Pioneering Water Refill Network Brings Sustainability to Train Stations
In a significant step towards reducing single-use plastic waste, Great Western Railway (GWR) has partnered with the innovative water company Ape2o to install high-quality water refill machines at its stations. This strategic alliance marks a crucial milestone in the fight against the environmental scourge of plastic bottles, empowering GWR’s passengers to make sustainable choices and contribute to a more eco-friendly future.
Ape2o, a B Corp certified company with a mission to eradicate single-use plastic bottles, has been awarded the contract to deliver its sophisticated water refill solutions across GWR’s network of staffed stations. The first Ape2o “Big Ape” machine has already been launched at Oxford station, with plans to expand the initiative to more locations over the next two to three years.
“At GWR we’re committed to increasing recycling, reducing waste and decreasing our environmental impact wherever possible,” explained Dan Walker, GWR’s Senior Environment and Decarbonisation Manager. “Enabling our customers to make sustainable choices by using refillable bottles cuts waste at source, contributing to these goals. Working alongside companies like Ape2o helps us to encourage all of us to think more sustainably for the future of our planet.”
Tackling the Plastic Pandemic
The partnership between GWR and Ape2o comes at a critical juncture, as the UK continues to grapple with the staggering environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles. Statistics reveal that around 7 million empty plastic water bottles end up in landfills every day in the UK, with up to 43% of all plastic bottles being incinerated, landfilled, or ending up in our oceans. This waste is responsible for over a quarter of a million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, posing a severe threat to the environment for generations to come.
Ape2o’s Innovative Solution
Ape2o’s sophisticated water refill machines, known as “Big Apes,” offer chilled still or sparkling water at a fraction of the cost of plastic bottled water. Utilizing a multi-phase advanced filtration system and UV light sanitization, the machines provide pure, filtered water, removing any impurities down to the molecular level and dispensing it hygienically.
Customers can pay just 25 pence for each half-litre of water, using either their own reusable bottles or purchasing Ape2o’s sustainable, plastic-free stainless steel alternatives. This service not only saves consumers money but also significantly reduces the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles.
“We’ve already saved almost 500,000 plastic bottles from ending up in oceans and landfill,” said Ape2o founder Anthony Newman. “Our partnership with GWR will now help us to reach potentially millions more people, allowing them to ditch the plastic bottle habit and be a force for good. We bring convenience, purity, and taste, but without the plastic and at a fraction of the cost.”
Sustainability at the Heart of GWR’s Operations
The collaboration with Ape2o aligns seamlessly with GWR’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. As part of the FirstGroup organization, GWR adheres to strict environmental management practices, ensuring compliance with regulations and continuously improving its environmental performance.
GWR’s environmental initiatives extend beyond the water refill stations, encompassing a range of measures to minimize waste, enhance energy efficiency, and promote biodiversity. The company has implemented robust environmental management systems, including ISO 14001 certification across nearly all of its operations, and has dedicated sustainability and decarbonization teams to drive progress.
“Enabling our customers to make sustainable choices by using refillable bottles cuts waste at source, contributing to these goals,” noted Walker. “Working alongside companies like Ape2o helps us to encourage all of us to think more sustainably for the future of our planet.”
Expanding the Water Refill Network
The partnership between GWR and Ape2o is a significant step towards addressing the plastic pollution crisis, but it is just the beginning. Ape2o’s vision is to expand its network of water refill machines across the UK, empowering more individuals and communities to embrace sustainable water consumption habits.
By collaborating with transportation hubs like GWR, Ape2o aims to reach a wider audience and make it easier for people to ditch the plastic bottle habit. The company’s commitment to donating 10% of its sales to ocean, freshwater, and marine life conservation efforts further underscores its mission to be a force for positive change.
“We bring convenience, purity, and taste, but without the plastic and at a fraction of the cost,” emphasized Newman. “Our partnership with GWR will now help us to reach potentially millions more people, allowing them to ditch the plastic bottle habit and be a force for good.”
Towards a Plastic-Free Future
The partnership between GWR and Ape2o represents a significant stride towards a more sustainable future, where convenient and affordable access to clean water reduces the reliance on single-use plastic bottles. By providing an innovative and eco-friendly alternative, this collaboration empowers passengers to make informed choices that contribute to the well-being of the planet.
As more transportation providers and water companies follow in the footsteps of GWR and Ape2o, the vision of a plastic-free future becomes increasingly achievable. Through collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, we can collectively work towards a world where plastic waste is a thing of the past, and sustainable water solutions are the norm.
To learn more about Joint Action for Water and explore their initiatives to promote water access, sanitation, and environmental sustainability, visit their website.
