Dopper exists to make a positive impact. By empowering the world to choose reusable over single-use plastic water bottles. But also by pioneering sustainable innovations, creating fair working conditions, providing access to water, and more.
For us, making choices that are good for people and the planet is what we consider business as usual. In reality, it often requires a bigger investment of time, money or both compared to ‘traditional’ ways of working. Plus, researching what the right choices are takes a lot of time to begin with.
Do we think it’s worth it? Always. Do you? See for yourself. We’ve made a selection of 8 sustainable choices we make that impact the price of your Dopper bottle.
1. We invest in innovation
In 2014, the Dopper Original became the first reusable water bottle in the world to achieve Cradle to Cradle Certified® - Bronze level at the time. Since then, we’ve continued to hit sustainability milestones ranging from a production process where zero water goes to waste, to a chemical recycling pilot with old Dopper bottles.
2. We guarantee fair working conditions
Our team and the people employed by our partners can do their job safely and are treated fairly. That’s the promise we make by adhering to the full amfori BSCI Code of Conduct, and only working with business partners who do the same.
We regularly visit all production facilities and together with the management continuously improve the working conditions in the factories. In addition, annual audits are being conducted by independent global certification organisations.
3. We choose the right materials
Ever wished there were a hundred Dopper bottle colours to choose from? Or that we’d make one with glitter? The reason we don’t has to do with the environmental impact. There’s a whole world of sustainable colour pigments we know everything about, so you don’t have to. Similarly, we use 18/8 stainless steel instead of aluminium, because aluminium requires an extra lining on the inside, making it more difficult to recycle.
4. We lead the way in biofuel sea transportation
Thanks to our partnership with GoodShipping, our sea transportation is fully carbon neutral. More importantly, together with other frontrunning companies, we’re showing the world that sea shipping using 100% biofuels is already possible.
5. We provide access to water
Every Dopper bottle sold contributes to the work of our two main partners in Nepal: Dutch NGO Simavi and Kathmandu-based social enterprise SmartPaani.
Together, we offer education, raise awareness and kick-start (drinking) water projects in different areas of the country. With water filtration systems for schools and water tap points in remote areas, we work to give as many Nepalese people as possible access to clean drinking water.
6. We reduce our CO2-footprint
Since 2022, we are a Certified Carbon Neutral company. We've reduced our carbon emissions as much as we currently can, and officially compensate the remainder.
Our focus remains on reducing our emissions even further: the more we reduce, the less we need to compensate. The majority of our remaining emissions are linked to the raw materials used to create our Dopper bottles. Over the next few years, we’ll work to reduce that. Step by step.
7. We spread the word
In 2020, we launched an international movement that’s banning single-use water bottles, to stop them from entering our waters: the Dopper Wave. Over 7,000 individuals and nearly 900 organisations have already signed the pledge. Together, all of these drops are forming a wave with enough impact to actually save our oceans.
8. We support design that lasts
The three-part design of the Dopper bottle extends the life of the bottle, and the materials used. How? The separate parts can easily be cleaned, so you don't end up with a smelly bottle you can't use. We offer spare parts in our shop so you only replace what you need.
And where possible, each separate part consists of one material only. That way you get separate material streams fit for mechanical recycling.
Thoughts on how we can do even better? Please use the chat at the bottom right of your screen.