Meet the Innovative Student Behind the Repairable Kettle Revolutionizing Sustainability

A Sustainable Solution for Your Morning Brew

If you have a screwdriver, you can mend the modular kettle, promises its designer. A design graduate, Gabriel Kay, aims to give the morning cuppa a sustainable revamp with his repairable kettle that anyone can fix.

Kay has earned accolades for his ‘Osiris’ modular kettle, named after the Egyptian god of rebirth. Its interchangeable components allow users to replace defective parts with ease, empowering those with basic DIY skills.

Tackling E-Waste Challenges

Gabriel Kay envisions his creation as a solution to the escalating issue of e-waste, which, according to reports, is outpacing recycling efforts by a staggering five to one. Kay stated, “There’s a lot of perfectly good electronics being sent to landfill. My goal with this design was to build confidence in carrying out a simple repair process.”

The UN reports that the planet's annual e-waste toll stands at 62 million tonnes, with small household items like toasters and kettles constituting a third of this total. Alarmingly, only 12% of these items are recycled.

“I wanted a repair process that felt more like a maintenance,” Kay remarked, addressing the fear of tackling complex electronics when repairs are needed.

A Thoughtful Design Approach

Studying product design at De Montfort University, Kay noted that designers often contribute to the throwaway culture. His initial idea focused on mobile phones but shifted to the humble kettle, applying modular electronics concepts inspired by Fairphone.

In his design, electronics are concealed in a module that can be easily removed with screws. “I wanted a repair process that felt more like a maintenance – like swapping a dust bag in a vacuum cleaner,” Kay explained.

Recognition and Future Prospects

Kay’s kettle has received multiple awards, including recognition from New Designers and his alma mater. His participation in the Green Grads program showcases new UK graduates with ideas to heal the planet.

Barbara Chandler, founder of Green Grads, emphasized the urgent need for durable designs, stating, “Gabriel’s kettle is one example of how small appliances could be repaired, but it’s also a powerful statement on the need to make things that last.”