Refilled — a Sydney-based startup on a mission to reduce plastic waste in landfills through its ‘smart drink’ dispenser — has backed its growth ambitions with several recent deals with key corporate partners, while expanding into Singapore.
In its first year of operations, Refilled has secured major partnerships with some of the largest companies operating in Australia, installing 42 Refiller smart drink units in their offices. It has recently added tech giants Uber and Meta to its clients list, as well as WPP, the world’s largest advertising agency.
The Refiller is a cutting-edge drink dispenser offering a customisable range of still and sparkling beverages to be poured directly into reusable bottles or glasses – eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles.
“A year on from our seed funding, our mission to unbottle the Australian beverage industry and save 100 million single-use plastic bottles from landfill has gone from strength to strength,” Refilled founder Ryan Nelson said.
The company’s latest partnerships reflect the growing demand for sustainable, cost-effective solutions to reduce their environmental footprint. In addition to its success in Australia, Refilled is expanding into Singapore, where its first client, The Working Capitol, is using the Refiller as part of sustainability efforts at its 800-member co-working space.
A sustainable solution to plastic waste
Refilled is focused on addressing one of the most pressing global environmental challenges — plastic waste. In Australia alone, about 1.9 billion single-use plastic bottles are consumed each year, many of which end up in landfills.
Refilled aims to tackle this issue by eliminating the need for disposable plastic bottles in workplaces, with a product that allows businesses to reduce their plastic footprint while offering employees an eco-friendly alternative to traditional bottled drinks.
Unlike traditional vending machines, which require frequent restocking and maintenance, the Refiller is designed for low operational costs. It can store up to 1,000 times more drinks than a standard vending machine, reducing the need for constant inventory management and restocking, according to the company.
Key drivers of Refilled’s growth
Refiller sees several factors supporting its success with corporate uptake. As companies continue to navigate the return-to-office movement, offering perks like free drinks has become an attractive way to improve workplace culture and employee wellbeing. Refilled’s solution also aligns with sustainability initiatives, helping companies meet their environmental targets while providing tangible operational benefits.
The product also saves on operational costs by reducing the costs associated with traditional vending machines, which require frequent deliveries and restocking. The ability to eliminate the need for disposable bottles and cans makes it a cost-effective, sustainable choice for businesses looking to streamline their operations.
Expansion into Singapore and future growth plans
Singapore which ranks first in Asia for single-use plastic consumption, has set ambitious sustainability targets under its Green Plan 2030, including a goal to reduce landfill waste by 30% by 2030. As the country tackles its growing plastic waste problem, Refilled is hoping its technology will play a significant role in helping local businesses meet their sustainability objectives.
To accelerate its international expansion and further scale its environmental impact, Refilled is now seeking strategic investment. The company is also looking for a local distribution partner in Singapore to support its growing presence in the region.