By Benjamín Alvarez 2C
At the start of the school year in September, our team set out not just to complete an assignment, but to make a real difference — both environmentally and socially. What began as a simple idea evolved into Eco-Flow®, our way of tackling major issues like pollution and water consumption.
In the first phase, we brainstormed and defined the core problem. We didn’t just want to create a product; we aimed to build a message and a movement. That’s how Eco-Flow® was born: a reusable HD water bottle made from recycled glass collected from the beaches of the Riviera Maya. Its goal is to promote hydration, raise environmental awareness, and reduce waste in our oceans. One sip at a time, we make it happen.
Each member of the team had a role. I, Benjamin Álvarez, served as General Director, guiding the vision. Sunny Iskovitz, our Sales Director, developed pricing and financial plans. Valeria Cerino led production using recycled materials. Daphne Mercado-Lopez shaped the environmental message. Jorge Uriel created the visual identity — logos and presentations.
From October to January, we faced challenges. High costs and distractions threatened the project, but we overcame them. By March, we improved the product design and added a unique feature: a daily water consumption meter — a small touch that set us apart from other bottles.
Between March and May, we built our business model: production cost ($38 MXN), selling price ($70 MXN), and margins (31.4% gross, 30.7% net). These results gave us confidence that Eco-Flow® was not just sustainable, but scalable.
We realized that, unlike many brands using new plastic, our project — including beach cleanups and recycled materials — truly aligned with environmental values. Even if it seemed unusual to others, we stayed focused on our purpose.
Now, in June, we reflect on more than just a school task. This journey taught us about teamwork, innovation, and purpose. We didn’t just create a product — we created a brand with a mission and values.
