TIME has released its list of the 100 best inventions for the year, with inclusions in food, design, fashion, electronics, fitness, and a host of other categories. Entries were evaluated on a number of key factors, including originality, creativity, efficacy, ambition, and impact. See below for our favourite picks.
Nike FlyEase
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
Quick and cool, these hands-free shoes are making things a lot easier without compromising on fit. Runners and walkers alike will appreciate the breathable mesh, handy zipper, and midfoot webbing that helps keep feet secure. Also, Nike React foam is lightweight, durable, and provides a much-needed spring in anyone’s step. It’s surprising it took this long to reinvent the way stylish shoes are made, but it’s great to see more brands making accessibility a priority.
L’Oréal Water Saver
The L’Oréal Water Saver is a showerhead that reduces water consumption by up to 65%. Built for salons, the showerhead attaches to sinks, with three slots for shampoo, conditioner, and treatment. Made in partnership with Gjosa, the technology creates micro-ionized droplets to collide together in a high-pressure stream. The result: lower use of water for each wash. The company says we would save up to 6.8 billion litres of water if 100,000 salons were equipped with this technology.
Daily Dose Supergoop
Supergoop’s Daily Dose provides high potency doses of Vitamin C and SPF 40 serum that helps brighten skin and stop dark spots from forming as a result of exposure to UV and blue light. This is the first-ever hybrid serum with these components. It can be used for all skin types.
Everist Waterless Haircare Concentrates
These patent-pending waterless concentrates are first-of-their-kind pastes. The plant-based concentrates are made with aloe vera, vegetable glycerin, and five essential oils: bergamot, orange, rosemary, clary sage, and peppermint. Vegan and cruelty-free, the concentrates are also free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, dyes, and synthetic fragrances. One 100ml aluminum tube is the same as a typical 300ml bottle of shampoo. Some packages also come with a compostable konjac sponge.
Tablebed
Isn’t this handy? Founded by Finnish Dine Renfors, Tablebed makes living space more efficient without losing style. Functional as both a table and bed, the idea is something we can get behind (and on). The hope is to serve not just homes, but also the hospitality business, according to Renfors. In 2015, he drafted sketches on a piece of paper and designed a prototype with his father, and in November 2021, Tablebed made its first shipment to the US. Tablebed Single, a single bed version of Tablebed, launched in 2020.
Samsung Eco Friendly Remote
Samsung introduced the new Eco Remote Control in 2021, claiming it will “reduce tons of plastic waste per year.” Using solar cells on the back of the remote, the battery can be charged without use of any external power source and last up to two years before needing a full recharge. The internal battery can last for up to seven years, according to Samsung, and 28% of the plastic used comes from recycled polyethylene terephthalate.
Framework Laptop
Built from the ground up, this 13.5″ laptop can be enjoyed for personal use and then swapped for upgradeable parts. The package comes with a screwdriver, easy-to-use repair guides, and tutorial videos. The notebook weighs 1.3kg, operates on Windows 10, and has a one-year warranty. The Framework Expansion Card system allows users to choose the desired ports and which side they are on, with selections being USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, and MicroSD, plus the company is developing high-end headphone amps. The Framework notebook is available in three configurations of Intel 11th Gen Core i5 and i7 processors.
Paper Shoot Camera
The Paper Shoot camera is a switchable camera that captures digital photos within an eco-friendly design. It comes with a camera board that you insert and shut inside the case, with screws, an SD card, and a micro USB cable also included. There are four filters to choose from: normal, black and white, sepia, and blue. We’re all about the “less is more” motto of the Paper Shoot camera, which is compatible with MAC OS and Windows XP SP2/ Vista/ 7/ 8/ 10.
Kuleana Tuna
Plant-based tuna is a reality now with Kuleana, which offers sushi-grade tuna made from plants, packaged with omega-3 DHA, iron, and vitamin B12. The sustainably conscious food innovation includes algae, koji, and radish, and has zero mercury, so here is another way to eat “fish” without contributing to overfishing. Kuleana Tuna can keep for seven days in the fridge and 12 months in the freezer. The company is based in San Francisco.
Unspun
In 2021, Unspun introduced its most sustainable jeans that are made-to-order. The company then launched Vega-1, the world’s first 3D woven pants. The 3D technology can design custom-fit products in greater demand and on-demand, which is becoming more of a need as worries about the supply chain continue to increase. Unspun says the 3D weaving machine can make a custom pair of pants in 10 minutes. Users must first download an app in order to utilize the technology.
Rothy’s Driving Loafer
These cozy loafers are 100% machine washable, 20% plant-based, and knitted using Rothy’s signature thread made from plastic water bottles. The outsoles come with extra grip for driving, and the loafer incorporates a soft knit feel, which makes for a functional and fashionable pair of shoes.
SAVRpak
How annoying is soggy food? How annoying is soggy food during a pandemic? SAVRpak gets it and has created a package that uses thermodynamics to tackle condensation. It can be used on hot or cold foods, keeping food fresher for longer and eliminating food waste. First, the chemical-free pack needs to be frozen. Next, simply peel the wax paper off and stick the adhesive to the top inside cover of the food container. It is 100% food safe, so there is no worry if the pack touches the food.
Reeddi
Grid-free electricity is what Reeddi is all about. The Reeddi Capsule utilizes clean and sustainable energy and can be used anytime and anywhere. The proprietary energy generation and distribution system uses smart data harvesting and analytics tech, according to the company, and the system works on a energy-as-a-service model. Each Reeddi Capsule can be charged at a Reeddi Energy station, which are powered with solar panels.