For the past two years, Zip Water has partnered with Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO) to support their mission to improve ocean health by sponsoring the Plastic Pollution Solution Award at the annual OIO Pitchfest.

In sponsoring the Plastic Pollution Solution Spotlight Award, we’ve had the privilege of meeting so many people who are challenging the status quo and have the courage to stand up for what’s right for our planet.

Managing Director of Australia and New Zealand Mike Abbott said the partnership with OIO was a natural fit for Zip Water.

"At Zip, we’re passionate about water at its best and the ways that we can reduce our impact on the environment. For us, that means delivering safe, clean drinking water to more than 24 million people around the world each day.

It also means reducing the impact of single-use plastics on our environment. Through our water systems around the world, we save up to 2 billion water bottles every year – and that number is rising," Mr Abbott said.

"Hearing from Nick and Tim about the changes they were making through OIO and knowing the work that we’ve been doing at Zip to reduce the use of single-use plastics, getting involved in Pitchfest and sponsoring the Plastic Pollution Solution Award was a no brainer," he continued.

Nick Chiarelli and Tim Silverwood founded OIO in 2020 with the purpose to transform ocean health through inspiration, innovation, and good business. Through a range of start-up programs, mentoring, and support, OIO helps people to start, grow and invest in businesses that positively impact the ocean.

Zip Water has seen this firsthand, meeting the founders of Better Packaging Co. who were a finalist at the 2021 Pitchfest and again at this year’s Pitchfest. With a very compelling proposition we’ve partnered with them, working closely over the past 12 months to develop custom packaging that is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable. This packaging will be rolled out across the Zip Water operations very soon.

This year, we’re seeing even more incredible people and ideas, and we’re thrilled that through our sponsorship we can support the next generation of changemakers continue to deliver water at its best.