UK. Manchester Airport has signed up with Refill, a UK-wide complimentary tap water refill network.
Refill aims to prevent plastic pollution at source by making it easier to reuse and refill bottles instead of buying new ones. It encourages its users to “save money, stay hydrated and help prevent plastic pollution” through a network of more than 15,000 businesses.
“We want to disrupt the current social norm that we need to buy bottled water when ‘drinking on the go’ and make it normal and easy for people to carry a reusable bottle and refill for free when out and about,” Refill said.
Its collaboration with Manchester Airport means that passengers can refill their water bottles at any of the 33 F&B outlets across the hub’s three terminals. The system complements the water fountains which are already located in the airport’s arrivals and departure lounges.
Manchester Airport Head of Retail Mike Ward said: “As the airport gears up for its busiest ever summer we know that many passengers are now travelling through with their own water bottles. This scheme will make it even easier for them to fill up and ensure they’re staying hydrated for their flights.”
Refill Regional Coordinator Sarah Irving commented: “Rolling out Refill in Manchester Airport is really going to help the campaign for reusables to take off, with many travellers opting to take their own bottles and cups when travelling.
“The aim of the campaign is to normalise using a reusable bottle so the support from such highly-populated places like airports is a great way to get more people on board, making it easier to reuse on the go whether at home or abroad.”
Refill is backed by the United Utilities water company and is a City to Sea campaign. City to Sea’s mission is to stop marine plastic pollution at source.
Refill estimates that five million bottles can be ‘saved’ if its refill stations are used just once a day. The Refill system offers over 16,000 free tap water stations across the UK, with other overseas locations joining the network. A free Refill app gives details of the water stations.
