🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.

Conversation with Carl Ljungh and Jonas Groth, co-founders of Aarke.

A few weeks ago, we wrote about Swedish design brand Aarke – a company that’s gained global popularity. That includes Denmark, where their signature product, the Carbonator, has become a fixture in both kitchens and offices. It’s a product that works beautifully – and looks the part too. And while the Swedes might learn a thing or two from us on the football field ;), we can definitely learn from Aarke’s approach to design and product development.

Behind Aarke are Swedish industrial designers Carl Ljungh and Jonas Groth, who have been on a mission since 2013: to elevate the everyday through products that combine aesthetics, function, and durability. Everything they create stems from a curiosity about human behavior – and a belief that even a glass of water can be an experience.

At a time when many brands rush to release new products, Aarke takes the opposite approach. They refine, test, and take their time – and their latest launch, the To-Go Bottle, is a perfect example. It’s made for those who want to bring sparkling water on the go, without compromising on design or sustainability.

We spoke with Carl and Jonas about the thinking behind the bottle – and how they continue to create relevant design in a market where everything tends to look the same.

Carl Ljungh & Jonas Groth

Let’s start with the obvious question. Why are you launching a To-Go Bottle now?

Carl Ljungh:
“The idea behind the Aarke To-Go Bottle came from a problem we’ve observed ever since launching the Aarke Carbonator. Even though people make sparkling water at home, they still end up buying single-use bottles when they’re on the go. The bottle that comes with the Carbonator wasn’t designed for portability, and it doesn’t keep the water cold. And let’s face it – sparkling water tastes best when it’s cold.

With the Aarke To-Go Bottle, we’re making it possible to enjoy homemade sparkling water wherever you are, in a way that’s elegant, durable, and practical. Thanks to its double-walled vacuum-insulated stainless steel construction, the bottle also keeps your drink cold.”

What sets the Aarke To-Go Bottle apart from others on the market?

Jonas Groth:
“Unlike many other to-go bottles, the Aarke To-Go Bottle is specifically designed to be compatible with our Carbonator models – Carbonator 3 and Carbonator Pro. This means it can be screwed directly onto the machine, and the sealing mechanism is specially developed for carbonated drinks.

The bottles are made from over 90% recycled stainless steel, vacuum-insulated and double-walled, which means they keep the water cold and fizzy for longer.”

How do the To-Go Bottles fit into Aarke’s current lineup? It’s the first time Aarke moves beyond the kitchen — is this a category you plan to expand?

Carl Ljungh:

“Definitely! We started out focusing on the kitchen and home, but now we want to make it possible for users to take their drinks with them — whether to work, the gym, or wherever they’re headed. Cold and fizzy drinks are our starting point, but we definitely plan to expand the To-Go range soon — encouraging customers toward a more sustainable lifestyle.”

How has customer demand been for this type of product?

Jonas Groth:

“Since we launched our first carbonator, customers have been asking how they can best take their filtered, cold, or sparkling water on the go. Launching these bottles is a direct response to that demand.”

How do you envision customers using the Aarke To-Go Bottle?

Carl Ljungh:

“We imagine people filling the bottle at home — with carbonated, filtered, or just regular tap water — and then taking it with them to work, on walks, or to the gym. Our functional and elegant bottles are designed to be personal companions — whether it’s on the way to school or at the desk, ready to be refilled with any drink you want. It’s about making it smart, practical, and eco-friendly for users.”

How did the design process unfold to create a product integrated with Aarke’s carbonators?

Jonas Groth:

“We’ve long been considering how to make stainless steel bottles that both work seamlessly with our carbonators and suit any cold beverage. After an intensive design and engineering process, we found the perfect combination for the lid, threading, and double-walled construction. Following extensive testing, we’re now ready to launch the bottles – something the entire Aarke team has been eagerly anticipating.”

Aarke is known for high-quality, durable products. How has sustainability influenced the design and development of the Aarke To-Go Bottle?

Carl Ljungh:

“The core idea is simple: to let people take their sparkling or tap water with them — in our bottle — instead of buying plastic bottles on the go. It’s about changing habits for the better — both for the consumer and the planet. We focused on using recycled stainless steel, minimizing plastic parts, and creating an elegant, timeless design that lasts — both physically and aesthetically.”

Why did you choose stainless steel as the material?

Jonas Groth:
“Stainless steel has become something of our signature material. It’s durable, lightweight, and develops a beautiful patina over time. Since we primarily use recycled steel, its environmental impact is even lower—especially in the long run, because the material lasts so long.”

How long does an Aarke To-Go Bottle last, and when should it be replaced?

Carl Ljungh:
“We’ve subjected the bottles to accelerated testing to ensure long-lasting durability. We can’t specify exactly how many years they will last, but the intention is that with normal use, they should last virtually indefinitely.”

How much smaller is my carbon footprint by using an Aarke To-Go Bottle compared to single-use bottles?

Carl Ljungh:
“Producing one Aarke To-Go Bottle made from recycled stainless steel emits about 6.15 kg CO₂e, based on data from CarbonCloud and U&WE. In comparison, a typical single-use plastic bottle emits around 0.082 kg CO₂e.

Because our bottle is designed to last a long time, you avoid using hundreds of single-use bottles over time. After just 75 uses—meaning 75 times you choose your To-Go Bottle instead of buying bottled water—you reach a climate break-even point. Every use after that further reduces your CO₂ footprint.”

We stopped by HOUSE11 — JOE & THE JUICE’s new concept store in the heart of Copenhagen.
The whole adventure started just around the corner, and now a new chapter begins.
Read on and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look → READ MORE!

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