Phillip Morris
© 2026
IQOS Clip Case
© 2026
Client
Phillip Morris
Services
Product Design
Year
2026
Finding new purpose for waste
Through its take-back program, IQOS Japan has successfully collected tons of plastic from old or unused devices. But how do you make something meaningful with all that waste? That question brought IMMINENT and Seabrook Studio back together. Known for pushing recycling, upcycling and material innovation beyond the expected, IMMINENT approached us with an idea for IQOS: create an ashtray designed for life on the go, where used IQOS sticks and VEEV pods can be kept until they can be recycled or properly disposed of.
The challenge went beyond designing a container. We were taking plastic from IQOS devices collected in Japan and giving it a completely new purpose as a practical, portable object made for everyday use. Bringing the idea into production involved extensive research and development. It was the first time this recycled material had been used to produce a product like this, so there was no ready made formula to follow. Turning the recovered plastic into pellets for injection molding opened up a whole new set of questions around how the material would behave in production. Working closely with an experienced Czech manufacturer, we tested, adjusted and learned from the material until the system did exactly what we needed it to do.
Portability was an important part of the project, with the carabiner and ring playing a key role in how the case would be carried. We designed both as bespoke components made from the same recycled material, giving the case a way to attach directly to a bag or belt. They became a defining part of the product and ultimately gave the IQOS Clip Case its name.
The carabiner takes its shape from the IQOS key, bringing a familiar part of the IQOS design language into a completely new product. The Clip Case itself is built around a custom twist and locking system. A precisely positioned opening makes it easy to add used IQOS sticks and VEEV pods, while the case snaps securely back into place to keep everything contained. The locking mechanism only fully releases when the case is deliberately twisted open, preventing the contents from spilling out during everyday use. The simplicity of using the Clip Case hides just how complex the design behind it really is. We developed every component to smoothly work together as part of the system, making the case intuitive while keeping the waste securely inside.
Product design & 3D modeling & 3D printing Product design & 3D modeling & 3D printing
The IQOS and VEEV visual identities gave us another layer of the design to work with. The logos of both brands are built directly into opposite sides of the case, while color creates an even stronger link to the products themselves. Anthracite was used for the case, IQOS Turquoise for the carabiner, and either Anthracite or VEEV Deep Purple for the ring. Together, these details connect the Clip Case to the wider IQOS and VEEV world and the products it was designed for.
The project also included a special limited edition of 1,000 full sets. Alongside the Clip Case, we developed the Puffy Pouch to hold an IQOS or VEEV device. Filled entirely with material made from recycled IQOS sticks, its padded shape brought another recycled material into the project. Each set included the Clip Case, Puffy Pouch, bespoke carabiner and two rings, giving users the freedom to connect and carry the pieces in different ways. The limited edition was distributed at festivals across the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
