Innovation

Matt Wittek and his company Cupanion created the “Fill it Forward” program in late 2012 in order to donate clean water to people that desperately need it in other parts of the world. For every reusable bottle sold, Cupanion donates the same amount of water that is equal to your first fill. Cupanion's bottles hold between 2 and 3 cups of water; company policy is to "round up" and donate 3 cups of water to someone in need. Since the program's inception, Cupanion, has donated over 1.8 million cups of clean water.

Inspiration

Frustrated with the single use culture and unnecessary waste, Matt Wittick founded Cupanion to create a product that would fulfill his dream of becoming an entrepreneur and supporting donations of clean water to people in need.

Overall impact

Cupanion has positively impacted business, society, and the environment by encouraging a "reusable culture."

Business benefit

Cupanion's customers appreciate the opportunity to support sustainability by purchasing reusable bottles.

Social and environmental benefit

The main correlation between Cupanion and society is how it is helping to eliminate single use products and promote reusable bottles. Although the progress is slow, more individuals and communities are choosing reusable over single use. It is very evident on campuses, as most students do in fact have either gym bottles or some sort of name brand reusable bottle in their backpacks.

Each bottle that is sold has the potential to eliminate thousands of plastic bottles that would have ended up in a landfill. In addition, the tree planting aspect of the business gives back to the environment when custom orders are placed at Cupanion.

Interview

Matt Wittek, Cupanion Reusable Cup Innovation