Cirqula Multi Bowl

This project aimed to develop a product that is both highly functional and aesthetically appealing. The bowl needed to store, reheat, and serve food—demanding a strong, hygienic, and user-friendly design. A key challenge was creating an airtight, transparent lid that remains easy to open and clean. Material choices were critical: all components had to be fully recyclable. Additionally, the production process was relocated from Asia to the Netherlands, requiring re-engineering for local manufacturing. The result is a sustainable, smartly designed solution that balances practicality, durability, and visual appeal in everyday kitchen use.

The design solution centred on creating a lid that combines an airtight seal, transparency, durability, and ease of use, using as few materials as possible. This was achieved by combining two materials with different properties through double injection moulding — a new production technique for Mepal at the time. This innovation enabled a flexible yet secure closure and integrated a clear window without compromising strength or hygiene. By merging functionality into a single, efficient part, the lid offers long-lasting performance, supports local manufacturing, and enhances the overall user experience while remaining recyclable and visually appealing.

By utilizing the innovative double injection moulding technique, we were able to keep the product competitively priced without compromising on quality. Local production and assembly within the European Union, employing people with a distance to the labour market, further enhances the social impact of the project. The reduced transport distances and focus on efficient production help minimize the overall environmental footprint. This approach not only supports sustainable practices but also strengthens local economies, creating a product that is both economically and environmentally responsible, while ensuring the highest standards of quality and functionality.

The Mepal Cirqula bowl offers an exceptional balance of functionality and aesthetics, addressing the need for an all-in-one solution for food storage, reheating, use in the steam oven and serving. The design has been carefully crafted to ensure that the product not only performs efficiently but also enhances the overall user experience. The lid features a transparent window, allowing easy visibility of contents without opening it, which is essential for both practical use and aesthetic appeal. This transparency, combined with an intuitive, easy-to-open airtight seal, ensures that food stays fresh longer while remaining accessible with minimal effort. The flexibility and simplicity of the lid design reflect the careful consideration given to making the product user-friendly, with the ability to store food in the fridge or freezer, reheat it in the microwave, use it in the steam oven (both without lid) and serve it at the table. Furthermore, the lid’s innovative double injection moulding process combines materials for durability and ease of use, while maintaining an aesthetic appeal that reflects the contemporary design language of the Cirqula collection. With minimal materials used, the design is not only practical but also environmentally conscious, contributing to the product’s long lifespan and overall sustainability.