Francesca Kennedy Wallbank - a º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Mathematics graduate - has founded ±áâ‚‚O&²õ³Ü±è2;, a sustainable brand offering flat, reusable and BPA-free water bottles, designed to fit where others can’t.
Francesca was inspired to create these during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, when only one hour of outdoor exercise per day was permitted:
“I started to go on long walks in the countryside and only wanted to carry the bare minimum. My bulky water bottles didn’t fit into my small bags or coat pockets meaning I had to compromise; either not carry water or swap to a much larger bag.
“That’s when I went on a hunt to find a water bottle that was flat and square. I soon realized there was very little choice. That’s why I started ±áâ‚‚O&²õ³Ü±è2;.”
All ±áâ‚‚O&²õ³Ü±è2; bottles are made with vegan materials and use recycled, recyclable and biodegradable packaging. Operating carbon neutrally, Francesca can hand deliver local orders as well as plant a tree for each bottle sold.
On sustainability, Francesca says:
“I’m a strong sustainability advocate and believe every consumer should know the full ‘carbon cost’ of each product. That’s why for every bottle sold, we plant a tree to offset the carbon created in the full production process.”
The company are also affiliated with the Prince’s Trust, who have guided Francesca through the start-up process via mentorship.
The alumna graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 2016.
Find out more about ±áâ‚‚O&²õ³Ü±è2;.