Innovation

eWater Systems provide cleaning and sanitising electrolysis units to generate simple, sustainable and highly effective alternatives to harmful packaged chemical cleaners and sanitisers. Although electrolysed water may not be a new discovery, eWater creates a remarkably simple and innovative system that makes it easy for the end consumer.

Starting with ordinary tap water, the eWater Standalone System adds a salt solution and electrical current to create two streams of water - one for sanitising, the other for cleansing; creating an alternative to the chemical filled solutions flooding the market. This chemical-free water system benefits a wide variety of industries, especially ones where food safety and hygiene are critical.

Inspiration

O’Neil asserted a “global search” for ideas and “questioning for why this type of product doesn’t exist in Australia” by founder Phil Gregory, ignited the desire to create this product. A decade later, this biotech company is now fuelled by a team with a passion for innovation, disruptive technology, and reducing the community’s chemical and carbon footprint. Phil, a person who deeply “cares about the environment”, wanted to offer a solution to people who wanted an “alternative to packaged chemicals”, making this the perfect business proposition. He was inspired to create something he was deeply passionate about; 10 years later, like-minded individuals have caught onto the mission, alongside Phil, to create a better world by reducing our chemical footprint.

Overall impact

eWater Systems was intended to be a sustainable business from its origin. The business is currently operating in over 250 sites across Australia and New Zealand ranging from restaurants, hospitals, government departments, corporations and many more, with a vision to grow alongside future looking industry leaders. Its impact affects not only the everyday citizen but also our planet as the solution has “diverted approximately 80 million litres of packaged chemicals out of the market” stated Dawn O’Neil, Director at eWater Systems. Through decades of research supporting its cause, eWater Systems claims to be the “safer, smarter, more sustainable way to clean and sanitise” unlike traditional chemical solutions making it the go-to sustainable solution.

Business benefit

The innovation of selling environmentally friendly cleaning and sanitising solutions has allowed the business to differentiate from competitors in Australia. However, O’Neil states as the product is “effectively a new category that [eWater Systems] are selling” in the market, it does take a while for people to understand as it is not yet mainstream solution. On the other hand, being a market leader, has allowed for a clear driver of revenue that will ensure scale and impact.

Social and environmental benefit

To further enhance its credibility alongside the production and sale of the eWater System, the business is a registered B Corp organisation, reflecting its allegiance to helping the community and environment.

• Environment: The market-leading eWater System promotes environmental sustainability as it reduces carbon emissions, wasteful packaging, and eliminates potentially dangerous chemicals. Moreover, the water from the eWater System drains away harmlessly thereby positively affecting local and ocean water quality. Alongside this, there’s no wasteful packaging, material safety concerns, or carbon-heavy freight associated with the system making it an attractive all-round environmentally friendly solution.

• Social: The eWater System has a clear social benefit, as it is safe to work with, gentle on skin and won’t irritate eyes, unlike chemical solutions where you would have “the risk of diluting hazardous chemicals”. O’Neil also expressed that the system ensures that consumers would be exposed to “less toxins around food due to the lack of chemicals used in preparation, cleaning and sanitisation”.

Interview

Dawn O'Neil, Director