When we turn on the tap, we often take for granted the clear, clean water that flows out. Yet, in many parts of the world, this remains a luxury. Enter Join the Pipe, a social business that is reshaping our relationship with water and promoting a future where everyone can quench their thirst sustainably. Let’s dive in and explore a venture that not only hydrates but rejuvenates our planet and its people.
Join the Pipe was founded in 2010 by a group of Dutch entrepreneurs who were inspired by the success of water kiosks in developing countries. Water Kiosks solve the problem of mothers and children that have to spend hours every day sourcing drinking water, often without success. The water kiosks give everyone access to clean, affordable drinking water, reducing the spread of disseases, saving time and creating jobs for people within the community. The founders of Join the Pipe saw an opportunity to expand this concept, bring it to the Western world, and create a global movement for change.
One of these founders was Geraldo Vallen, a media and production expert with a vision to transform how we think about water and plastic waste. Geraldo’s inspiration came from his father’s work in the beverage industry, where water was used in abundance. This sparked his passion for tackling water issues and plastic pollution.
The first step in Join the Pipe's journey was to create a network of water refill stations, where people could easily access free tap water and refill their reusable bottles. These stations were installed in public spaces, schools, and businesses, making it convenient for everyone to choose a more sustainable option for their hydration needs. The ripple effect of this initiative quickly became visible as cities and organizations around the world embraced the wave and installed their own water refill stations. As of writing, over 3000 Join the Pipe refill stations have been installed worldwide.
To further promote the use of tap water and raise awareness about the global water crisis, Join the Pipe introduced its iconic water bottle. Sustainably manufactured by Flestic, the water bottles are produced with Braskem's I'm Green™PE, a bio-based plastic made from sugarcane. Throughout the production process, sugarcane acts as a natural CO2 absorber, creating a negative carbon footprint, perfectly aligning with the company's eco-conscious commitment. The design inspires to be shared and passed on, symbolizing the organization's belief in the power of collaboration and community. Each bottle sold also contributed to the funding of water projects in developing countries, ensuring every purchase made a positive impact.
However, these bottles aren't just liquid containers; they're city symbols, engraved with their hometown's skyline. Whether you're a tourist or a local, these bottles become more than just water carriers – they're a source of pride. And guess what? You can even customize them for your company or events, making them a versatile choice for eco-conscious individuals. It's all about creating a global tribe of "tap water drinkers" who care about our planet. People from across the globe share the dream of fairer drinking water distribution. It's a unique concept promoting sustainability and ensuring clean drinking water for all.
Teamwork makes the dream work. Join the Pipe believes in this wholeheartedly. They use sales and donations to fund water and sanitation projects in developing nations, resulting in over 300 water projects that have been set up. And they're not alone; they're part of the Netherlands Water Partnership, a network of Dutch organizations dedicated to sustainable water solutions worldwide. Together with water experts and private companies such as Heineken, Shell, and Unilever, they aim to expand the impact of the Dutch water sector worldwide.
Join the Pipe is about more than their sustainable bottles, accessible refill stations and projects promoting a greener future. It is about inspiring change. They imagine a world connected by a single pipe, creating a network of people who care about the environment. This pipe is a symbol of bringing people together to form a community that shares the same goal; making water accessible and affordable for everyone, ensuring it reaches every community to meet their needs. And reducing plastic waste by promoting the use of reusable materials to help keep our world clean. Through these efforts, they are not just delivering water, but also creating a community of environmentally aware individuals, all working together for a common cause.
It's clear that Join the Pipe's aspirations go beyond traditional business boundaries. Let's have a look at what this looks like using the business model canvas:
Join the Pipe is a great example of how businesses can blend profit with purpose, creating a ripple of change that extends far beyond a balance sheet. Its model is a clear reflection of the power of a community-driven project in tackling global challenges. As the pipe continues to grow, twisting through cities and villages, they dream of a world where everyone has access to clean drinking water comes closer to becoming reality. Join the Pipe is sparking a global shift towards a more sustainable future – one sip at a time.
Sea of change: Their global reservoir of "tap water drinkers" shows that unity isn’t just a drop in the ocean—it is the entire sea of change! Tap into exisiting communities or create a new community around your product or cause. Use the shared values within your community to drive positive change and enhance brand loyalty.
Balancing the water: Join the Pipe shows us that a business can be good for the people, planet, and profit. Evaluate your business practices to ensure they benefit not profitability but also the community and the environment.
Navigating the next wave: Seek partnerships with organizations that align with your values and goals to guide the next wave of positive impact and change.
