Examples of the Circular Economy in Hospitality: Switch to Your Own Drinking Water System
The hospitality industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Today’s guests expect more than outstanding food and service—they also value the responsible use of resources and sustainable practices behind the scenes.
Yet many hospitality businesses still operate according to a linear model: buy, consume, and dispose. Nowhere is this more evident than in the constant flow of glass and plastic bottled water that is delivered, stored, and discarded every day.
An on-site drinking water system is one of the most tangible and cost-effective examples of the circular economy in hospitality. By providing filtered drinking water directly at the source, businesses can significantly reduce waste, improve operational efficiency, and offer guests a more sustainable experience.
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What Is the Circular Economy?
To understand the transition taking place in the hospitality industry, it helps to start with the definition of the circular economy:
“A circular economy is an economic system designed to maximize the reuse of products and materials while minimizing waste and the loss of value.”
For hospitality businesses, this represents a clear shift away from the traditional linear model. Bottled water is purchased, transported to the venue, chilled, served, and the packaging is then discarded or recycled.
In a circular hospitality operation, that loop is closed. Instead of packaging and transporting water, businesses make the most of existing infrastructure. Local tap water is filtered and chilled on-site, then served in premium reusable bottles that remain in circulation within the restaurant.
The AQUALEX Viewpoint: The Glass Bottle Myth
Some hospitality businesses see switching from plastic to glass bottled water as a sustainable solution. However, the real environmental impact extends far beyond the packaging itself. Serving and recycling glass bottles still forms part of a linear supply chain.
Although glass is reusable and recyclable, the logistics behind it continue to generate a significant environmental footprint. The ongoing transportation of crates, combined with the water and energy required by industrial washing facilities, results in considerable hidden CO₂ emissions.
True circularity begins when packaging and transport become unnecessary. By filtering and serving drinking water directly on-site, the entire logistics chain disappears, making it possible to reduce waste and emissions in a meaningful way.
Benefits of the Circular Economy in Hospitality
Switching from traditional bottled water to an on-site drinking water system offers benefits that go far beyond enhancing your sustainability credentials. The greatest value can be summarized in three key principles of the circular economy:
1. Environment and Climate
- Radical waste reduction: Eliminate the constant stream of plastic and glass bottles. By serving water directly at the source, packaging waste and the associated waste streams are virtually eliminated.
- Lower carbon footprint: Without the need to transport bottled water by truck, you significantly reduce supply chain emissions and take a tangible step towards more sustainable operations.
- More efficient energy use: There's no longer any need to keep large stocks of bottled water chilled in energy-intensive refrigerators. Water is cooled only when dispensed, ensuring energy is used only when needed.
Want to learn more about changing packaging legislation? Read our article on the ban on single-use plastics in hospitality and the transition to on-site table water.
2. Business and Operations
- Lower operating costs: Replace the recurring expense of bottled water with a transparent and predictable rental or leasing model. This reduces your cost per litre while improving financial control.
- Smarter use of space: Free up valuable storage space by eliminating pallets of bottled water and stacks of empty bottles, allowing for a more efficient back-of-house layout.
- Greater operational efficiency: Reduce dependence on fluctuating supplier prices, deposit administration, and delayed deliveries during busy periods. Your team gains more continuity and can focus on delivering exceptional service.
3. People and Guest Experience
- Less physical strain for staff: Employees no longer need to move heavy crates or collect empty bottles, reducing physical workload and lowering the risk of back injuries and other musculoskeletal complaints.
- Fresh, high-quality drinking water: Serve guests and staff fresh, healthy, expertly filtered water directly from the source, ensuring excellent taste and consistent quality.
- A premium guest experience: Water is served in elegant, hygienic reusable glass bottles designed to complement your venue. This not only elevates the presentation at the table but also strengthens your brand experience.
Applying Circular Economy Principles to Your Drinking Water Strategy
At AQUALEX, we translate circular economy principles into intelligent drinking water systems that integrate seamlessly into the daily operations of restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses.
1. Extending Product Lifespan
Rather than designing products with a limited lifespan, AQUALEX develops robust drinking water systems made from premium, durable materials that are built to withstand intensive daily use.
With annual preventive maintenance, every system continues to perform at its best, maximizing efficiency while extending its service life.
2. High-Value Reuse with the Nova Bottle
In a circular economy, waste simply doesn't exist. The reusable AQUALEX Nova table water bottle closes the loop by replacing disposable packaging with a durable solution designed to last for years.
Instead of disposing of large quantities of glass or plastic every week, you serve water in an elegant design object that remains part of your restaurant while enhancing your brand identity.
3. Performance Through Leasing
The circular economy shifts the focus from ownership to performance. Renting or leasing a drinking water system means investing not in equipment, but in a complete service that continues to deliver value over time.
AQUALEX ensures every system remains up to date through preventive maintenance and ongoing support. This extends product lifespan, maximizes performance, and enables premium technology to be used as sustainably as possible.
Circular Economy in Action: Three Hospitality Success Stories
Nothing demonstrates the power of the circular economy better than hospitality businesses that put its principles into practice every day. These three examples show that circular operations can go hand in hand with outstanding service, operational efficiency, and an exceptional guest experience.
1. Café In de Vrede (Westvleteren): Sustainable Hospitality in Action
At the renowned Café In de Vrede in Westvleteren, sustainability goes hand in hand with an exceptional guest experience. That's why the team chose an AQUALEX Forte drinking water system together with reusable Nova table water bottles for both guests and staff.
The owners explain why this solution perfectly aligns with their vision:
“We can provide drinking water for our staff quickly and efficiently, without relying on single-use bottles. In doing so, we're making our own contribution to a more sustainable future.”
By making the switch, Café In de Vrede has significantly reduced its waste stream and is actively contributing to a more sustainable hospitality industry—without compromising on comfort, operational efficiency, or the premium experience guests expect.
2. Ristorante Il Trionfo (Knokke-Heist): Greater Sustainability and Time Savings
Within fine dining, exceptional quality is a given—but sustainability is becoming just as important. Years ago, Ristorante Il Trionfo in Knokke-Heist began looking for a way to serve both still and sparkling water without the logistical drawbacks of bottled water. Today, the restaurant relies on a powerful AQUALEX Tube tap system.
Chef Gusti explains why the choice was an obvious one:
“For us, it was an environmental decision. Producing one litre of bottled water requires as much as four litres of water, and it generates a great deal of waste. The AQUALEX system is the perfect solution. What's more, we no longer have to spend so much time dealing with deliveries or stocking the refrigerators. We're also very satisfied with the service provided by AQUALEX.”
By switching to an on-site drinking water system, Il Trionfo has reduced its environmental impact while saving valuable time—allowing the team to focus on what matters most: delivering an outstanding dining experience.
3. EXKi at Brussels Airport: Pioneering Plastic Reduction
EXKi demonstrates that circular economy principles work just as effectively in complex environments such as airports. Its commitment to healthy, sustainably sourced food extends to every aspect of the customer experience—including the way drinking water is provided.
Frédéric Rouvez, CEO of EXKi, explains how the AQUALEX Fine Touchless drinking water tap supports the company's sustainability strategy:
“Tap water is available free of charge in our restaurant, so you're always welcome to refill your water bottle at the AQUALEX Fine Touchless drinking water tap. We are committed to a comprehensive sustainability policy that goes far beyond food. EXKi actively works to reduce waste in order to minimise its environmental impact. Since 2008, this restaurant has reduced its plastic consumption by 83%.”
By integrating an on-site drinking water solution into its operations, EXKi proves that circular practices can significantly reduce waste—even in one of the world's most demanding hospitality environments.
Conclusion: Make the Switch to Operational and Environmental Gains
These real-world examples show that the circular economy is no longer a vision for the future—it is a practical and profitable choice that hospitality businesses can implement today.
Continuing to purchase, store, chill, and dispose of bottled water no longer fits the needs of a modern, efficient, and sustainable hospitality operation.
An integrated on-site drinking water system delivers benefits on multiple levels. It eliminates packaging waste, saves your team valuable time, and offers guests an elegant, sustainable drinking water experience. The result is a more efficient operation and a hospitality business that is ready for the future.
Ready to take the next step towards circular hospitality?
Discover our drinking water systems for restaurants and hotels, or request a free return-on-investment calculation tailored to your hospitality business.
