Get to know the minds behind the Refill Point 2.0: Lucas & Edward on soft drink industry without packaging

Dripl is all about one simple question: why are soft drinks still in disposable containers? In 2020, decided Colin Deblonde and Lucas Moreau that it was time for something better. No cans, no plastic bottles, no unnecessary transportation of gallons of water.... The solution? Make soft drinks locally, without waste.

With the Refill Point 2.0, we are taking a big step forward: a smarter, more reliable and scalable version that employees can use effortlessly. Lucas (co-founder) and Edward (head of product) continue to build on it every day. Time to get to know them better.

From idea to impact

"I always wanted to build something that really changes the way we do things," Lucas says. "Not just a small improvement, but a fundamental switch."

When the first version of the Refill Point was launched, it was immediately clear: the concept worked. Companies switched over, employees loved it, and thousands of disposable containers were avoided. But behind the scenes, Lucas and Edward knew there was still work to be done.

"The 1.0 was a huge learning experience," Lucas says. "We saw where things were going well, but also where we needed to make adjustments. The system had to become more reliable, user-friendly and easier to maintain."

Many of the learnings from the development of the 2.0 were fed back into the first version. The software was updated, processes were optimized and some technical improvements were co-integrated into the 1.0. So all Dripl users can enjoy that learning (and their drinks, of course).

Enter Edward: the man to make it work

"My role? Making sure the product does what it needs to do," he says. "The mechanics, the software, the interface - everything has to click together perfectly,"

"The first version had software that hung together with duct tape. Each new addition made it more complex. At some point you knew: if you change something on one side, something breaks on the other side. That can't last."

So went the reset button. The software was completely rebuilt, from scratch. A stable foundation, ready for further growth.

"The Refill Point 2.0 is a gamechanger," says Edward. "Not only in terms of software, but also hardware-wise. It lasts longer, is easier to maintain and has even better flavor options. But most importantly? It's simple and reliable."

With the 2.0, Dripl introduced a beverage supply that will last for at least a decade, providing a much greater long-term environmental impact. And where companies used to rely on outside suppliers, they can now take full control of their beverage supply.

The Refill Point 2.0 automatically monitors consumption and maintenance, making the system virtually self-regulating. This means less waste, less logistical complexity and a more sustainable model for all parties involved.

R&D in (the) house!

Many people think of Dripl's Brussels office, but the R&D center is at least as important. That's where the machines are built, tested and improved.

"Everything happens there," Lucas says. "We started with prototyping and development, but at some point we decided to just do the production ourselves. That gave us much more control over quality and speed. If we want to improve something, we test it right away."

Edward nods. "The biggest problem with outsourced manufacturing is that you get slow. Waiting for a supplier to adjust something, waiting for a new prototype to arrive.... We didn't feel like doing that. By doing it ourselves, we switch faster and can immediately perfect each new version. Also with feedback from our users."

Why the Refill Point 2.0 is different

The technology should be invisible so that the user does not have to think about it.

"What we build should feel like a given," says Edward. "Companies should install the Refill Point and never look back. That's our goal."

The 2.0 version makes that possible. It automatically monitors consumption and maintenance, so companies no longer depend on outside suppliers. No surpluses, no waste, no complex orders. Just a system that works.

"Soft drinks shouldn't take a trip around the world," Lucas says. "It should just be made locally. Local, without unnecessary waste."

‍TheHenry van de Velde Award: "Nice! But we're not done yet"

With the development of the Refill Point 2.0, Dripl was awarded the Henry van de Velde Business Innovation Award. A nice recognition, but for Lucas and Edward especially a motivation to continue building.

"It's blissful to get that recognition, but that doesn't mean we're done," Edward says.

Lucas agrees. "In a few years, we're going to look back and think, 'Remember when soda was always in plastic or cans? How absurd was that?' We're going for 1 billion avoided disposable packaging by 2030. That's the impact we want to make."

The award will have a prominent place in the office. "This is an award for the whole team," says Lucas. "Everyone within Dripl has contributed to this. It is not only a crowning of what we have already achieved, but also a reminder that we can go much further."

Will you be our next innovator?

Do you want to be part of the Refillution? Check out our job openings and internships here!

A Refill Point 2.0 at your office?

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