Salford-based refill-station startup H2Origin Refills is set to expand its network of smart water refill points after securing new investment from water hygiene specialist HydraClean.
The backing for the firm – which was on the GM Business Growth Hub’s first edition of its ASCEND Programme and came in seventh on this year’s EnviroTech 50 ranking – follows earlier backing from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
The funding will accelerate the rollout of its technology across public spaces, workplaces, universities and leisure destinations as demand for sustainable, refillable alternatives to bottled water rises.
Founded in 2022 by Dominic Appleby, the business was born out of frustration with the global bottled water industry and its environmental impact.
After more than two decades in corporate business development roles at companies including Xerox and Canon’s Océ, Appleby left to build a business that aligned with his values.
“I reached a point where I wanted my work to have a positive environmental and social impact,” he said.
“Access to premium quality, chilled water from functioning water stations should be a given.
“H2Origin is creating a model that’s a genuinely appealing alternative to bottled water, enabling people to make environmentally responsible hydration choices without compromise.”
The company’s smart refill stations are mains-connected and designed to serve triple-filtered, chilled, locally sourced water.
Each unit uses high-capacity chilling technology, reliable filtration and ergonomic design to suit bottles and cups of all sizes.
Built-in sensors and connectivity allow 24/7 monitoring and proactive maintenance to make sure that every station runs efficiently whilst collecting data on usage and environmental savings.
The partnership with HydraClean, which specialises in water hygiene and compliance services, brings technical expertise to support H2Origin’s growth and uphold water quality standards.
Together, the two companies plan to install refill stations in high-traffic public areas such as transport hubs, hospitals and leisure centres, creating an accessible and traceable refill network.
H2Origin is already working with property managers and public sector organisations interested in replacing bottled water supply chains with refill-based alternatives.