Wireless Logic has partnered with Britvic, a soft drinks company, to support an initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste and promoting sustainability within the soft drinks industry. Through the use of Conexa, Wireless Logic’s specialised mobile network, Britvic will gather vital telemetry data from its Aqua Libra Flavour Taps, enabling the company to refine its flavour distribution strategies and increase the uptake of its eco-friendly, packaging-free hydration solutions.
Though Britvic is widely known for brands like Robinsons, Tango, and J2O, it also produces and distributes PepsiCo’s soft drinks, including Pepsi MAX, 7UP, and Lipton Ice Tea. In alignment with its ‘Beyond the Bottle’ strategy, which seeks to reduce unnecessary packaging, Britvic introduced the Aqua Libra Flavour Tap. This digital dispenser provides a healthier alternative to single-use plastic bottles, offering flavoured water with options such as cucumber, mint and lime, and raspberry and peach. The tap is designed for workplaces, hospitality, and retail settings, offering sugar- and additive-free flavours.
Each Aqua Libra machine contains six flavour cartridges, capable of saving up to 10,000 plastic bottles or cans before any replacement is needed. Furthermore, the machine’s base and several internal components are made from recycled plastic, supporting both health and sustainability.
“In an environment where sustainability regulations are tightening and consumer preferences are shifting, we saw a significant opportunity to adapt and innovate,” said Scott MacKenzie, Director of Beyond the Bottle Platforms at Britvic. “Launching our digital taps amid the challenges of the Covid pandemic was just the beginning. Now, as we look to expand, scalability and reliable connectivity are crucial. While we initially tested the waters with a Software as a Service model during our trial phase, recognising its market potential, we needed a trusted connectivity partner to support our growth.”
By integrating telemetry, Britvic shifted to direct connectivity, allowing them to gather real-time data from the Flavour Taps within customer environments. Wireless Logic ensures that this data is securely transmitted to Britvic’s Amazon Web Services Cloud infrastructure.
“With Wireless Logic as our connectivity provider, we have secure, reliable and real-time access to data on flavour preferences and consumption patterns,” continued MacKenzie. “This has already revealed unexpected trends, challenging our assumptions and informing our strategic decisions. By using these insights to streamline our forecasting and logistics, we’ve enhanced our overall agility and responsiveness, enabling us to adapt production and flavour distribution strategies based on seasonal variations and shifting consumer behaviours.”
Britvic chose Wireless Logic after a comprehensive review of IoT connectivity providers. Wireless Logic stood out due to its dedicated IoT network, global reach, and its management platform, SIMPro.
Security was a critical concern for Britvic, as the Aqua Libra Flavour Taps are installed on-site at customer locations. Ensuring network safety was vital, and Conexa was selected for its secure-by-design architecture, featuring advanced on-SIM applications and network services to bolster data protection.
“It’s always inspiring to witness technology being used for positive impact, and Britvic’s drive to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable soft drink consumption is a great example of that,” said Oliver Tucker, Founder and CEO of Wireless Logic. “What started as a trial project during the pandemic has now blossomed into a viable product with global potential. This goes beyond offices and retail spaces – there are exciting opportunities to introduce Aqua Libra Flavour Taps across travel, sports and leisure. Conexa was designed with flexibility, scalability and usability in mind. We’re proud to be part of Britvic’s journey as it reshapes the beverage industry with more eco-friendly consumer choices.”
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