ECO-CAP is an ecological capsule used for cloning trees. The capsule, made from PET plastic, is inexpensive to produce, can be used at least 200 times and is recyclable.

One makes a cut in a one-year-old branch and fills it with moss (rich in microorganisms and moisture), before topping up with topsoil and sand. The capsule is then snapped shut by means of snap locks. One of the two hemispheres collects rain or water from simple, field irrigation. After a month or so, the cutting will have taken root and can be removed and planted.

The jury's verdict:

ECO-CAP is well thought through with a high utility value and is a very topical product. The shape is intuitive and the capsule is easy to use throughout the world. A production cost of NOK 0.30–0.50 per capsule is exceedingly low, particularly since each capsule can be used at least 200 times.

Everything has been taken into consideration, even the fact that roots grow faster in hotter climates but that they dry out if the temperature is too high. Black ECO-CAP capsules are therefore used in colder areas, while shiny capsules are intended for use in hotter climates. As regards its design, the product excels in its simplicity, while it is simply brilliant in terms of innovation and function.

Design: BLACK BLOCK PRODUCTION / Sturla Godøy

Award / year: Young Talent Award - 2008

Category: Open class