From cans to a water dispenser? The future of soft drinks in the office

Imagine an office without piles of empty cans or plastic bottles. No overflowing garbage cans of packaging, no hassle with orders that arrive just too early or too late.

Sounds like the future? Not really. The way we consume soft drinks is in full transition.

Healthier choices, less waste and more flexibility in what we drink-that's where it's headed. But what does that future look like? And more importantly, what does it mean for your office? We sat down with Lucas and Edward from Dripl about how companies are getting ready for a new way of drinking.

Why that soft drink industry is going completely upside down

"Packaging-free is becoming the norm," says Lucas Moreau (co-founder). "Today we buy a can or bottle without thinking, but I bet in a few years we'll look back on that with amazement? Why should we continue to transport soft drinks in billions of single-use containers, when we can do it differently?"

A big shift in the industry is decentralization. Instead of cramming offices full of bottles and cans, soft drinks are mixed and tapped on site via smart beverage dispensers and water dispensers. That means less logistics hassle, less waste, and most importantly, soda tailored to the drinker.

"You don't order coffee anymore without the option to add milk or sugar yourself, do you?" adds Edward Bossuyt (Software Lead). "Why would that be different with soft drinks? People want control over their drinks: how much sugar, how much effervescence, what flavor intensity..."

Are companies ready to do things differently?

Most businesses are still stuck with a classic can dispenser or a refrigerator full of bottles. But that model is cracking.

Lucas: "Offices are seeing that they can no longer ignore waste. A large proportion of those drinks are never drunk, and single-use packaging no longer fits companies' sustainability policies."

A smart beverage dispenser or water dispenser adapts to consumption. Data gives insight into which flavors are popular and prevents over-ordering. "IoT makes it even more efficient," says Edward. "The dispenser automatically tells you when a particular flavor is running low or when maintenance is needed. That saves time and frustration."

The 5 trends shaping the future of soft drinks in the office

1. Package-free as standard. 🗑

‍Single-useis disappearing. Governments are tightening regulations, companies are pushing hard for sustainability, and consumers expect eco-friendly alternatives. Beverage dispensers and water dispensers with reusable bottles are taking over.

2. Local and on-demand. 🏠

‍Fresh drinkstraveling halfway around the world? That's a thing of the past. The future lies in locally blended drinks via smart vending machines. This not only saves on logistics, but also reduces CO₂ emissions and water consumption.

3. More personalization. 💜

‍Everyonedrinks differently. Some people want their soft drinks full of flavor, others with a "touch" of lime or maté. The new generation of beverage dispensers lets you take control of sugar, effervescence and taste.

4. Smart beverage dispensers and IoT. 😎

Never overstock or understock again. Data and smart technology make it possible to measure consumption, track taste trends and minimize waste.

5. Health and transparency. 🍋

‍Thedays when soft drinks were synonymous with sugar bombs are over. People want to know what's in their drinks and are making healthier choices. With clear ingredients and natural flavors, soft drinks are being redefined.

Are we leaving cans and bottles behind for good?

That may be the big question. People still reach for a can out of habit. But habits change.

Lucas: "Look at how quickly reusable water bottles and coffee cups have become the norm. It may feel strange now to drink soft drinks differently, but in a few years we won't know any better."

Edward: "People love the experience of a can-that cold feeling, the typical 'tsssk' sound. But if a beverage dispenser or water dispenser is just as convenient AND more sustainable, why not switch?"

What does this mean for your office?

The way we drink soft drinks is changing dramatically. No more traditional soda vending machines full of cans that end up being thrown away, but a flexible, sustainable and user-friendly system that adapts to employees' needs.

Whether you're looking for an office water dispenser or want to experiment with a soda dispenser that dramatically reduces the pile of PMD bags, one thing is clear: things can be done differently.

Also want to know how your company can switch to a packaging-free beverage supply?

‍