$24.95
A 27 oz bottle that filters your tap water naturally using traditional Japanese Binchotan charcoal for a cleaner, purified taste.
What is the history of Binchotan charcoal?
The origins are not completely clear, but it is believed that a form of Binchotan charcoal (sometimes referred to as 'white charcoal') was introduced to Japan by a Japanese monk and scholar called Kukai 1,200 years ago. It was during the Edo Period (17th century) that a man called Binchuya Chozaemon made it popular.
How is it made?
Sustainably sourced wood is placed in a kiln and charred at a relatively low temperature for some time, then, near the end of the process, the kiln temperature is raised to over 1800°F to make the wood red-hot. The charcoal is then removed and quickly covered with a special powder made from earth, sand and ash, and this gives the charcoal surface a whitish hue (explaining the name 'white charcoal'). The rapid rise in temperature, followed by a rapid cooling, incinerates the bark and leaves a smooth, hard surface. If you strike it, you'll hear a clear, metallic sound.
How does it work?
Binchotan charcoal has an incredibly porous surface with tiny cavities oriented in many directions. Just 0.04 oz has a surface area in excess of 5400 square feet (about one tenth the size of a football field). It is also known as active carbon as the ions of contaminants are attracted to the surface of the carbon, where they will be held. It is also able to release minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium back into the water which enhances its taste and health benefits.
How much water can each charcoal filter?
We advise that each stick of charcoal can filter a volume up to 37 fl oz, if used daily for 3 months. For larger volumes, you can add/use the corresponding number of sticks to your vessel/container.
How long will it last?
If you are using your Binchotan with our 'eau good' bottle and fill it up once a day, then it should last three months. You are then able to recharge it by boiling it in water for ten minutes and then leaving to dry in sunlight. You should be able to keep recharging it for a further three months.
What other uses does the binchotan have?
When you have finished using your binchotan as a water filter, it still has many secondary uses. If you break it up and put it in your house plants, it will add nutrients to the soil that will help the plant to grow. Because of its porous surface, it can be used as a deodorizer to remove unwanted odors in your cat litter, laundry basket, nappy bin or shoes. Binchotan is also an effective moisture absorbent, and can help absorb humidity in the air if placed in a wardrobe.
Do I need to wash my charcoal?
Your binchotan charcoal is already washed and ready to use. Please do not wash with detergent or soap.
Can I use my binchotan with flavoured water (fruit infused or tea)?
Please do not use with flavoured cordials, fruit infusions or tea.
Can I wash my bottle with soap and leave the charcoal in it?
Please remove the binchotan from the bottle before washing with soap.
Where can I order more charcoal from?
Order from our website or on amazon.
Is it dangerous if I swallow a bit of charcoal?
Occasionally you will notice tiny particles / fragments of the charcoal in the water, but do not be alarmed as it will do you no harm if you swallow them (active charcoal tablets are prescribed to treat diarrhea, indigestion and flatulence).
How should I clean my bottle?
The top is not dishwasher safe, but the silicone is easy to remove (and reapply) for a thorough hand clean. We advise cleaning the Tritan bottle by hand with a bottle brush cleaner. Although Tritan is technically dishwasher safe, it will last longer if washed by hand.
The thread is on the inside of the bottle so the outer lip is smooth and gives a better drinking experience
The bottle is specially designed to hold the Binchotan charcoal securely in place. Simply drop, squeeze, tilt and lock, to prevent it moving inside the bottle. The charcoal is an organic product, so the thickness can vary. PLEASE NOTE: The important thing is that the charcoal locks in place, even if it appears to be only barely inside the groove. If you force the charcoal into the space, you can cause the bottle to crack.
The curvaceous shape of the bottle, gives a natural position for your hand and makes it comfortable and reassuring to hold.
The bottle is made from Tritan™, produced by the American company Eastman. Tritan™ is absolutely BPA free and of the very highest standards, passing the strictest regulations. Having a recycling number does not determine what the material is made from - it is only there to instruct the user how to recycle the material.
The design features a wood fibre polymer lid. It is 100% leakproof with a polypropylene thread that screws securely on to the bottle. The wood fibre has the visual appeal of cork, but is harder wearing. The stainless steel ring is ideal for easy carrying.
It may seem counter intuitive to purify your drinking water with a stick of charcoal, but the Japanese have been doing it for centuries. Binchotan is an active carbon made from tree branches and is renowned for its ability to soften water, add good minerals and absorb unwanted tastes and odors, such as chlorine.
Your charcoal is ready to use. Simply fill your bottle/carafe with drinking (potable) tap water and wait for the charcoal to filter impurities from the water. Leaving it overnight is ideal, but you will taste the difference after just one hour. Then, enjoy great tasting water! You can use the charcoal in our EAU CARAFE, or any bottle for that matter. Wait for the charcoal to filter the water overnight is ideal, but you will taste the difference after just one hour. Then, enjoy great tasting water!
With time, you will notice a decrease in the filter’s effectiveness on the water taste. You can then recharge it by simply boiling it for ten minutes. The boiling washes out the impurities and frees the charcoal up to absorb some more. Some people have more sensitive taste buds than others so if you notice the decline in taste before 3 months has passed, then it is absolutely fine to boil it at that stage too. Giving it a total life span of six months, as long as it delivers the desired effect, it means it is working!
It still works just the same! Not sure? Well, if you want to know more about Binchotan such as where it comes from and what you can do with it at the end of its life, please see the FAQ tab at the top of this page.