creating a product that didn't force change upon the user. However, the team's focus on creating a beautiful, durable, simple, environmentally friendly, and self-explanatory product has paid off.

LastSwab's innovative design and sustainable approach have not gone unnoticed. The product was awarded the Golden A' Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design Award in 2021, a prestigious accolade granted to outstanding creations that advance art, science, design, and technology. With its unique design and commitment to sustainability, LastSwab is indeed a trendsetting creation that embodies extraordinary excellence.