Join the Pipe is a new member of the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) who has developed a concept that not only helps to reduce plastic pollution, but also reduces the need for costly collection and recycling efforts. This represents a practical alternative for cities that cannot afford a public water distribution system or where the quality of the tap water is not consistent. The company is based in Amsterdam and manufactures reusable water bottles and tap water refill stations. It has installed taps in over 3,500 locations all over the world such as parks, schools, gyms, offices, stations, airports, and hotels. The proceeds from bottle sales and refill stations in Europe help fund water projects in developing countries.
Founder Geraldo Vallen talks about the need to shift focus away from investing in a connected water supply to a more practical solution where people can access affordable drinking water by refilling their own reusable water bottles from a local source, such as their neighbourhood supermarket. Join the Pipe is well on its way to making this a reality and is eager to collaborate with fellow NWP members who operate in the drinking water and filter industry.
‘Refill, reuse, reduce - if you want to sell bottled water, you need to have a refill station.’
‘The real solution is a reuse community. Instead of bringing your bottles back to the supermarket for recycling, you bring it back for refilling. For developing countries especially, it is a win-win situation. It is cheaper for customers to refill their water bottles, and for the retailer it requires less storage space and eliminates the need for a recycling system. It’s just a matter of changing the water filters every few months. You don’t need a lot of space, only a water source, and that water needs to be filtered. This is not expensive.
Similar to regulations that require access facilities for people with special needs, governments should require supermarkets to install safe tap water units.
‘I am not the guy to say we have to ban the bottle, but we do have to create a cheaper and more sustainable alternative.’
Even in cities where the water supply is often safe, we all have the responsibility to reduce plastic waste. But if you are thirsty and on the go, the only option you have right now, is to buy single-use bottled water because there are no refill points. Consumers are currently the ones being asked to reduce plastic use. We would like governments to be more involved by calling on cities and water companies to sell their tap water in the supermarkets – the very same location where bottled water is sold. Instead of a refund for empty bottles, everyone selling bottled water should also install a refill tap so people have the chance to refill at a fair price.