Sustainable lifebuoy that has saved 14 lives a year since 1976

Since 1954, Trygg-Hansa has been distributing its iconic lifebuoys to improve safety on Sweden’s coasts and waterways. After two decades, however, they had identified an issue – the original Styrofoam buoys were not durable enough to withstand the tough outdoor conditions in Sweden. In 1975, Trygg-Hansa contacted Fristad Plast and tasked us with developing a new, more sustainable lifebuoy.

Long-term lifesaver

The collaboration began with a challenge – to develop a lifebuoy that could keep a person afloat, be printed on (such as a place name or Trygg-Hansa’s logo) and, not least, withstand the Swedish climate. Fristad Plast took on the assignment and started production in 1976. The solution was a robust lifebuoy that quickly replaced the older model and that has since saved countless lives.

A few years later, we developed the throw line as part of the lifebuoy. It was yet another innovation that strengthened the lifebuoy as a rescue product. The throw line has become a standard component of the lifebuoy and is still part of the design to this day.

Despite its timeless appearance, the lifebuoy has undergone small, ongoing improvements, such as new materials for better durability and more environmentally friendly production. Although these changes are invisible to the average person, they’re vital for ensuring that the lifebuoy continues to satisfy modern requirements.

With a partnership now spanning five decades, we’re proud to be a part of the iconic lifebuoy. It has become a symbol of safety – and also saves an average of 14 lives per year.