Dutch cleantech innovator Aquablu has launched its most advanced hydration solution to date, the REFILL+ Series 2, poised to redefine how businesses approach employee well-being and environmental responsibility. This new generation of smart water dispensers, powered by the proprietary AURA operating system, promises to deliver a sophisticated and sustainable hydration experience, offering a wide array of water options, including precisely heated and extra-sparkling varieties, alongside vitamin-infused flavors. The REFILL+ Series 2 marks a significant leap forward for Aquablu, a company founded in 2018 with the ambitious goal of making healthy, sustainable hydration accessible to a billion people globally.
The Genesis of Aquablu and the Drive for Sustainable Hydration
Founded in the Netherlands by Marnix Stokvis and Marc van Zuylen, Aquablu emerged from a recognition of the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles and the often-overlooked importance of adequate hydration in fostering a productive and healthy work environment. Since its inception, the company has experienced rapid growth, forging partnerships with prominent global corporations such as Heineken, Adyen, and Microsoft. Today, Aquablu’s reach extends across more than sixteen countries, catering to the hydration needs of over 100,000 employees worldwide. This expansion underscores a growing demand for intelligent, sustainable solutions within the corporate sector.
The company’s mission to democratize access to healthy hydration is deeply rooted in addressing two critical global challenges: the proliferation of plastic waste and the need to enhance employee well-being through improved dietary habits. By providing an attractive and convenient alternative to bottled water, Aquablu aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with beverage consumption in the workplace.
REFILL+ Series 2: A Fusion of Design, Technology, and Functionality
The REFILL+ Series 2 represents the culmination of Aquablu’s extensive research and development, integrating cutting-edge technology with a sleek, modern design. Available now in the UK, this sophisticated dispenser offers an unprecedented level of customization and utility. It dispenses not only chilled and ambient water but also provides hot water at two precise temperatures: 80°C, ideal for a delicate green tea, and 95°C, perfect for robust black teas and instant coffee. Furthermore, users can enjoy extra-sparkling water, enhanced with a patented cooling system designed to deliver a superior effervescence.
A key innovation in the Series 2 is the expanded flavor integration system. The dispenser now accommodates two additional flavor slots, enabling over sixty unique combinations. This allows for a diverse range of functional and appealing options, including popular choices like Lemon, Mango Guava, Red Fruits, Peach, and Raspberry & Pomegranate. Crucially, these flavorings are available with no added sweeteners or sugar, and many are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, promoting healthier beverage choices.
Recently, Aquablu introduced REFRESH, a new flavor blend designed to invigorate and revitalize. This blend features a refreshing combination of crisp cucumber, zesty yuzu, and fresh mint, infused with Vitamins C and B12. It is positioned as an ideal pick-me-up for busy workdays, offering a light and energizing hydration option.
The AURA Operating System: The Brains Behind Intelligent Hydration
At the core of the REFILL+ Series 2 lies AURA, Aquablu’s revolutionary Hydration Operating System. AURA transforms individual dispensers into an interconnected network, providing organizations with a centralized, intelligent dashboard. This platform offers real-time insights into critical metrics such as water consumption patterns, the quantifiable reduction in CO2 emissions, plastic waste savings, and the overall performance of the hydration systems.
For facility managers and sustainability officers, AURA offers significant operational advantages. It facilitates proactive maintenance by identifying potential issues before they escalate, automates supply management by monitoring filter life and flavor levels, and generates comprehensive sustainability reports. These reports provide tangible data that can be used to demonstrate progress towards corporate environmental goals and to inform future sustainability initiatives.
Driving Productivity and Well-being Through Smart Hydration
Aquablu’s design philosophy is deeply informed by a commitment to understanding and enhancing worker health and happiness. The company recognizes that proper hydration is not merely a matter of thirst quenching; it is intrinsically linked to cognitive function, energy levels, and overall productivity. By making healthy and enjoyable hydration easily accessible, Aquablu aims to contribute to a more focused, energetic, and positive workplace environment.
The ability to customize water preferences, from temperature and carbonation to flavor and nutritional enrichment, caters to a diverse workforce with varying tastes and dietary needs. This personalized approach to hydration can significantly improve employee satisfaction and contribute to a culture that prioritizes well-being.
Expert Insights: A Vision for Smarter, Healthier Workplaces
Marnix Stokvis, co-founder of Aquablu, articulated the company’s vision for the REFILL+ Series 2: "With REFILL+ Series 2, we’re building on our mission to make hydration smarter, better, and more engaging. Modern offices are rethinking how they support employee well-being, and hydration is a key part of that. By giving people more ways to enjoy healthy, great-tasting water throughout the day, we help improve focus, energy, and overall workplace experience. From precise hot water temperatures for tea lovers to our new patented cooling system that delivers even colder water and more bubbles, we’ve designed every detail to make office hydration both enjoyable and effortless, while helping companies meet their sustainability goals."
Stokvis’s statement highlights the dual focus of Aquablu’s innovation: enhancing the end-user experience while simultaneously empowering organizations to achieve their sustainability targets. The emphasis on "smarter, better, and more engaging" hydration suggests a move beyond basic water provision to a more holistic approach that integrates health, convenience, and environmental consciousness.
Addressing Key Workplace Demands: Sustainability, Health, and Efficiency
The launch of the REFILL+ Series 2 with the AURA operating system directly addresses three critical and growing demands within contemporary workplaces:
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Sustainable Operations: In an era of increasing environmental awareness and regulatory scrutiny, businesses are actively seeking ways to reduce their ecological footprint. Aquablu’s solution directly tackles the pervasive issue of single-use plastic waste generated by bottled water consumption, offering a tangible and measurable reduction in waste and associated carbon emissions. The AURA system provides verifiable data to support these claims.
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Healthier Facilities: Employee health and well-being are paramount for productivity and talent retention. The REFILL+ Series 2 promotes healthier lifestyle choices by providing a constant supply of fresh, appealing, and often nutrient-enhanced water. This can lead to improved hydration levels, which are linked to better cognitive function, reduced fatigue, and fewer instances of minor illnesses.
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Simpler Management: For facility managers, the complexity of managing amenities can be a significant challenge. The AURA system streamlines operations by providing a centralized control and monitoring interface. Automated supply management and predictive maintenance reduce manual intervention and unexpected downtime, leading to greater efficiency and cost savings.
Market Expansion and Future Outlook
The REFILL+ Series 2, integrated with the AURA system, is currently available for order across the Benelux region, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Aquablu has ambitious plans for further expansion, with rollouts scheduled for more than ten additional European countries in 2026. This strategic expansion indicates a strong market appetite for advanced hydration solutions and Aquablu’s confidence in its ability to meet diverse regional demands.
The company’s focus on intelligent technology, user experience, and demonstrable sustainability benefits positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of corporate amenities. As businesses increasingly prioritize employee well-being and environmental stewardship, solutions like Aquablu’s are likely to become indispensable components of modern office infrastructure. The continuous development of new flavors and features, coupled with the robust data analytics provided by AURA, suggests a commitment to ongoing innovation and customer satisfaction. The success of Aquablu’s approach lies in its ability to align business objectives with the growing demand for responsible and health-conscious corporate practices.
