We’re not entirely sure how the Ooho can be used to replace disposable water bottles. You have to admit, though, an edible wrapper that can hold water inside sounds like a good start if we’re looking for more sustainable alternatives.
To get a sip of water, you simply have to bite a hole onto the Ooho’s skin and start sipping on the contents. Or, you can just put the whole thing in your mouth, pop it while it’s there, and swallow the wrapper along with the water. Even if you decide not to eat the wrapper, it’s completely biodegradable, so you can chuck it into the trash without any long-term environmental repercussions.
The Ooho’s wrapper is a transparent, dual-layer membrane made of brown algae and calcium chloride, making it completely safe to eat. To make one with water inside, they simply make ice in a certain shape, then coat it with the membrane, sealing it so the skin serves as a functional bag. Once the ice melts, you end up with what’s, essentially, an edible water balloon.
Obviously, this isn’t a straightforward replacement for the water bottle. I mean, a blob isn’t exactly more convenient for stores to stock, considering refrigerators and chillers tend to be designed to accommodate bottles and cans. There’s also the question of durability once you’re carrying it, since the balloon can be burst with just a single bite, so it’s not entirely all that secure to drop a half-dozen of these inside a pouch.
Regardless, the Ooho is an interesting product – one we’ll definitely be watching as further development continues.