E-waste keeps piling up as we buy, discard and replace. German startup Open Funk is challenging that cycle. Its first product is a blender dubbed re:Mix. The appliance was designed for repair and reuse, with modular components that its owner can easily replace or fix. The outer casing is cut from sheets of 100% recycled plastic sourced from France. Other plastic parts are either recycled or bio-based and 3D-printed in Berlin, where the mixers are assembled in a center providing on-the-job training for people with disabilities.
Reuse is part of the machine's daily functioning, too. Re:Mix comes with a jar, but is compatible with any screw-top glass container with a mouth opening of 72 mm, allowing customers to reuse their own: a small jar that contained mustard can now be used for grinding and storing spices; a large peanut butter jar for making a smoothie-to-go. Available for pre-order now, Re:Mix is priced at EUR 199, with the post-launch price set at EUR 249.
