Pluma butane gas cylinder

red dot: best of the best
red dot award: product design 2006

Bird's feather -
the symbiosis of culture and form
Gas in Spain or Portugal - unlike in the Northern European countries - is only delivered through a central gas main in the larger cities. Most people in Spain and Portugal, thus, cook with butane gas from a cylinder; in these countries the gas cylinder is part of the daily culture. Against this backdrop, the Pluma is a sophisticated innovation: its friendly and organic appearance is based on a symbiosis of different materials and their specific properties. The gas cylinder combines two parts: a gas liner and an outer skin. The latter consists of a full jacket made up of four separate parts - a body, an inner lid and two handles, formed by injection moulding of high-density polyethylene. The use of heat-cured polymers is an environmentally compatible solution in terms of production and gives the gas cylinder a pleasant touch. Moreover, this kind of plastic is highly durable and, thus, appropriate for the daily requirements of a gas cylinder. The outer container comprises a liner made of thin pressed steel plate, which on the inside is entirely coated with layers of Twintex - a combination of polypropylene compound fibre and glass fibre. The surface is additionally finished with a protective white gel coat. Due to this combination of materials, the inner liner is given higher strength as well as a high degree of safety performance. This butane gas cylinder merges an innovative combination of materials with both a high level of aesthetics and an ergonomic design. Thus, it also gives a new form to items for everyday use. In order to achieve its place in Mediterranean culture, the cylinder has been given the name "Pluma" which actually means "bird's feather" in Spanish or Portuguese.