Open Funk re:Mix

Open Funk re:Mix blender / Source: Open Funk

AluminiumEuropeFood & BeverageGlassSteel

4 MINUTE READ

Nate Tyler

WHAT WE SAY:

Born in Berlin, Open Funk is revolutionising the world of home electronics with the launch of re:Mix, a modular and customisable kitchen blender that transforms regular glass jars into functional blender vessels. Designed to be taken apart, repaired, and rebuilt, Open Funk is simplifying the concept of reuse for all.

KEY FACTS:

German tech startup Open Funk has launched re:Mix, a modular kitchen blender that can be snapped apart and put together again to facilitate repairs and updates.
The machine can be used with any twist-off Glass jar with an 82-millimetre diameter mouth. This is the standard size for jars distributed in Europe, and allows users to mix food in the vessels they want to store it in, minimising hassle.
The outer casing for re:Mix is made with 100% recycled HDPE in Paris. Other plastic parts for the mixer are made with bio-based PLA and are 3D printed and assembled in Berlin. The feet are made with recycled TPE-V, also made in Berlin.
The blades are made from stainless Steel and are replaceable, and the mixer features a 1000-watt motor. The control knob is made from recycled Aluminium.
Each blender comes with a QR code, directing users to a product passport, repair guide and video tutorials for at-home repairs and upgrades.
In the event that an owner no longer needs their mixer, Open Funk will buy it back at a fair price, refurbish it, and sell it again, keeping it in circulation.
The company only ships to Europe as a way to reduce shipping emissions, guarantee repairability, and avoid designing for international standards.
To serve other regions, Open Funk plans to open-source its designs to encourage localised innovation, creating mixers that fit into "local customs, taste and materials", according to the company's co-founder, Paul Anca.

Glass jars of different sizes can be used as vessels / Source: Open Funk

re:Mix by Open Funk / Source: Open Funk

DIVE DEEPER:

Electronics are a major source of pollution, contributing 54 million tonnes of waste annually. According to the UN, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, with Europe ranking first and generating 16.2 kilograms of e-waste per capita every year.
While some e-waste is recycled – the EPA estimates that 25% of e-waste in 2009 was collected for recycling (although not necessarily actually recycled) – most of it is sent to landfill. Recycling e-waste is a very labour-intensive process, such as stripping gold from wiring. When e-waste is landfilled, it not only leaches the toxic chemicals associated with plastic (as well as microplastics), but also deposits high concentrations of mercury, cadmium, beryllium, and lead.
By creating appliances that are built to last and repairable, Open Funk addresses planned obsolescence – the widespread practice of designing products with a limited lifespan. Apple has been involved in the most famous cases of planned obsolescence and has even admitted to it.
Rather than opt for Styrofoam, Open Funk has partnered with German packaging supplier Proservation, which transforms residual husks from grain processing into cushion packaging.
The company has established a localised manufacturing line to bolster the local economy, stating that re:Mix is "assembled in a centre dedicated to the social participation and professional inclusion of people in need."
re:Mix was funded through a Kickstarter in May 2022, raising EUR 47,709 (USD 51,030). It was shortlisted for the 2022 Dezeen Awards in the sustainable design category.
The blender is currently available for pre-order in six colours, retailing for EUR 249 (USD 267). Open Funk says the first orders are expected to ship in September 2023.

"Our vision is a circular platform for home electronics that are built and repaired locally and never wasted."

Open Funk

Key Design Considerations:

Sell your story

Although re:Mix sits on the higher end of price points for kitchen mixers, its compelling story coupled with the design principles embedded in the product has led to an impactful crowdfunding campaign to fund its launch and over 600 pre-orders. Embed your mission into the brand narrative to garner a loyal audience and secure their buy-in.

Embrace modularity

To make re:Mix modular and easily repairable, Open Funk has bypassed glue by using puzzle joints to assemble the mixer. Designing for disassembly requires some crafty engineering to ensure faulty components can be repaired or replaced, but Open Funk is proof that it can be done with style.

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Open Funk re:Mix

WHAT WE SAY:

KEY FACTS:

DIVE DEEPER:

Electronics are a major source of pollution, contributing 54 million tonnes of waste annually. According to the UN, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, with Europe ranking first and generating 16.2 kilograms of e-waste per capita every year.

By creating appliances that are built to last and repairable, Open Funk addresses planned obsolescence – the widespread practice of designing products with a limited lifespan. Apple has been involved in the most famous cases of planned obsolescence and has even admitted to it.

Rather than opt for Styrofoam, Open Funk has partnered with German packaging supplier Proservation, which transforms residual husks from grain processing into cushion packaging.

The company has established a localised manufacturing line to bolster the local economy, stating that re:Mix is "assembled in a centre dedicated to the social participation and professional inclusion of people in need."

re:Mix was funded through a Kickstarter in May 2022, raising EUR 47,709 (USD 51,030). It was shortlisted for the 2022 Dezeen Awards in the sustainable design category.

The blender is currently available for pre-order in six colours, retailing for EUR 249 (USD 267). Open Funk says the first orders are expected to ship in September 2023.

Open Funk

Key Design Considerations:

Sell your story

Embrace modularity

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