A distinctive sustainable brand with global impact.
A sustainable product with the power to disrupt
Ahead of an appearance on Dragons’ Den, Ohyo creator Guy Jeremiah sought support to develop and brand an innovative, reusable water bottle that collapses when empty.
The ambition was to build brand awareness, secure retail partnerships and establish a distinctive voice in a crowded market, while clearly communicating the product’s environmental benefits.
Turning a clever idea into a distinctive brand
Market research, consumer testing and strategic brand development helped refine the bottle and shape an identity that reflected its practical, colourful and approachable character. The aim was to position Ohyo as an everyday essential, offering a simple alternative to disposable bottled water and helping to reduce plastic waste.
The name combined a playful nod to ‘yo-yo’ with ‘eau’, the French word for water. Paired with a vibrant colour palette and a clear sustainability message, it gave Ohyo a distinctive personality: fun and accessible, with a serious purpose.
To bring the sustainability story to life, an animated film showcased the product’s environmental benefits, communicating its credentials in a clear and engaging way.
From launch to international success
Ohyo quickly gained retail traction. Following launch, Blacks placed an immediate £75,000 order, with Marks & Spencer, Urban Outfitters, Boots and the Design Museum also agreeing to stock the bottle. The Design Museum recognised its potential by presenting it as a ‘product of the future’.
Sales went on to exceed one million units, demonstrating the product’s commercial appeal and ability to reach consumers at scale. Ohyo expanded into international markets, with one Australian town adopting it as its official water bottle. DreamWorks also selected Ohyo for promotional activity supporting the Transformers films, extending the brand’s reach to a global audience.
The result was a commercially successful brand that turned an innovative, sustainable product into a proven retail proposition. With more than one million bottles sold, major retailers secured and international recognition established, Ohyo demonstrated how distinctive branding and a clear environmental purpose could drive sales, open new markets and challenge the conventions of the bottled-water sector.
