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A 3D-Printed Cap with Integrated Gravity Valve for the Iconic Kikkoman Soy Sauce Bottle

By Matthew Clark of Odachi Design

By Rain Noe - May 6, 2022

in Digital Fabrication | Packaging

Some might say it's sacrilege to try to improve upon an iconic design, like the MoMA-worthy Kikkoman Soy Sauce bottle designed by Kenji Ekuan in 1961. But industrial designer Matthew Clark, of California-based consultancy Odachi Design, saw room for improvement in the cap.

"Soy sauce's greatest enemy is oxygen. So, with my design, I harnessed the capabilities of 3D printing to integrate a gravity valve within the lid itself. This is achievable with 3D printing, but costly or much more difficult otherwise. The valve is printed within the top when it's produced. This was created to effectively maintain the flavor and shelf-life. After every pour, the remaining liquid aids the seal."

"It was a challenge to put my touch on such an iconic piece, but my aim was to honor the original by enhancing it for the 21st century."

Fabbaloo, the source of this story, reports that Clark is seeking to get the cap into production. It's unclear how Kikkoman's lawyers may feel about that.

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Phil Nolan

2 years ago

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But is it food safe?

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steve hassler

2 years ago

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I've been using these bottles for 50 years and believe this is a great idea if it doesn't get gummed up. It seems like the plug could be stainless for the weight. I'd buy one of these made entirely of stainless and use it from bottle to bottle. The soy sauce definitely oxidizes a bit over its life in the bottle.

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