Enhancing workplace hydration and reducing plastic bottle usage at Shell

Sodexo operates across more than 2,000 sites in the UK and Ireland, providing sustainable food services and facilities management, including energy management, environmental services, and cleaning.

Shell, an international energy company established in the UK in 1897, employs around 6,000 people across various energy projects, including low and zero-carbon initiatives. At the Shell London Campus, Sodexo serves over 2,000 consumers daily. Shell actively promotes environmental sustainability, workplace wellness, and healthy food and drink options for employees.

Before the introduction of Aquablu Refill+, there was no healthy flavoured water vending solution on-site at Shell. Some manually prepared flavoured water options were available in hospitality areas, but their reach was limited. Employees had to bring their own flavoured drinks or purchase them from the canteen.

Additionally, Shell aimed to significantly reduce plastic waste as part of its broader sustainability mission to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050. Eliminating single-use plastic bottles was a key step in achieving this goal.

The primary objective was to provide all Shell associates with convenient access to healthy flavoured water, promoting hydration while reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles in line with Shell’s sustainability targets.

Sodexo introduced the Aquablu Refill+ system on a trial basis. The solution not only provided employees with fresh flavoured water on demand but also enabled Shell to track the environmental impact through monthly reports. These reports included:

• Water usage data
• Number of plastic bottles saved
• CO2 emissions reduction

This tracking system allowed Shell to measure progress towards its sustainability goals and encourage continued reductions in plastic consumption.

The success of the trial led to the permanent adoption of Aquablu Refill+ as Shell’s primary workplace hydration solution. Since installation, Shell employees have saved:

✅ 4,982 plastic bottles (as of January 2025)
✅ 2,579 kg of CO2 emissions

The initiative has received positive feedback from employees, who appreciate the improved access to flavoured water, as well as the environmental benefits. Shell’s sustainability team values the transparent reporting, which helps drive further engagement in plastic reduction efforts.

The successful implementation of Aquablu Refill+ at the Shell London Campus demonstrates how innovative hydration solutions can support both employee well-being and corporate sustainability goals. By providing a convenient alternative to bottled beverages, Shell have enhanced workplace hydration while making measurable progress in reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions.

With nearly 5,000 plastic bottles eliminated and over 2,500 kg of CO2 saved in just a few months, this initiative highlights the power of sustainable workplace solutions. Employees have embraced the new system, appreciating both the health benefits and the environmental impact of their choices.

Shell’s commitment to sustainability, combined with Sodexo and Selecta's expertise in workplace solutions, has resulted in a lasting change that aligns with Shell’s ambition to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050.

As organisations increasingly prioritise sustainability and employee well-being, investing in smart hydration solutions can drive real change. Whether your goal is to reduce plastic waste, cut carbon emissions, or provide healthier drink options for employees, solutions like Aquablu Refill+ can help you achieve measurable results.

If you're looking to enhance workplace hydration while meeting your sustainability goals, get in touch with us today to explore how a tailored solution can work for your business.