Ogilvy Colombia’s Life-Changing ‘Filter Caps’ Go Beyond ‘Leave No Trace’

As creatives, we are convinced that we can transform certain realities through creativity while enriching ourselves personally and professionally.  ‘Filter Caps’ is the very best example of that. 

Throughout the creative process, we explored cultural insights and realised that the lack of access to safe water is a significant issue in Colombia. Being aware of this situation became our main source of inspiration. We were motivated to push boundaries, be irreverent, and say ‘yes’ to big challenges that would be easier to say ‘no’ to. We knew we needed to come up with a ground breaking solution. 

And so we did. 

‘Filter Caps’ is not based on existing technology; rather, it reflects the talent, strength and commitment of a dedicated team of professionals who have worked tirelessly to bring this unique and remarkable device to life.  

We began with a prototype and, after rigorous lab research and tests, we created a unique, sustainable, biodegradable, transportable and effective device designed to filter water that comes from wells and ponds in areas where there is no adequate infrastructure, making it safe for consumption. 

 In most projects of this kind, the primary goal is to minimise the environmental impact. However, ‘Filter Caps’ goes beyond that by not only leaving no trace on the environment but also actively contributing to its restoration. It is capable of recovering non-potable water and providing safe drinking water to many people. It’s portable enough to reach areas with limited infrastructure and is biodegradable after a year of use. This is possible through its innovative, additive technology, which builds objects layer by layer, and its sustainable use of biodegradable resins derived from corn harvest waste. 

The secret to its success lies in a unique chemical mixture that, upon contact with water, effectively filters out impurities and contributes to water mineralisation to meet safe consumption standards. 

Soon ‘Filter Caps’ became so much bigger than we thought. We partnered with Baylor Colombia and the Colombian Red Cross to reach the people who would need Filter Caps, and we quickly realised the immense responsibility this entailed. First stop: La Guajira. Spending time with the families in the Guajira community was emotional and satisfying, as we saw how quickly they adopted Filter Caps and how their reality started to change. 

It is truly gratifying to witness the impact we're making, and the people we are affecting in meaningful ways. We have always believed in this project and are grateful to join forces with the entire Ogilvy Colombia team, and our regional and global leaders who inspired us to continue working on this wonderful project every day.

In addition, we are grateful for the industry recognition. We have performed so well at the main festivals that we are excited to see what is yet to come. 

Finally, a couple of weeks ago, we received the most incredible news:  ‘Filter Caps’ was named to TIME’s Best Inventions list as one of the year’s ground breaking innovations changing lives. Being the only Colombian agency in history chosen by TIME to be part of this iconic list reinforces our belief in creativity's incredible transformative power and an ongoing pursuit of innovation. 

‘Filter Caps’ is not just another idea; it is an initiative that embodies our approach to work here at Ogilvy Colombia.