Bumper Sleeve

The brief was clear: design a bumper sleeve that offers genuine impact protection while maintaining style and thermal performance, going beyond what is currently available.

Extensive consumer and design research revealed a strong demand for a solution that effortlessly combines form and function. Our goal was to create a compact, seamless bumper sleeve that absorbs impact and preserves thermal efficiency. The result is a carefully engineered sleeve that balances performance, aesthetics and brand identity.

Designed to reflect the iconic b.box design language, the sleeve complements our bottles with its distinctive angled top edge and ripple-shaped base. Every curve and finish was thoughtfully considered to ensure the sleeve is both functional and visually appealing. This careful design makes the sleeve feel at home in any environment, whether it’s at home, in the office, or on the go.

Built for everyday use, the sleeve incorporates a patent-pending air cushion pocket that absorbs impact when a 1.5kg bottle is dropped from one metre. An integrated internal ledge keeps the bottle secure, while the non-stick finish allows for easy and quick cleaning.

The bumper sleeve features a patent-pending air cushion pocket design, engineered to boost impact resistance. A suspended air pocket between the bottle base and the sleeve helps absorb shocks from drops or knocks, reducing the risk of damage and loss of thermal effectiveness.

The bottle is supported by an integrated internal ledge around its lower edge, which keeps it stable while maintaining space for the cushioning layer. The bottom of the sleeve is shaped with a specially developed wave pattern, shown to outperform flat or alternative geometries in both lab testing and everyday use.

This combination of support, air cushioning and optimised base design delivers a high level of protection without compromising the bottle’s appearance or thermal performance, making it ideal for daily use, outdoor adventures and everything in between. Ease of cleaning was a consideration throughout the design process.

We deliberately avoided hard to clean features like deep ribs and tight corners, instead opting for smooth surfaces that rinse easily. The sleeve can also be turned inside out, allowing for a thorough clean with minimal effort, supporting long-term hygiene and ease of maintenance.

Our solution protects bottles weighing up to 1.5kg when dropped from one metre by directing impact to the bottle’s strongest edges. A patent-pending air cushion and custom sleeve geometry help redirect energy away from vulnerable areas.

With a focus on both performance and aesthetics, we fine-tuned the cushioning height to ensure effective protection without compromising the sleek form of the bottle. Importantly, the design maintains the bottle’s full thermal performance, ensuring insulation remains just as effective. After benchmarking competitor bumpers, we tested and refined countless prototypes, pushing through rigorous drop tests to perfect the design.

A non-stick finish makes cleaning easy by preventing daily grim build-up on the silicone. The result is a smart, functional and visually refined solution that excels in both form and function.

Commercial: The sleeve enhances product value by extending the bottle’s lifespan, reducing the need for replacements, and encouraging accessory purchases. As a functional add-on, it strengthens our offering and positions the bottle as a long-term investment, promoting sustainable buying behaviour.

Environmental: By protecting against dents, cracks, and the resulting loss of thermal efficiency, the sleeve helps extend the lifespan of reusable bottles. This promotes more sustainable use, reduces the need for frequent replacements, and supports circular design principles.

Social: Colourful protective sleeves help prevent bottle damage, promote long-term reuse, and reinforce sustainable habits. They also allow for personal expression and subtly encourage eco-conscious behaviour through everyday social interactions.

Made from premium food grade silicone, not TPE, this sleeve is durable, elastic and long lasting. It is dishwasher safe and designed for daily life. The sleeve offers more than just protection; it extends the bottle’s lifespan, reduces waste and encourages reuse. By shielding bottles from damage, it prevents the need for premature replacement, helping reduce overall consumption.

Silicone is also a more sustainable material choice than many plastics, as it is long wearing and does not break down into microplastics. Its reusability and resistance to wear make it ideal for families looking to reduce single use waste over time.

Priced competitively, the sleeve adds value to our product ecosystem while supporting conscious consumption. It builds brand trust, fosters long term customer engagement and aligns with our sustainability goals by promoting product longevity and waste reduction.