Belgium’s Dripl raises €2M to expand its healthy, package-free soft drink alternative

Brussels-based Dripl, a startup that offers a healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks and plain (sparkling) water in the workplace, announced on Thursday that it has secured €2.15M in a fresh round of funding. 

The investment came from Faraday VP, The Source (Spadel Group), and existing business angels Wim Vernaeve (GreenPark Investments), Jonas Mallisse (Founder Too Good To Go Belgium) and Stéphane Ronse (CEO Foodbag).

Capital utilisation

Dripl says it will use the funds to accelerate what the company calls “refillution.” Since 2021, the startup has been offering a healthy alternative to sodas through its self-developed Refill Points, helping companies reduce their waste and carbon footprint.

Colin Deblonde, co-founder & CEO of Dripl, says, “This combined investment gives us the opportunity to further develop our Refill Points, tap into new markets within Europe, and deepen our current markets.”

“In Europe, an enormous growth potential lies due to the average consumer actively seeking sustainable alternatives, and regulations play a significant role in this as well. Take, for example, the measure in the Netherlands, to ban all disposable packaging in offices.”

“We can see from the demand that many employers want to transition to a healthy work environment and reduce their footprint without compromising on benefits for employees,” adds Deblonde.

Dripl’s package-free vending machines enhance tap water by cooling, flavouring, and carbonating it, saving 2.5 million packages so far. The startup aims to eliminate 1 billion plastic bottles by 2030.

The Belgium startup also plans to expand throughout Europe from its current markets in Belgium and the Netherlands, focusing on sustainability and reducing plastic waste.

Launching a “refillution”

Dripl claims to have achieved significant growth since its 2021 launch with over 200 customers. 

According to a statement, the European market holds significant growth potential due to consumer demand for sustainability and regulatory initiatives like the Netherlands’ ban on disposable packaging in offices.

Deblonde says, “We can see from the demand that many employers want to transition to a healthy work environment and reduce their footprint without compromising on benefits for employees.”

The funding will empower Dripl to leverage these opportunities and make a meaningful contribution to the sustainable beverage industry.

Dripl mentions Belgium’s annual soft drink consumption creates immense waste — 930 million plastic bottles and 2 billion cans. Dripl addresses this by promoting their “Refillution,” revolutionising flavoured drinks by eliminating bottles and unnecessary transport. 

Refill Points convert tap water into healthy, low-sugar alternatives, saving 2.5 million packaging units. Dripl’s goal is to prevent 1 billion packaging units by 2030, promoting sustainability and health.

Brief about Dripl

Founded in 2020 by Lucas Moreau and Colin Deblonde, Dripl provides a healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks and plain water in workplaces. Their packaging-free vending machines reduce soft drink container waste. 

Refill Points at companies like Hubspot, BDO, SAP, and Toyota have prevented around 2,500,000 packaging units. Active in Belgium and the Netherlands, Dripl aims to save 15 million packaging units by 2025, contributing to sustainability.