International Product Innovations Award - International Product
This category rewards the development and commercialisation of innovative products that minimise water consumption. Products can include (but are not limited to) domestic appliances, consumer products, commercial equipment, washing systems, water storage, irrigation etc. This award is open to any commercially available product or component manufacturer, inventor or developer anywhere in the world.
Congratulations to our winner, Dry Planet Ltd (United Kingdom)
WINNER (International Product) – Dry Planet Ltd (United Kingdom)
‘Save-a-Flush’ Dry Planet’s ‘Save-a-Flush’ toilet cistern displacement device is the most distributed water efficiency product in the United Kingdom and is saving millions of litres of water each year. The ‘Save-a-Flush’ is a laminated envelope containing special crystals, which once submerged in the toilet cistern, expand and inflate to form a ‘jelly’ brick. Once fully expanded, Dry Planet’s ‘Save-a-Flush’ saves one litre of water every time the toilet is flushed. It is a simple, effective and low cost water saving device that can be utilised by households all over the world. Easy to distribute and lasting many years, the ‘Save-a-Flush’ can be printed with photo quality images to create corporate branding and/or water saving slogans to help water providers and other businesses easily align and distribute their key messages. In addition to its obvious water savings, the ‘Save-a-Flush’ is also a very environmentally friendly product. The laminated envelope is capable of being reclaimed and the contents are bio-degradable. If the ‘Save-a-Flush’ is no longer required for its initial purpose the contents of the envelope can be poured onto household plants to reduce watering. “The ‘Save-a-Flush’ has been the mainstay of water efficiency promotions in the UK for some time, but over the last couple of years we’ve seen interest grow from Europe, USA, Mexico and the Middle East,” said Nigel McGowan from Dry Planet. “We’re very proud to be recognised for this prestigious savewater! award®,” he said. Although the majority of marketing for this product relies on website promotion and word of mouth, some innovative techniques have been used in conjunction with water utilities’ water efficiency messaging. This has included banner advertisements in the London Underground and a regional ‘road show’ using giant toilets. |
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FINALIST (International Product) – Rehbein Environmental Solutions Inc. (United States)
The Environmental Passive Integrated Chamber system (EPIC) Rehbein Environmental Solutions Inc. is one of the most innovative environmental service firms in the world today, providing total solutions for their clients that reduce the impact of construction on the environment. One of its key products, the Environmental Passive Integrated Chamber (EPIC) system, has revolutionised sub-surface irrigation. The first non-pressurised sub-surface irrigation technique, the EPIC system is a series of interconnected underground chambers that provides irrigation to open space areas such as sporting fields, parks and golf courses. By using a sophisticated gravity fed technique, the underground chambers act as filters, helping to collect and store natural runoff and waste water. The water is then released in a controlled manner back onto the grounds, creating a consistent moisture profile across the entire surface. “The EPIC System Technology allows for any green space in a development to clean and manage water while providing sustainable irrigation for the creation of multifunctional landscapes,” said Jason Lamers, Sustainability Designer of Rehbein Environmental Solutions Inc. The EPIC system has been proven to provide better quality turf and a recent New Mexico State University research study revealed the system uses 50-85% less water than traditional irrigation methods. |
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FINALIST (International Product) – Fisher & Paykel Appliances (New Zealand)
AquaSmart™ washing machines Traditionally, top loading washing machines have consumed large amounts of water. Now, thanks to Fisher & Paykel’s ground breaking AquaSmart™ range, an alternative is being offered to the market. The AquaSmart™ range is Australasia’s first high efficiency top loading washing machine, combining the water usage of a front loader but the ergonomic benefits of a top loader. The first top loading washing machine to receive a 4-star WELS* Water rating, AquaSmart™ has opened the door to ‘high efficiency’ technology in a top loading format. “Fisher & Paykel is acutely aware of the growing demand from consumers for water efficient laundry products,” says Fisher & Paykel National Marketing Manager, Peter Russell. “AquaSmart™ combines superior ergonomics and shorter cycle times with load sensing technology and the unique Smart Drive motor to offer an environmentally conscious top loading machine,” says Peter. |
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