Why we 3D-print every BlueTag ourselves in Berlin
Paul Kasten, founder of TaskBlue · Updated · 4 min read
We 3D-print every BlueTag ourselves in Berlin because it is the key to TaskBlue, and for a part like that we want every step in our own hands: we print it from plant-based PLA, assemble it by hand and pack it ourselves.
What the BlueTag is
The BlueTag is a small key ring that stays with the parents. It works by NFC like a contactless card, has no battery and never needs charging. One scan signs your child's iPhone in to TaskBlue. After that, a scan brings the apps back early, however the focus was started.
Why a real object and not a code
The key deliberately lives outside the iPhone, on your key ring for example. That way focus holds, and your child knows exactly where the key is and who has it. That keeps agreements in the family simple and visible to everyone.
Why we make it ourselves
Printing, assembly and packing all happen with us in Berlin. That way every BlueTag passes through our hands before it reaches you. If something isn't right, we notice it ourselves, not only when you unpack it.
Plastic for a product against plastic?
It's a fair question. We print the BlueTag from PLA, a plant-based plastic. That is still plastic. That is why there is exactly one BlueTag: it ships once and stays yours, and a renewal ships nothing. What counts is the effect afterwards. Every focus hour funds the recovery of about 50 g of ocean plastic, more on that in ocean plastic in numbers.
Frequently asked
Does the BlueTag have a battery?
No. The BlueTag is passive and never needs charging. NFC needs no power on the tag side.
What happens if the BlueTag gets lost?
Nobody gets stuck in focus. If you have set up a parent PIN, you can end focus with it. Without a PIN, your child has three emergency exits. Once those are used up, support at [email protected] helps.
What does shipping cost?
Shipping within Germany is free, outside Germany there is a one-time €4.99 fee. The BlueTag is always included, see pricing.
Read on
Fewer distractions for your child. Less plastic in the sea.
A year costs €49.99 once, a month €9.99. The BlueTag always comes with it.