A new era of hydration

The classic water cooler and soda machine are losing ground. More and more companies are opting for smart, circular solutions that better fit their sustainability goals and the well-being of their employees. 2026 will be a turning year in this regard: ESG goals will be given more weight, healthy options will be in demand, and even a simple refill moment will become an experience.

What does this specifically mean for sustainable beverage dispensers? 👀

1. Packaging-free is the standard

In Europe, the Single-Use Plastics Directive is setting the tone. Products for which reusable alternatives exist are slowly disappearing from the market or are given strict labels. The focus is clear: less waste, more reuse, and clear reporting on collected and recycled streams. For offices, that means a shift from pallets full of bottles to taps that simply run on water pipes.

The European Commission is linking that policy to a broader plastics strategy and consultations on recycled content in bottles. The signal is clear. There is increasing pressure to replace disposable with reusable models and to make progress demonstrable. 

The same message resonates internationally as well: the World Economic Forum sees 2025 as a tipping point for systems that replace packaging with reusable models.

2. Data & impact measurement become indispensable

Sustainability is increasingly about measurable results. Modern dispensers track how many liters are tapped, how much packaging is avoided, and the carbon savings that result. Such numbers are increasingly expected by investors and stakeholders, and help teams internally keep goals tangible.

New technology plays into this: IoT monitoring, predictive maintenance and even personalized interfaces make the work easier AND ensure that the impact can be reported quickly and clearly.

3. From water to taste and function

Demand is shifting from "water or soda" to "flat or fizzy, subtle or intense, with or without function. Three movements stand out:

(a) Less sugar, more variety

Employees are increasingly choosing sugar-free alternatives, preferably without artificial substances. This increases daily intake and lowers the barrier to continued drinking throughout the day.

(b) Functional drinks

Focus, energy or a vitamin boost. What you used to find at the gym now comes from the tap. The functional beverages segment continues to grow through the combination of health and convenience.

(c) New flavor trends

Trend watchers signal a mix of nostalgia and health. Think citrus and berry profiles, tea accents, floral and botanical touches, and world-inspired combinations that remain recognizable.

4. Wellbeing and culture central

A Refill Point is not just a device, it becomes a moment in the workday and a place where colleagues see each other for a moment. Companies that combine healthy choice, variety and visibility often notice higher water intake and less reaching for sugary options.

Research on workplace interventions shows that it is the combination of environment and routine that makes behavior change stick. So a well-placed dispenser can be a small but powerful adjustment for the entire workplace!

The future is circular, healthy and social

Sustainable beverage dispensers are evolving from convenient device to strategic tool. They reduce waste, support well-being, make ESG concrete and respond to the latest taste trends.

Those who choose a packaging-free and data-driven hydration system today are taking a small step that feels big: better for people, better for the planet! 🌍

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