This Biodegradable Filter Delivers Safe Water to Vulnerable Communities in Colombia

The lack of access to drinking water is a growing problem in Colombia. Almost four million people living in desert areas do not have the necessary resources to hydrate themselves.

Therefore, Ogilvy Colombia together with the Baylor Foundation, developed 1,000 biodegradable 'Filter Caps' with the capacity to process more than 720,000 litres of safe water per year. Innovation, creativity, and attention to the vulnerable population, gather together, boosted by the Colombian Red Cross. 

'Filter Caps' use additive technology, also known as 3D printing, and are made from sweet corn starch-based resin; a sustainable and biodegradable option, which considerably reduces dependence on conventional plastics.

"Filter Caps is a solution that transforms the cap of a PET bottle into a complete water station. This idea was born within the agency, gained scientific collaborators, and is now being launched to the world as a great open-source solution for making clean water accessible to thousands of people", Keka Morelle, chief creative officer Ogilvy Latina.

"We believe that creativity has a very strong transformative value, and if this is combined with the commitment of Baylor and the great expertise, credibility, and capability of the Red Cross to reach the entire country, then what is achieved is an exceptional impact in people's lives. We set out to create a solution that is as innovative as it is simple. That's why we thought of this filter that can not only make water safe but also mineralize it," explained Gastón Potasz, chief creative officer of Ogilvy Colombia.

In this first stage of distribution, the Colombian Red Cross will focus on delivering 480 filters in the communities of Centro Alto in Sopó, Cundinamarca; El Tablón and El Retiro in La Plata, Huila; and Santa Bárbara in the municipality of Totoro in Cauca, thus reaching around 2,000 people.

“In a country where lack of access to safe water is a growing concern, it is essential to find innovative solutions that not only address this basic need but also promote the well-being and quality of life of our communities. This project is a tangible example of how collaboration between various entities can make a significant difference and how, through initiatives like this, we can move towards a healthier and more prosperous future for all," says Dr. Judith Carvajal de Álvarez, national president of the Colombian Red Cross.

During the year, 1,000 filters will be distributed seeking to benefit the lives of around 10,000 people. Recently, the Ogilvy team visited the Flor de Olivo community in La Guajira, where they delivered the first 200 units, to benefit the most vulnerable communities in Colombia. "It is a pride to be making this project a reality. We have travelled a path of pure learning. Talking with the families, we realise how quickly they adopted Filter Caps and how, step by step, their reality is changing. Accessing water, sometimes, can be a privilege, and with Filter Caps we are providing a timely, simple, real, and clear solution. At this moment our goal is to reach around 10,000 people with these 1,000 filters in total. And our ambition is to reach one million Filter Caps and distribute them throughout the world," added Gastón.

Ana María Galvis, executive director of the Baylor Foundation added, "Filter Caps is a cost-effective solution to help the most vulnerable communities. In addition, it is simple to use, because you only need to adjust the cap on two bottles. and turn. That simple movement can be done by anyone from a child to the oldest in the community. From the foundation we are going to continue bringing Filter Caps to more communities throughout the territory and why not to the world."

The filter has a size of 6cm high x 4cm wide, it is lightweight and transportable. Filter Caps work from layers of metals, minerals, and natural substrates, retaining bacteria and impurities, and ending with a layer that mineralises the water. It also provides characteristics of alkaline, mineralised, and hydrogen water.