The lack of access to clean water is a growing issue in Colombia. Nearly 4 million people living in desert regions lack the resources necessary to hydrate.

Ogilvy Colombia and Baylor Foundation, developed 1,000 biodegradable Filter Caps capable of processing over 720,000 litres of safe water annually.

Filter Caps use 3D printing and are made with resin based on sweet cornstarch, a sustainable and biodegradable option that significantly reduces dependence on conventional plastics. The filter measures 6cm in height by 4cm in width, is lightweight and portable. Filter Caps work using layers of metals, minerals, and natural substrates, trapping bacteria and impurities, finishing with a layer that mineralises the water. It also provides alkaline, mineralised, and hydrogen-rich water.

“We believe that creativity has a very strong transformative value, and if combined with Baylor’s commitment and the great expertise, credibility, and coverage of the Red Cross to reach the entire country, then what is achieved is an exceptional impact on people’s lives. We set out to create a solution as innovative as it is simple. That’s why we thought of this filter that not only can make water safe but also mineralises it,” explained Gastón Potasz, chief creative officer of Ogilvy Colombia.

The Colombian Red Cross will focus on delivering 480 filters to the communities of Centro Alto in Sopó, Cundinamarca; El Tablón and El Retiro in La Plata, Huila; and Santa Bárbara in the municipality of Totoro in Cauca, reaching approximately 2,000 people in the first stage of distribution.

“In a country where lack of access to safe water is a growing concern, it is essential to find innovative solutions that not only address this basic need but also promote the well-being and quality of life of our communities. This project is a tangible example of how collaboration between different entities can make a significant difference and how, through initiatives like this, we can move towards a healthier and more prosperous future for all,” stated Dr Judith Carvajal de Álvarez, National President of the Colombian Red Cross.

Throughout the year, 1,000 filters will be distributed, aiming to improve the lives of about 10,000 people. Recently, the Ogilvy team visited the Flor de Olivo community in La Guajira, delivering 200 units, benefiting Colombia’s most vulnerable communities.

“We’re proud to see this project come to life. It’s been a journey of pure learning. Talking to families, we’ve seen how quickly they’ve embraced Filter Caps and how it’s gradually changing their reality. Accessing water can sometimes be a privilege, and with Filter Caps, we’re providing a precise, simple, real, and clear solution. Right now, our goal is to reach around 10,000 people with these 1,000 filters in total. And our ambition is to produce a million Filter Caps and distribute them worldwide,” Potasz noted.

Ana María Galvis, executive director of the Baylor Foundation, added, “Filter Caps are a cost-effective solution to help the most vulnerable communities. Moreover, it’s easy to use, as you only need to fit the cap onto two bottles and twist. This simple action can be done by anyone, from a child to the oldest member of the community. From the foundation, we’ll continue to bring Filter Caps to more communities across the territory and why not, to the world.”

Credits:
Agency: Ogilvy Colombia
Global Chief Creative Officer: Liz Taylor 
Deputy Chief Creative Officer Worldwide: Joe Sciarrotta
Latam Chief Creative Officer: Keka Morelle 
Latam Chief Strategy Officer: Thais Frazao
Latam Chief Communications Officer: Marina Piacentini
Latam Director of Creative Excellence: Adriana Weinberg
CEO Colombia: Fabio Quiroga
VP Creative Colombia: Gastón Potasz
ECD: Jacint Sotorra & Amir Torres
Creative Directors: Daniel Puentes & Cristhian Arboleda
Art Director: Andrés Cardona
Copywriter:  Frank Sáenz
VP Planning: Julio César Herazo
Planning: Andrealucia  González
Account Director: Marcela Giraldo
Project Manager: María José Caicedo
Project Industrial Designer Lead: Omar Marroquín
Motion Graphics: Juan David Acosta, Jesús Quiroz, Laura Castro & Juan José Chaparro
Social Media: Camila Castro & Santiago Peña

Production Company: Primo
Director: Gina Medina
Executive Production Director: Gala Vence
Executive Producer: Rosario Carvajal & Daniela Rubio
Photographer: Nicolas Fernández