Oil Spill Cleanup Devices

Rehan Petit and his proposal for the Bio-Fender have gotten the second-place award in the Start Something Powerful Competition by Dezeen and Bentley. It is to clean up oil spills with an integrated repurposed boat bumper so that it serves a dual purpose -- protecting boats and assisting with cleaning the Britsh canals. The Bio-Fender has a biodegradable build with natural microbes to break down the oil.

The coconut coir absorbs the oil and brings it in contact with microbes which break it down into harmless substances. The product and lifestyle design manager at Bentley, Ben Saltmer speaks about the design, sharing "Bio-Fender is a great example of utilising a product beyond its primary function. The secondary function of cleaning waterways offers a discreet, sustainable solution to a growing issue. This innovative and impactful solution aligns thoughtfully with the Start Something Powerful brief."

Image Credit: Bentley