Refilling efforts aim to divert 100 million plastic bottles from landfills and waste management systems.

December 25, 2024February 6, 2025 moneymetrics.org_admin Technology

The Australian government has recently introduced new packaging regulations following an official review that revealed only 18% of plastic packaging is recycled, falling far short of the target of 70% by 2025. The move is aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting a more sustainable future.

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Refilled: A Startup Revolutionizing Beverage Dispensing

In response to this challenge, Refilled, a Sydney-based startup, has developed smart drink dispensers designed for reusable bottles. Its mission is to save one million plastic bottles from the landfill, with early customers including Google. The company has just announced that it has raised a $1.3 million AUD (approximately $845,000 USD) seed round led by impact investor Melt Ventures, alongside participation from Envato co-founders Cyan Ta’eed and Collis Ta’eed.

The Vision Behind Refilled

Refilled’s founder, Ryan Nelson, was inspired to create the company after struggling to find a way to refill his water bottle at a gym. "Instead, I was presented with rows and rows of drinks packaged in single-use plastic," he recalls. "I bought one, drank it straight away, and there was no recycling bin either. That’s when it dawned on me, this plastic bottle was only used for two minutes and might stay on the planet for 1,000 years." This epiphany led Nelson to start working on Refiller that very afternoon.

How Refillers Work

Refillers are designed to be used in shared spaces like gyms, universities, and offices. They serve still and sparkling drinks in hundreds of flavors, with the option to add caffeine, vitamins, or nootropics. Each machine can store 100 times more beverages than a traditional vending machine, making it an efficient solution for businesses looking to reduce plastic waste.

Early Successes

Refilled has already seen significant success since its launch in August. Across all sites where its dispensers are installed, the company has managed to save 25,000 bottles. Five more Refillers are being installed this year, in addition to the 100 that will be manufactured at the startup’s factory in Penrith NSW.

Funding and Expansion Plans

Refilled will use part of the funding to manufacture its drink stations, called Refiller, with a focus on delivering high-quality products that meet customer needs. The company charges customers a small installation fee and then a monthly subscription cost for each machine. This model allows businesses to enjoy a low-cost, hassle-free solution for beverage dispensing.

The Impact of Refilled

Refilled’s innovative approach to beverage dispensing has the potential to make a significant impact on plastic waste reduction in Australia. By providing an efficient and convenient solution for businesses, the company is promoting a more sustainable future for all Australians.

Conclusion

The Australian government’s new packaging regulations are a crucial step towards reducing plastic waste in the country. Refilled’s innovative approach to beverage dispensing offers a promising solution for businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint. With its commitment to saving one million plastic bottles from the landfill, Refilled is leading the way in promoting sustainability and reducing waste.

Australian Government Introduces New Packaging Regulations: The Australian government has introduced new packaging regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste.
Refilled Raises $1.3 Million Seed Round: Refilled has raised a $1.3 million AUD (approximately $845,000 USD) seed round led by impact investor Melt Ventures.
The Impact of Plastic Waste on the Environment: Plastic waste is having a devastating impact on the environment, with millions of tons of plastic ending up in our oceans every year.