Innovation

As the leader of Chinese sustainable development in the domain of water resource and environment, China International Water and Electric Corporation (the CWE) has launched a new product called air water purifier in the Chinese consumer market that can be regarded as a sustainable and innovative solution during recent years. The air water purifier is a system whose operating principle is only absorbing the particles of hydrogen and oxygen from the air and transforming them into water through a whole filtration process (Jessica, 2013). It can provide water for the people who live in resource-poor regions, especially in developing countries. Based on the size and design, this machine can create clean, pure and standard-compliant water on each day, by up to 20 liters, which solves the problem of water-lacking and poor quality water.

According to Li Li, who is the sales manager in China International Water and Electric Corporation, for the past few years, the government of China has been focusing on ensuring the safety and quality of the people’s drinking-water supply (Li Li, personal communication, July 18, 2017). The business devoted itself to finding out the solution of this focus issue, which not only dealt with the social problem but also filled in the vacancy in the Chinese consumer market (Stuart, 2014).

Inspiration

As to avoid future water wars, and new ways to getting it by using technology and innovation, the inspiration of the creators of the air water purifier was the quest to find solutions for water scarcity. Moreover, the inspiration emerges to promote a sustainable culture and help new generations to live in a better place with one of the most significant life elements: water.

Overall impact

Noticeably, the air water purifier achieves several goals in UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the first place, the air water purifier is providing a commercial solution to the safety and quality of the people’s drinking-water supply in China, which meets the 9th requirement of the UN SDGs: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. “It is an innovative product that generates potable water by collecting the moisture particles in the air and transforms them for daily use and consumption” (Li Li, personal communication, July 18, 2017).

Secondly, it enables the users to access the water with relatively higher purity, which does not undergo chemical processes such as adding chlorine. This competitive advantage also achieves a criterion of the 6th UN SDG: Clean water and sanitation. A higher quality of water will reduce the morbidity rate in our daily life and extend our life spans as well (Anthony, 2013).

Most significantly, the air water purifier reduces the usage of poor quality water and decreases the lack of water in a sustainable, free and convenient method. The increase of the usage of sustainable water in houses or in businesses promotes performance of the CWE in the 11th of UN SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities. “We hope that the appearance of air water purifier can help the public realize that it is possible for everyone to drink sustainable water” (Li Li, personal communication, July 18, 2017).

Business benefit

Since the water from the air water purifier does not go through chemical disinfection processes, it might be regarded as an above commercial brand good. Coming from the dampness of the air, the water itself holds the natural power of hydrogen.

Moreover, as the first company which creates water without the method of undergoing chemical disinfection processes or adding chlorine either, the CWE makes the user realize that every individual can obtain sustainable water in an easy way and make contributions to protecting the environment. The air water purifier will free the users from water bottles, which will also reduce the amount of single plastic used as well.

Social and environmental benefit

The air water purifier is contributing to a healthier environment, which will reduce medical costs and promote longer, happier lives for the public.

Interview

Li Li, Sales Manager