Dopper operates with a strong focus on ethical practices, working closely with two partners in China to produce its bottles. The company is certified as a “Great Place to Work” and adheres to the amfori BSCI code of conduct, a standard that also applies to its partners. These partnerships are strengthened by consistent annual audits that consistently show good performance, ensuring compliance with ethical standards.
Additionally, Dopper has completed impactful projects in Nepal, helping nearly 50,000 people gain access to safe drinking water. The company also prioritizes gender diversity, with an increasing number of females in leadership positions, further demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility.
Dopper focuses on sustainability by using 100% plant-based waste materials for bottle caps and bodies, and a mix of 50% recycled single-use plastic and 50% virgin plastic for the cups. The rings are made of synthetic rubber, with efforts to find more sustainable options underway. The entire range of Dopper products is Cradle to Cradle Certified, with the Dopper Original achieving Gold and the accessories Silver certification.
Dopper’s manufacturing processes are powered by 100% renewable energy, and their products are free of toxic chemicals. The brand has achieved total carbon neutrality in production and aims to maintain net-zero emissions, however this is yet to be verified. For shipping, Dopper uses biofuel and offers bike delivery in the Netherlands. Packaging is plastic-free, made from 100% recycled materials.
In 2021, Dopper’s Glass model received the Green Product Award for its use of renewable, lead-free borosilicate glass with 15% recycled content. Additionally, their suppliers have improved their BSCI audit ratings, recently achieving an A‑level status for environmental protection. Dopper’s commitment to sustainability is recognized with high rankings among B Corporations, specifically in environmental performance.
Dopper has implemented a take-back program in partnership with Dutch retailer WAAR, initiated in 2021, which focuses on recycling old, damaged, or unused Dopper bottles. The program aims to repurpose these returned bottles into raw materials for new products, although updates on the progress and results of this initiative are currently awaited.
In terms of product design, Dopper bottles are crafted for circularity with an easy-to-recycle, three-part design that avoids the use of layered materials, which can complicate the recycling process. Additionally, the Steel collection uses 90% recycled steel, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to using recycled materials and enhancing the overall sustainability of their products.
Dopper is headquartered in the Netherlands and collaborates with production partners located in China. While the exact origins of the raw materials are not specified, Dopper takes significant measures to minimize the environmental impact of transportation. Products are shipped using biofuel, reflecting a commitment to reducing carbon emissions associated with logistics. Within the Netherlands, Dopper utilizes bike delivery to further decrease carbon footprints and support eco-friendly distribution practices. Additionally, the brand has partnered with GoodShipping, a service that helps reduce carbon emissions from shipping products by sea, aligning with Dopper’s overall sustainability goals.
No animal materials are used, so Dopper is technically a vegan brand.
Dopper extends its sustainability ethos beyond product design to a range of initiatives that encourage sustainable water consumption and broader environmental awareness. Their Dopper Water Tap is not just a functional item but also a tool for engagement, equipped with an interface that encourages repeated use and refilling. This smart tap technology also quantifies environmental impact by measuring CO2 reductions and tracking water usage.
Additionally, Dopper collaborates with experts to make public drinking facilities easily accessible on Google Maps, promoting the availability of refill stations and reducing the dependency on bottled water. The brand also fosters community involvement through pledges and educational content aimed at combating the use of packaged water and highlighting simple, actionable steps individuals can take to mitigate environmental impact.
Dopper also ensures the longevity of its products by providing detailed care instructions.
Dopper provides concrete data on how many bottles and how much CO2 emissions they have avoided, demonstrating their positive environmental impact. They have published impact and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reports for 2021 and 2022, however we would love to see more updated information (2024).
While they claim carbon neutrality, they have not provided specific certifications to verify this status, which could enhance their credibility. Dopper has implemented a digital product passport for each of its products. This innovative tool allows consumers and stakeholders to track the lifecycle of a product from inception to end-of-life, promoting transparency and accountability. Additionally, Dopper openly shares its profit figures, further enabling stakeholders to hold the company accountable.
Zaključak
Dopper exemplifies innovation and commitment in promoting responsible water consumption. With their unique products like the Dopper Insulated bottle and initiatives like the Water Tap and public tap mapping, Dopper actively reduces the use of packaged water and encourages refilling. Their transparency in operations, backed by digital product passports and detailed reports, sets a standard for accountability in the industry.
We at COSH! recommend Dopper for anyone looking to make environmentally conscious choices. Their products can be found at the points of sale listed below.
