New York studio Visibility has created a refillable deodorant system for Myro, which uses 50 per cent less plastic than a regular disposable toiletry.
Designed for newly-launched plant-based deodorant brand Myro, the system consists of a permanent injection moulded deodorant case that the user keeps, and recyclable refill pods that plug into it.
The plastic case has a simple design that's easy to use and is durable and dishwasher safe.
Its tactile multifaceted shape is designed to provide a sturdy grip in the hand and also prevents the deodorant from rolling away when it's knocked over.
The fully recyclable replacement deodorant pods twist into the case by turning a dial. Each click of the dial allows more deodorant to be dispensed, while the deodorant itself is natural and aluminium free.
When empty, the refillable case pops out automatically.
Using 50 per cent less plastic than a typical deodorant, the designers said the system represents a shift away from the overwhelming plastic waste that is typically caused by the industry as well as the harmful chemicals often found in deodorants.
"We're all so used to disposing of deodorants when they're empty that we had to figure out how a plastic applicator would visually suggest it's a different product and still maintain familiarity," Sina Sohrab, co-founder of Visibility told Dezeen.
"The mechanics of inserting a refill and getting it to engage seamlessly were also a huge challenge, which were resolved with the aid of a great engineering partner."
The deodorant cases come in five different colours while the pods are available in five different natural scents that release over time, and are available from Myro on a subscription basis.
Visibility were conscious of considering both ecological impact and gender inclusiveness during the design process. The resultingdeodorants are designed for use by both men and women.
"We explored quite a few forms before we arrived at the one you see, and it was thanks to a diversity of viewpoints – both in terms of gender and background – on the team that we were able to arrive at something that we hope will have wide appeal," said Sohrab.
The finished design is far removed from that of regular deodorant. "It was a balancing act in form language. We wanted to create something that felt distinguished, yet accessible," explained Sohrab.
"It was also important to create an iconic design that the user would want to keep on their counter rather than tucked away in a drawer. We wanted to create a whole new typology for this kind of hygiene product," he added.
Founded in 2012 by industrial designers Joseph Guerra and Sina Sohrab, New York product design studio Visibility has previously created products for brands such as Areaware and Normann Copenhagen.
Visibility also designing its own homeware collection, which includes a series of slip-cast porcelain kitchen tools with built-in ridges for grating, grinding and gripping food.