Aquablu and Selecta partner up to bring sustainable hydration to Europe’s businesses

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Just five months after the product launch, the Benelux region has already become too small for Aquablu’s ambitions. Thanks to a new strategic partnership with European Foodtech market leader Selecta, they will roll out their new REFILL product line in 16 European countries. As of today, Aquablu is the exclusive premium water partner of Selecta. This step brings the scale-up closer to their goal of saving 1 billion plastic bottles by 2030.

More Than Water

Aquablu has developed a smart water tap for retail and business environments. The modern, sleekly designed water taps purify and mineralize tap water, but can also enrich it with sparkling and sugar-free functional flavors. These functional flavors contain natural ingredients that give a refreshing taste to the water, combined with additional vitamins, minerals, and/or caffeine tailored to the user’s needs. Fresh Lemon “Immunity”, for example, is aimed at strengthening the immune system and contains vitamin C, D, magnesium, and zinc. Do you have a long meeting ahead? Choose Red Fruits “Focus” with caffeine and give your energy an extra boost. 

Smart Connectivity

contains smart, ‘connected’ functionality that elevates the user experience and sustainability aspects to an even higher level. Through an online dashboard, service staff and users gain insight into usage trends and the filling level of the syrups.” This way, for example, maintenance visits can be smartly combined with maintenance on other coffee or vending machines at the customer’s location. This saves trips and thus CO2 emissions.” 

The sustainability data is also valuable for the customer. “Based on usage data, we send impact certificates to our customers. These show how many plastic bottles and costs they have saved by using the water tap compared to the old situation. We also make the CO2 savings visible in this way. This allows the customer to numerically substantiate their own sustainability efforts and vitality objectives.” To achieve this connectivity at an international level, we have chosen to collaborate with KPN.

 

The Same Quality Water, Anywhere in the World

Each drink consists of more than 90% water, making it essential that the water is of good quality. By filtering contaminants such as PFAS, chlorine, and microplastics, Aquablu ensures constant water quality, regardless of location or incoming tap water quality. This is particularly interesting for countries where water quality is subpar or inconsistent. “We notice that vitality and personal health are becoming increasingly important themes for companies. To facilitate the transition from packaged drinks to packaging-free drinks, we must go beyond existing solutions,” says Marc van Zuylen, co-founder of Aquablu. Thanks to the patented mixing system, users can personalize their drink and create up to 39 different drinks. 

 

Smart Connectivity

However, according to Marnix Stokvis, co-founder, it doesn’t stop there. “Our Aquablu water tap contains smart, ‘connected’ functionality that elevates the user experience and sustainability aspects to an even higher level. Through an online dashboard, service staff and users gain insight into usage trends and the filling level of the syrups.” This way, for example, maintenance visits can be smartly combined with maintenance on other coffee or vending machines at the customer’s location. This saves trips and thus CO2 emissions.” 

The sustainability data is also valuable for the customer. “Based on usage data, we send impact certificates to our customers. These show how many plastic bottles and costs they have saved by using the water tap compared to the old situation. We also make the CO2 savings visible in this way. This allows the customer to numerically substantiate their own sustainability efforts and vitality objectives.” To achieve this connectivity at an international level, we have chosen to collaborate with KPN.

 


European Rollout in 2023

The collaboration between Selecta and Aquablu does not come out of the blue. According to Tjerry Sanders, Group Coffee Solutions & Equipment Manager at Selecta, Aquablu fills a growing customer need. “Our main objective is not just delivering drinks, but also creating moments of happiness for our consumers. That’s why we regularly research what can really make our customers happy. Consumers & employers are looking for healthy alternatives to soft drinks, especially younger generations. With Aquablu, we can meet these needs and offer those moments of joy. In addition, we support productivity and well-being in the workplace with (healthy) food, snacks, and drinks.”

 

Sustainable Alternative

Aquablu offers a perfect response to new, stricter European legislation regarding the consumption of beverages from PET or cans. Following countries like Germany, the Netherlands also introduced deposit fees on plastic bottles and cans in April. In addition, according to Sanders, the sustainable nature of Aquablu seamlessly aligns with that of Selecta. “In the Netherlands, we are used to drinking tap water. But in other countries, water is still often consumed from plastic bottles due to the quality of tap water. With Aquablu’s water taps, we offer a sustainable alternative. Furthermore, it is very valuable for us to know in advance when devices require maintenance. This allows us not only to improve our service but also to drive the shortest possible routes and further minimize our environmental impact. In this way, we contribute maximally to a more sustainable world.”

 

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