SOAPBOTTLE is more than just your normal personal care brand. Every component of the bottle, packaging and inside product can be used – meaning it is the first soap product in the world to be fully sustainable. Once the liquid content is finished, the empty container can be used as hand soap and ‘washes away’ over time. Not already sold? Every soap has been developed using only the best, natural materials.

Joanna Breitenhuber created and developed the concept of SOAPBOTTLE during her master’s studies. Inspired by the food industry, she wanted to transfer the emerging technologies of consumable packaging over to the world of hygiene products. Her mission: Create unique designs and feel-good experiences without compromising on her passion for sustainability.

After initial designing and a successful fundraiser, the brand has quickly gone from strength to strength and is now nearing the end of its development. RAINE caught up with the entrepreneur to find out more about her creative challenges, inspirations and hopes for the future.

1) What was the most challenging moment that you/ your team had to overcome in your entrepreneurial or creative career?

We are still in the middle of our biggest challenge - product realization. Currently we are working intensively with experts and supporters to develop the concept into a product and bring it to the market.

2) What is some advice you can give in funding a creative career or business?

We have just completed a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. On this platform creators share their innovative ideas with a community and collect funds that support to realize their projects. Our wish was to gather all SOAPBOTTLE lovers to get project SOAPBOTTLE off the ground, together. We think crowdfunding is a great way to fund creative businesses.

SOAPBOTTLE__J.Breitenhuber_6 (1).jpeg — **3) What is your “why?” Why did you/ your team choose to pursue this path?**
We don't believe in packaging waste. Instead, we strive to develop natural, biodegradable body care products. We want to combine unique design and feel-good experiences - without compromising on sustainability. It would be great if we could trigger a rethink in the packaging industry with our project.
**4) Was there one particular moment/ life experience which led to you wanting to create your product?**
Through my work as a packaging designer for cosmetic products, I was frustrated that there is hardly any plastic-free packaging for liquid personal care products. Therefore, I wanted to work on this problem in my master thesis in product design.

SOAPBOTTLE__J.Breitenhuber_08.jpg — **5) What has been the most surprising outcome you have experienced when creating your product?**
As already mentioned, the concept of SOAPBOTTLE was not commissioned, but developed as my master's thesis in product design. It surprised me incredibly and of course made me proud that people and companies from all over the world have shown interest in SOAPBOTTLE. This motivated me to pursue the project further.
**6) In your opinion, how has/ will technology change the beauty industry?**
The awareness for proper and high-quality ingredients as well as for sustainability is growing. I think in the near future many new and exciting materials will be developed not only for beauty products but also for their packaging.

7) What are you most excited about regarding your upcoming projects or goals for your creative or entrepreneurial roadmap?

There are so many possibilities within project SOAPBOTTLE. To get started, we have launched our first range of products, the SOAPBOTTLE Originals. They will be filled with Bodywash. But of course, there are endless ways to fill a soap container: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion... And there are no limits to future designs, shapes and colours. What could also be exciting in the future are collaborations with other beauty brands.