Cap-O
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Industrial Product
School / University Name:Politecnico Di Torino
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Tommaso Bertone
Design Status:Concept
Product Description:
Cap-O is a universal device that allows you to create a mosquito trap using empty bottles or containers. The bait is prepared using easily accessible materials: Simply mix water, yeast, and sugar to allow the solution to begin fermentation. As the bacteria consume the sugars, they produce C02, a compound to which mosquitoes are highly sensitive. Once the insects enter through the silicone funnel, it becomes extremely difficult for them to escape, leading to their elimination.
Cap-O is a universal device that allows you to create a mosquito trap using empty bottles or containers. The bait is prepared using easily accessible materials: Simply mix water, yeast, and sugar to allow the solution to begin fermentation. As the bacteria consume the sugars, they produce C02, a compound to which mosquitoes are highly sensitive. Once the insects enter through the silicone funnel, it becomes extremely difficult for them to escape, leading to their elimination.
Product Innovation / Specification:
Introducing the Cap-O funnel, a revolutionary yet simple accessory designed to transform any standard plastic bottle into a highly effective mosquito trap. By leveraging the power of natural fermentation, this device provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to expensive chemical repellents. This low-maintenance solution is perfect for those seeking an eco-friendly way to enhance their home security against pests. With its minimal footprint and reliance on basic household ingredients, the Cap-O system proves that the most effective protection doesn't need to be complex or expensive.
Introducing the Cap-O funnel, a revolutionary yet simple accessory designed to transform any standard plastic bottle into a highly effective mosquito trap. By leveraging the power of natural fermentation, this device provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to expensive chemical repellents. This low-maintenance solution is perfect for those seeking an eco-friendly way to enhance their home security against pests. With its minimal footprint and reliance on basic household ingredients, the Cap-O system proves that the most effective protection doesn't need to be complex or expensive.
Product Sustainability Approach:
Instead of producing large amounts of plastic waste, this approach focuses on upcycling existing single-use bottles, effectively turning potential litter into a functional tool for home protection. By providing only the essential funnel accessory, it significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and shipping bulkier, pre-assembled traps. Furthermore, the system relies entirely on organic bait—a simple mixture.
Instead of producing large amounts of plastic waste, this approach focuses on upcycling existing single-use bottles, effectively turning potential litter into a functional tool for home protection. By providing only the essential funnel accessory, it significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and shipping bulkier, pre-assembled traps. Furthermore, the system relies entirely on organic bait—a simple mixture.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
The local and regional impacts of the Cap-O system represent a shift toward more equitable and ecologically responsible pest management. At the most immediate level, this product facilitates the democratization of public health. By utilizing common household staples like sugar and yeast to generate CO2, it brings professional-grade attraction technology to households that might otherwise find electronic traps or expensive refills cost-prohibitive. This economic accessibility ensures that protection against mosquito-borne nuisances is not a luxury, but a standard tool available to any community, regardless of its infrastructure or power grid stability.
The local and regional impacts of the Cap-O system represent a shift toward more equitable and ecologically responsible pest management. At the most immediate level, this product facilitates the democratization of public health. By utilizing common household staples like sugar and yeast to generate CO2, it brings professional-grade attraction technology to households that might otherwise find electronic traps or expensive refills cost-prohibitive. This economic accessibility ensures that protection against mosquito-borne nuisances is not a luxury, but a standard tool available to any community, regardless of its infrastructure or power grid stability.
