Coffee Service

Selecta teams with Aquablu to introduce sustainable hydration

Image: Adobe Stock.

May 8, 2023

Selecta Group, the Switzerland-based route service provider of coffee and convenience food solutions in Europe, has teamed with Aquablu, a Netherlands-based water service provider, to introduce the Refill product line in 16 European countries, according to a press release. As of today, Aquablu is the exclusive premium water partner of Selecta, bringing the company to its goal of saving 1 billion plastic bottles by 2030.

The water taps purify and mineralize tap water and can also enrich it with sparkling and sugar-free functional flavors that contain natural ingredients, combined with 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.

Red Fruits "Focus" with caffeine aims to provide an energy boost.

Each drink consists of more than 90% water.

By filtering contaminants such as PFAS, chlorine and microplastics, Aquablu ensures constant water quality, regardless of location or incoming tap water quality.

"To facilitate the transition from packaged drinks to packaging-free drinks, we must go beyond existing solutions," Marc van Zuylen, co-founder of Aquablu, said in the press release. "Thanks to the patented mixing system, users can personalize their drink and create up to 39 different drinks."

"Our Aquablu water tap contains smart, 'connected' functionality that elevates the user experience and sustainability aspects to an even higher level," said Marnix Stokvis, co-founder of Aquablu. "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.

"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."