If you’re hosting a dinner party, instead of being stuck behind the bar mixing drinks for guests, you can pour a perfectly balanced cocktail straight from a pre-chilled bottle. No last-minute adjustments, no diluted flavours, and no flat spritzers.

Pre-batching cocktails is the best solution for effortless entertaining, if done correctly. The challenge is many home bartenders struggle with maintaining balance, fizz, and freshness in their pre-mixed drinks. This is where Billi’s instant filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling water changes the game, making batching easier, more precise, and far more consistent.

Why Most Home Bartenders Struggle with Pre-Batching

Pre-batching cocktails isn’t as simple as scaling up a single recipe. Without precise dilution, carbonation control, and proper storage, even the best cocktail can turn into a flat or unbalanced version of itself.

Common Pre-Batching Issues

• Inconsistent dilution – Ice melts unpredictably, altering the strength of the cocktail.
• Flat sparkling cocktails – Pre-mixing fizzy ingredients often leads to disappointing results.
• Deterioration of fresh ingredients – Citrus juice oxidises, herbs lose their brightness, and syrups become overly sweet.
• Inefficient preparation – Boiling syrups, brewing tea infusions, and cooling down large batches can take unnecessary time.

These mistakes often mean rushed fixes, wasted ingredients, or drinks that fail to impress. The solution? Instant, precisely controlled water for every stage of cocktail preparation.

How Billi’s Instant Filtered Water Solves These Problems

Our instant boiling, chilled, and sparkling water systems provide the consistency, efficiency, and precision needed for flawless pre-batched cocktails.

Boiling Water for Syrups & Infusions

• Speed up syrup-making and tea infusions without waiting for kettle boiling.
• Extract citrus oils instead of relying on fresh juice, which degrades quickly.
• Create herbal infusions without muddling, avoiding unwanted bitterness.

Example: Instead of fresh lemon juice (which oxidises and turns bitter), infuse a simple syrup with boiling water and lemon peel, preserving the citrus aroma and ensuring a shelf-stable mix.

Chilled Water for Perfect Dilution

• Remove the guesswork from ice melt by adding precisely measured chilled water.
• Pre-chill batched cocktails to serve them instantly, without needing excessive ice.

Example: A pre-batched Negroni stays perfectly balanced for weeks when diluted accurately with chilled filtered water, ensuring consistency from the first pour to the last.

Sparkling Water for Fresh Carbonation

• Keep bubbles crisp by adding sparkling water just before serving.
• Adjust carbonation levels to suit different cocktails, being lighter for spritzers and stronger for highballs.

Example: A Basil Lemonade Spritz can be stored flat, then topped with fresh Billi sparkling water, ensuring it remains vibrant and effervescent.

Cocktails That Shine With Billi Water

Negroni On Tap (Chilled Water for Consistency)

• Why it works: A spirit-forward cocktail that ages well when diluted correctly.
• Billi’s role: Chilled filtered water ensures accurate dilution without relying on melting ice.
• How to batch it: Stir gin, vermouth, and Campari with precisely measured chilled water. Store in a sealed glass bottle and pour over ice when serving.

Basil Lemonade Spritz (Sparkling Water for Freshness)

• Why it works: Avoids the dreaded flat, lifeless fizz in pre-batched cocktails.
• Billi’s role: Sparkling water on demand ensures fresh carbonation at the perfect moment.
• How to batch it: Make a basil-infused syrup using Billi boiling water. Store the lemonade and gin separately, then add sparkling water just before serving.

Espresso Martini (Boiling Water for Bold Flavour)

• Why it works: A fresh, aromatic coffee concentrate outperforms instant coffee or pre-made syrups.
• Billi’s role: Boiling water extracts rich, deep coffee flavours instantly.
• How to batch it: Brew coffee using Billi’s boiling water, then mix with vodka and coffee liqueur. Chill and shake before serving.

The Best Appliance for Home Bartenders

Batching cocktails with Billi isn’t just about convenience, it’s also a more sustainable, cost-effective approach.

Eco-Friendly & Efficient Hosting

• No single-use plastic – No need for bottled sparkling water, reducing plastic waste.
• Energy-efficient design – Billi’s systems use less power than traditional water heating methods.
• Cost savings over time – The refillable CO? plan ensures lower long-term costs?.

Long-Term Quality with BilliCare Service Plans

• Scheduled maintenance keeps water crisp and clean, ensuring premium cocktail quality.
• Consistent performance means no drop in water purity over time?.

With our sustainability commitments and GreenTag-certified technology, home entertainers can create better cocktails while reducing their environmental impact?.

Take Your Cocktail Game to the Next Level

Batching cocktails should be effortless, precise, and reliable, not a guessing game. With Billi’s instant boiling, chilled, and sparkling water, every drink is balanced, fresh, and ready to impress.

Upgrade your home bar with Billi for Home today.

Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness, and tradition, and drinks play a central role in festive celebrations worldwide. From the warming spices of mulled wine to refreshing Australian summer mocktails, Christmas beverages embody the spirit of the season.

Creating these drinks at home or for guests doesn’t have to be complicated. With Billi’s advanced boiling, chilled, and sparkling water systems, you can prepare festive drinks effortlessly. Designed and manufactured in Australia, Billi’s systems deliver unmatched energy efficiency, space-saving design, and a commitment to sustainability. Whether you’re serving spiced teas or sparkling punches, Billi makes every celebration both memorable and eco-friendly.

A World of Christmas in Every Sip

Christmas drinks reflect the diversity and joy of global traditions. From rich, warming beverages to sparkling punches, every culture offers unique ways to celebrate.

Europe

• Germany’s Glühwein: A Christmas market favourite, this spiced wine is simple to prepare with boiling water from a Billi system. Non-alcoholic versions using fruit juice and cinnamon are just as delightful.
• Italy’s Vin Brulé: Italy’s answer to mulled wine transforms beautifully into a festive spritzer with chilled sparkling water, showcasing Billi’s versatility.
• Scandinavia’s Glogg: This hearty drink features dried fruits and nuts. Billi’s boiling water speeds up preparation, and a chilled variation is perfect for warmer climates.

The Americas

• Eggnog (USA): A rich, creamy favourite. Modern variations use non-dairy alternatives and chilled water to lighten the mix.
• Ponche Navideño (Mexico): This spiced fruit punch comes to life with boiling water for steeping tamarind and cinnamon.
• Caribbean Rum Cocktails: Sorrel Punch and other rum-based drinks shine with a touch of sparkling water for a contemporary twist.

Australia

• Iced Christmas Tea: Brew herbal teas using boiling water, then serve over ice with fresh mint for a quintessential summer drink.
• Sparkling Punch: Use native fruits like finger limes in sparkling mocktails, effortlessly made with Billi’s chilled and sparkling options.

Asia

• Tsokolate (Philippines): A rich hot chocolate made with tablea (cocoa tablets) and boiling water is a Christmas Eve must-have.

Effortless Festivities at Your Fingertips

Hosting Christmas gatherings can be stressful, but Billi systems simplify drink preparation, letting you focus on the joy of the season.

• Boiling Water for Instant Drinks: Perfect for mulled wine, teas, or hot chocolate.
• Custom Sparkling Water: Adjust sparkling levels to suit mocktails, cocktails, or punches.
• Chilled Water On Demand: Effortlessly prepare refreshing iced teas and cold punches.

Designed with convenience in mind, Billi’s systems save up to 40% space compared to traditional setups. They’re also whisper-quiet and require no cupboard ventilation, making them a discreet yet powerful addition to your kitchen.

Hosting with a Heart for the Planet

Sustainability is at the heart of modern hosting, and Billi systems make it easy to celebrate responsibly.

• Eco-Friendly CO2 Options: Refillable bottles reduce landfill waste while ensuring a constant supply of sparkling water.
• Energy Efficiency: Billi’s heat exchange technology minimises power usage, keeping drinks hot or chilled while reducing your carbon footprint.
• Reliable Service Plans: Gold and Silver service plans ensure your system is always in peak condition, even during the busiest hosting seasons.

Find a Billi to Suit Your Taste

Christmas drinks embody the joy of the holiday, celebrating culture and togetherness. With Billi, you can honour these traditions while enjoying the ease and sustainability of modern hosting.

From mulled wines to sparkling mocktails, Billi systems bring festive drinks to life with unmatched convenience and eco-friendly design.

This holiday season, host with confidence and style. View our Billi for Home range or visit your local Billi stockist and order your system today to be Christmas-ready. Cheers to sustainable, stress-free celebrations!

Small kitchens are increasingly common in apartments and populated cities. These compact spaces demand clever solutions to maximise functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. Imagine a kitchen where every centimetre is optimised while still exuding style and sophistication. With the right design and advanced appliances, like Billi’s underbench water systems, you can turn the smallest kitchen into an efficient and elegant hub for cooking, entertaining, and more.

Space-Saving Innovations for Modern Kitchens

Maximising space is a critical challenge for small kitchen owners. Countertops quickly become crowded with appliances, leaving little room for cooking or adding decorative touches. That’s where Billi’s underbench systems come to the forefront. Designed with compact living in mind, these systems save up to 40% more space compared to traditional water filters, solving one of the biggest pain points of small kitchens.

By tucking essential appliances neatly under the counter, you can keep your kitchen surfaces clean and uncluttered. Even better, Billi’s designs eliminate the need for unsightly cupboard ventilation cutouts or grilles, preserving the streamlined look of your cabinetry.

Whether you choose the minimalist Billi Multifunction Mixer Tap or the feature-rich Billi OmniOne, these systems seamlessly blend style with functionality which is perfect for anyone seeking innovative small kitchen ideas.

Sustainability Meets Smart Design

Sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern kitchen ideas in Australia, and Billi systems excel in offering eco-conscious solutions. Modern homeowners are looking for appliances that combine efficiency with style, and Billi meets this demand through advanced eco-intelligence filtration technology.

With features like heat exchange systems that recycle waste energy, Billi reduces power consumption while keeping performance high. Additionally, water-cooled technology conserves water, making these systems an environmentally friendly choice. Certified at the GreenTag Gold Level, Billi products give you peace of mind, knowing your kitchen contributes to sustainable living. Plus, their energy efficiency helps reduce utility bills, proving that smart design can be good for both the planet and your pocket.

Custom Designs for Every Kitchen Style

When designing a small kitchen, every detail matters. Billi’s customisable dispensers allow you to personalise your space while maintaining functionality. Choose from timeless chrome, matte black, or urban brass to match your kitchen’s unique aesthetic.

With the sleek, ergonomic designs, Billi dispensers seamlessly fit into both contemporary and traditional spaces. Their clean lines and compact build create a polished, cohesive look, proving that practicality and style can go hand in hand.

Transforming Small Spaces with Smart Choices

Creating a stylish and functional small kitchen requires a combination of smart organisation and innovative appliances. Pair clever design tricks, like vertical storage solutions, with Billi systems for the ultimate transformation. For instance, the Billi OmniOne combines boiling, chilled, and sparkling water capabilities with a hot and cold sink mixer — all in a single underbench unit.

Installation is straightforward, as Billi’s systems don’t require ventilation cutouts, making them a stress-free addition to any kitchen renovation or redesign. With these solutions, you can craft a space that’s clutter-free, efficient, and effortlessly stylish which is a perfect realisation of your small kitchen ideas.

Elevate Your Kitchen with Billi

Small kitchens don’t have to mean sacrificing style or functionality. By integrating Billi’s space-saving systems, you can create a kitchen that’s modern, sustainable, and tailored to your needs. From energy-efficient technology to customisable designs, Billi offers a perfect balance of practicality and elegance.

Ready to elevate your kitchen? Explore our range of Billi for Home underbench water systems and accessories today. Find your ideal system and enjoy instant filtered water.

With energy prices rising and climate concerns front of mind, many Australians are looking to reduce their power bills and environmental footprint. Thankfully, you don’t need to overhaul your life to make a significant difference in energy use. Simple changes at home and work can lead to big savings on both energy and costs.

For over 30 years, Billi Australia has been a leader in eco-friendly, energy-efficient water systems, providing boiling, chilled, and sparkling water solutions that fit seamlessly under your kitchen sink. Our innovative technologies, like heat exchange, make reducing energy easy. Below are 10 actionable tips to help you cut electricity use, starting with insights from Billi’s energy-efficient solutions.

1. Optimise Appliance Usage with Smart Technology

Appliances that operate only when needed are very helpful for energy efficiency, especially in a busy household or workspace. Smart technologies like Billi’s eco-intelligence (plus other features & benefits) make this effortless. This self-learning timer adapts to daily patterns, ensuring your system is active during peak usage but conserves energy when it’s not. Over time, this automated control can cut down on wasted power, letting your appliance only operate when required.

Tip: Adopt this technology to other household devices. Use programmable thermostats and set timers on water heaters to limit energy waste. Even small changes, like turning off standby power, can make a difference.

2. Save Energy with Heat Exchange Technology

Heat loss is a common culprit in wasted energy, but systems that capture and repurpose heat can make a big difference. Billi’s heat exchange technology does just that. By reusing waste energy from the chilling process and preheating water, Billi’s systems reduce the total energy needed for operation. This is especially valuable in high-use areas like kitchens and commercial spaces (including restaurants and offices), where energy demands can quickly add up.

Tip: For kitchen and laundry appliances, look for products that use heat exchange or similar efficiency technologies. They save energy and reduce strain on your household power needs.

3. Reduce Power Waste with Standby Mode

Many of us leave appliances plugged in without a second thought, but idle devices can use surprising amounts of power in Australia, even when not in use. Look for systems with standby functions, like Billi’s standby mode that powers down automatically after two hours of non-use. This quiet energy saver cuts unnecessary consumption without sacrificing convenience.

Tip: Apply this to your whole home by unplugging or using smart power boards for devices like chargers, TVs, and computers when not in use. Even a quick flip of the powerpoint switch saves energy.

4. Choose Water-Cooling over Air-Cooling for Maximum Efficiency

For systems that need to stay cool, water-cooling is an efficient, energy-conscious option. Billi’s water-cooled filtration systems operate quietly and don’t require the fans or ventilation needed by air-cooled alternatives. By keeping temperatures low without added power, these models avoid excessive energy use, making them ideal for kitchens or compact office spaces.

Tip: When considering new appliances, think about cooling methods. Water-cooled options often run more efficiently and are easier on energy bills.

5. Keep Systems Efficient with Routine Maintenance

No appliance can stay efficient without some maintenance. Regular maintenance, like changing filters and checking components, keeps your systems running optimally. Billi makes this easy with BilliCare Service Plans. These plans provide scheduled maintenance and filter changes that protect performance, ensuring your unit stays energy-efficient over time.

Tip: Regularly check all your appliances. Clean refrigerator coils, replace air conditioner filters, and schedule annual maintenance for your HVAC system.

6. Choose Sustainable, Australian-Made Products

Choosing Australian-made products supports local businesses and reduces transport emissions, helping the environment and economy alike. Billi systems are manufactured locally in Melbourne and hold Global GreenTag Certification, a rigorous sustainability standard. These certifications ensure that Billi’s products meet high environmental standards and are built to last. Learn more about Billi’s commitment to sustainability.

Tip: When making purchase decisions, look for sustainability certifications and Australian-made logos. This supports sustainability efforts and ensures quality and durability.

7. Invest in Efficient Lighting

Switching to LED lights is one of the simplest energy upgrades you can make. LED lights use about 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer (Department of Energy), which means fewer replacements and lower bills. LEDs are especially effective in high-use areas like kitchens and living rooms.

Tip: Also use timers and dimmers where possible. Lowering light levels and turning off lights in unused areas can reduce power usage.

8. Insulate Your Home for Year-Round Comfort

Heating and cooling are amongst the biggest contributors to household energy costs. Proper insulation keeps heat where it belongs (inside or outside), reducing the need for air conditioning in summer and heating in winter. This investment can drastically lower your energy consumption and make your home more comfortable.

Tip: Seal leaky windows and doors with weather-stripping, and consider adding window curtains to help regulate indoor temperature naturally.

9. Use Appliances in Off-Peak Hours

Many Australian utility companies offer lower rates during off-peak hours, so timing can be key to saving. Run dishwashers, washing machines, and other major appliances during these off-peak times whenever possible to benefit from reduced energy rates. This strategy not only saves money but also lessens the strain on the energy grid.

Tip: Check with your energy provider to understand peak and off-peak times, and set timers on compatible appliances to automate the process.

10. Monitor Your Energy Usage

Staying aware of your energy usage helps you make smarter choices. Many energy providers offer mobile apps that track daily usage, showing spikes and trends that reveal where you can cut back. This data allows you to adjust habits and reduce high-use behaviours for ongoing savings.

Tip: If your provider doesn’t offer monitoring, consider a smart plug or energy meter. These devices provide real-time data that can guide you to a more efficient routine.

Find a Billi to Suit You

Energy savings aren’t just about cutting costs; they’re about making sustainable choices that benefit the environment and future generations. By following these tips and choosing products like Billi’s energy-efficient water systems, you can make a substantial difference with minimal effort.

Ready to save on energy? View our range to find an energy-efficient water filtration system tailored to your needs, or visit your local Billi stockist for advice on reducing your energy impact with innovative, Australian-made solutions.

Mixer taps have revolutionised modern plumbing by providing a seamless blend of hot and cold water from a single spout. This innovation offers convenience and efficiency, making tasks like washing hands, filling sinks, and preparing food much easier. So, how do mixer taps work exactly?

Among the various options available, mixer taps have become a cornerstone in modern Australian homes and commercial spaces due to their blend of style and practicality. If you’re looking to buy mixer taps, it’s essential to understand how they operate, the types available, and why opting for a Billi mixer tap could be the best decision for your home.

What is a Mixer Tap?

Essentially, a mixer tap combines both hot and cold water supplies, allowing you to control the water temperature and flow rate through a single lever or a set of controls. Instead of having separate hot and cold spouts, mixer taps streamline the process by integrating the water flow into one. This is especially beneficial in kitchen and bathroom settings, where quick and precise water temperature control is often needed.

Generally, mixer taps work through a simple mechanism allowing control of flow rate and temperature through as little as one lever. Inside a mixer tap, there are two separate water channels—one for hot water and one for cold. These channels merge into a single outlet. The lever or control adjusts the flow and temperature by regulating how much water comes from each channel. Moving the lever to the left or right changes the temperature, while moving it up or down adjusts the flow rate. How 3-way mixer taps work and other, more feature-rich water systems can get more complicated and unit-specific, as these add filtered water to the standard cold and warm.

Billi stands out in the bathroom and kitchen mixer tap markets in Australia by offering options that meet everyday needs and options that dispense instant filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling water. All our models include eco-friendly features that save space and reduce energy consumption and are designed and manufactured right here in Melbourne.

Different Types of Mixer Taps

Standard Mixer Taps

• Combine hot and cold water through a single lever.

3-Way Mixer Taps

• Provide hot, cold, and filtered water all from one tap.
• Ideal for those looking to enhance their kitchen’s functionality without adding clutter.

Advanced Units

• Billi taps include options for filtered still, boiling, chilled, and even sparkling water, providing the functionality of multiple appliances from one compact dispenser.
• Billi’s mixer taps come with energy-saving technology such as the eco-intelligence system, which learns your usage patterns to reduce power consumption.
• The heat exchange technology on Billi’s instant chilled and boiling units captures waste heat energy from chilling processes to preheat the boiling water, further conserving energy.
• Billi’s units are also compact and designed to maximise under bench space, perfect for modern minimalist kitchens. Features such as safety switches prevent accidental burns, making these taps ideal for families with young children or businesses with high traffic.

Introducing Billi’s Multifunction Mixer Tap

Billi takes mixer taps to the next level with their 5-Way Multifunction Mixer Tap, a cutting-edge product recognised for its design and innovation in Australia’s International Good Design Awards. This tap is not just a mixer but a comprehensive water solution for modern kitchens, providing access to mains-fed hot and cold water as well as filtered ambient, chilled, sparkling and boiling water all from one sleek dispenser.

Experience the Billi Difference

Understanding how mixer taps work and the variety of options available can help you make an informed choice for your home or business. Opting for a Billi mixer tap elevates your space’s style and functionality while contributing to a sustainable lifestyle. For more information on our innovative water systems, view our home and commercial ranges or speak to one of our experts to learn more.

Fergus Tough’s journey at Billi is marked by engineering excellence and environmental stewardship. He is driven by a deep passion and unwavering purpose to bring about meaningful change. In this discussion, Fergus explores Billi’s proactive sustainability approach and discusses how data-driven insights, early adoption of green technologies, and a company-wide commitment to change are shaping a brighter future.

How long have you worked at Billi, and what drew you to the company?

I’ve been with Billi for six years now. When I first joined as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, I was attracted by the opportunity to make a positive impact. Billi’s commitment to innovation and its forward-thinking culture was a perfect fit for me. On a personal level, I have always tried to do what I can to minimise my impact on the environment. Billi is the first company I have worked at that has incorporated sustainability as part of the company ethos.

And what does your current role at Billi entail?

As Director of Manufacturing Operations, I oversee a wide range of departments, including Production, Quality, and Supply Chain. About 18 months ago, I also took on the role of Billi’s ESG program manager, responsible for initiating our ESG reporting.

Setting up a robust ESG program from scratch must have been a challenge. How did you approach it, especially considering Billi’s acquisition by Strix in late 2022?

The support from our parent company, Strix, was crucial. While Billi had a history of environmental initiatives, Strix provided the structure and expertise to enhance our efforts. I closely collaborated with Matt Thomas, the Engineering and Divisional Operations Director at Strix, and his guidance was essential in helping me navigate the complexities of ESG reporting.

Sustainability has always been a personal passion, and this role allowed me to formalize my knowledge. It was interesting to see how my work and personal life aligned – learning about solar panels and green energy at work while implementing them at home! This hands-on experience, along with Matt’s insights, helped me understand the complexities and translate them into actionable steps for Billi. The open communication and collaborative spirit fostered by Strix and Matt have been crucial to our progress, including our shift towards data-led decision-making.

And how did this shift inform Billi’s sustainability agenda?

In 2023, Billi established the framework for its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives and embraced a data-driven sustainability approach. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Billi’s approach concentrates on seven key goals within “the 3Ps”: People, Product, and Place. Collaborations with esteemed organizations such as the International Well Building Institute and GreenTag, coupled with a strong emphasis on WELL certifications, recycling capabilities, and product waste energy capture, serve as a direct manifestation of our commitment to the SDGs.

At the heart of these partnerships, initiatives, and sustainability endeavors lies a data-driven decision-making process. For example, Billi’s collaboration with Custom Fleet facilitates the gathering of crucial data on fuel consumption and vehicle usage, illustrating how this data-centric approach empowers us to establish ambitious targets, monitor progress, and identify areas for enhancement.

Data clearly plays a crucial role in Billi’s sustainability strategy.

Of course! It’s crucial to have a data management system in place to avoid bias. We’ve realised the importance of data for making informed decisions and measuring progress. We’ve been consistently collecting data on different aspects of the business, like waste management and energy consumption. This enables us to set ambitious targets and track our sustainability performance more effectively.

What are Billi’s main areas of focus in 2024?

This year, we’ve achieved a significant milestone at our Thomastown manufacturing facility by transitioning to 100% renewable electricity. We accomplished this by utilizing a combination of solar energy and GreenPower-accredited Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Additionally, we’re offsetting the carbon emissions from our company vehicles through the use of carbon credits, ensuring that our Scopes 1 and 2 emissions are also 100% renewable. This puts us ahead of the recommendations outlined in the Paris agreement.

Looking ahead, our primary focus is on reducing Scope 3 emissions and working towards carbon neutrality. We are actively integrating sustainability into all aspects of our operations, including product development, supply chain logistics, manufacturing, partnering with local suppliers, and transitioning to recycled and biodegradable packaging solutions. It’s important to note that 94% of our Scope 3 emissions are ‘in-use’ emissions, influenced by the decarbonisation rate of electrical grids. This emphasizes the significance of our ambitious internal targets and our commitment to achieving ISO 14001 Environmental Management and ISO 45001 OH&S Management accreditations by 2024, followed by ISO 50001 Energy Management in 2025. These accreditations will drive our sustainability efforts and minimize our environmental impact as we address the complexities of Scope 3 emissions.

Our products consume water and electricity, and we are actively seeking opportunities to create value while reducing our carbon footprint. Our focus is on efficiently capturing relevant data and leveraging expertise to achieve this goal. Our technical specialists are continuously innovating to reduce our impact, such as through the early adoption of ‘green’ refrigerant gases and converting waste heat into a source of heating energy to decrease electricity consumption.

What prompted Billi to adopt these green refrigerants?

Globally, there’s a shift away from using hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerant gases due to their high Global Warming Potentials (GWPs). For example, R134a, which is a common hydrofluorocarbon, has a GWP of 1,430, meaning its greenhouse effect is 1,430 times more than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. In contrast, hydrocarbons (HCs) like R290 have GWP below 5.

While there is no current legislation or requirement for us to stop using HFCs in our domestic markets, we chose to adopt HCs early on because it’s best practice and to be able provide service to some of our export markets, such as the UK and EU, where such requirements are already in force. Being proactive aligns with our environmental responsibility, and we’ve invested significantly in infrastructure and training to ensure a safe and seamless transition.

It’s clear that commitment to early adoption underpins all facets of Billi’s business.

To me, sustainability means considering the impact of our actions early on, whether it be in product design, logistics and supply, ethical sourcing or even investment. And so, it’s essential for Billi to keep sustainability front of mind during key decision-making processes. It can no longer be an afterthought, and people in senior leadership positions – like myself – have an obligation to ensure we only accept the highest level of sustainable practices.

Early adoption of HC refrigerants is one example. The refrigerant cooling cycle is a complex process with many factors to take into account early on, including the design of the product and the amount of gas used. But when the gas, design, and pressures are balanced correctly, we can achieve superior cooling performance and reduce energy consumption – and that’s what our engineers are always working on optimising.

And how does this attitude affect new product development?

We consider sustainability factors in our new product development research. We ensure that all our units undergo field testing to proactively investigate real-world conditions for any unexpected behaviors across all our product lines. This process of pre-emptive problem-solving allows us to address any potential unforeseen issues before the product reaches the customer.

Of all Billi’s sustainability initiatives, which one are you particularly excited about?

With an engineering background and keen eye for data, I’m most excited about being able to further optimise our products’ energy consumption. Billi’s under-the-bench products rely on electricity and while we already have sophisticated energy-efficient systems in place, we continue to explore new ways to optimise and improve our products.

How does fostering a culture of awareness within the company fits into Billi’s sustainability agenda?

Having that strong culture is absolutely crucial, and it all starts with strong leadership and consistent messaging, followed by the integration of sustainability into employee objectives and business goals. We also want to encourage everyone at Billi to make small but meaningful changes in their daily routines. It’s about creating habits – turning off equipment when not in use, making conscious waste disposal choices. These actions may seem insignificant but when everyone gets on board, they contribute significantly to our overall sustainability goals.

Finally, what significant sustainability shifts do you foresee in the industry in the coming years?

The momentum around sustainability is undeniable. Companies worldwide are realising they must embrace sustainability to thrive. While the industry has made great strides in the environmental space, including the use of renewable materials, there is still a long way to go.

We can expect a surge in the rise of electric vehicles and the market for them to continue growing. Improved battery technology will bring about cheaper and more reliable long-range options, leading to a significant reduction in emissions related to business travel. At Billi, we’re excited to be at the forefront of this movement, setting a high bar for environmental responsibility and inspiring others to follow suit.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: 

Fergus Tough’s leadership at Billi has been essential in driving the company’s sustainability approach and initiatives.

Thank you Fergus! 

Despite the prevalence of remote work, many organisations maintain that employees must physically return to the office, at least in some capacity, to maintain high levels of productivity and feel a part of the workplace community. However, since the pandemic, employees have grown accustomed to working from home and, for health or lifestyle reasons, are reticent to
come back to the workplace on a full-time basis. Due to these factors, employees will increasingly switch between working from home and traditional office buildings in the post-COVID world. This is what we refer to as the “hybrid” workplace.

Making the office a place that people actually want to visit, even when they do not have to, is the most significant challenge for workplace designers.
Organisations need an efficient, compelling and healthy place to work to not only convince staff to return to the office, but to retain existing staff and attract new talent in
a highly competitive labour market. Factors like flexibility, comfort and wellbeing are among the highest priorities for today’s workforce. Organisations need to cater to
these demands within a space that is cost-efficient and sustainable without over-compensating and creating restrictions.

The goal is to achieve the best of both worlds: to keep the flexibility and work-life balance that employees have grown to value from remote work, while also bringing employees back together to foster collaboration, and renew and strengthen workplace ties. The answer involves adding design features, conveniences and perks that try to be more meaningful than those of the prepandemic
past, and spotlight the employee experience as the focus of future workplace design.

How Billi is creating hybrid spaces that work

Originating in Australia, Billi has been at the forefront of the instant filtered boiling and chilled water systems industry for three decades.
Billi products are celebrated for their combination of functionality, performance and contemporary aesthetics and all come with an assurance of quality, innovation and sustainability. The company has brought the unique concept of underbench instant filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling drinking water to many countries around the globe.

Billi products enable the provision of convenient and value-added drinking water with multifunction appliances that help hybrid workplaces replicate the comfort and convenience of the home
environment. OmniOne is Billi’s latest product range offering Boiling, Chilled and Sparkling water in a single, all-in-one fixture for commercial and residential applications alike.
Manufactured to strict quality standards, Billi water systems come with an assurance of quality, innovation and sustainability.

Incorporating cutting edge eco-technology features and modern designs, Billi delivers solutions that keep pace with the needs of employers and employees in today’s dynamic hybrid work landscape.

Since 2019, Billi has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing buildings and communities to help people thrive as an accredited Cornerstone member of the International WELL Building Institute.
Billi instant filtered boiling and chilled water systems provide designers and specifiers with a way to meet the health, wellbeing and sustainability requirements of the WELL Building Standard, the
paramount global standard for improving overall occupant wellbeing and workplace quality.

Billi also supports high-quality indoor environments with chilled only or chilled and sparkling hydration stations with water-cooled devices that do not raise the ambient temperature, create additional load on air conditioning or negatively impact indoor air and acoustic quality. The Billi range also includes contactless washroom solutions
including soap dispensers and sensor tapware.

Deal completed: Strix Group acquires Billi facilitating new growth opportunities for both entities.

THOMASTOWN, VIC, Australia –  Following its agreement to combine with Waterlogic Group Holdings (“Waterlogic”),  Culligan International (“Culligan”), has completed the deal to sell Billi, global designer & manufacturer of filtered boiling and chilled multifunctional taps, to Strix Group Plc (“Strix”). This divestiture was completed after fully addressing concerns raised by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and the New Zealand Commerce Commission (NZCC).

The agreement to divest Billi to Strix, a global leader in kettle controls and filtration technologies, resolved any discrepancies surrounding overlap between the Billi and Zip businesses in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. No such overlap existed previously, and all parties to the deal worked collaboratively to avoid any misconceptions of a future overlap, throughout the process.

This agreement reflects undertakings that were submitted to regulators to divest the Billi business to Strix and was subject to the relevant approvals by the competition regulators. As regards the UK, the CMA confirmed that the offer to divest Billi UK was accepted as a suitable remedy, and their assessment continued through to final approval of the deal. The undertakings to divest the Billi business in Australia and New Zealand were previously accepted by the ACCC and NZCC, subject to approval of Strix as a purchaser.

This new and committed investor will support Billi to thrive and flourish independently under new ownership and further expand in the fast-growing area of under-the-sink solutions for premium filtered drinking water systems to the benefit of employees, distributors and customers.

Strix CEO, Mark Bartlett said, “The acquisition of Billi accelerates our strategy within our Water and Appliances categories which is core to Strix’s five-year plan. We look forward to welcoming the Billi team to the Strix Group and working together to grow our combined businesses.”

The deal was completed 1 December, 2022.

ABOUT STRIX

Isle of Man based Strix, is a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of kettle safety controls and other components and devices involving water heating and temperature control, steam management and water filtration.

Strix’s core product range comprises a variety of safety controls for small domestic appliances, primarily kettles. Kettle safety controls require precision engineering and intricate knowledge of material properties in order to repeatedly function correctly. Strix has built up market leading capability and know-how in this field since being founded in 1982.

Strix is admitted to trading on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange (AIM: KETL).

Culligan agrees to divest Billi to Strix as it seeks clearance for its global combination with Waterlogic

ROSEMONT, IL, USA – Following its agreement to combine with Waterlogic Group Holdings (“Waterlogic”), a global designer, manufacturer, distributor and service provider of purified drinking water dispensers, Culligan International (“Culligan”), the innovative brand in consumer-focused sustainable water solutions and services, has reached an agreement to sell Billi, a producer of filtered boiling and chilled multifunctional taps, to Strix Group Plc (“Strix”). This divestiture seeks to address concerns raised by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and the New Zealand Commerce Commission (NZCC).

The agreement to divest Billi to Strix, a global leader in kettle controls and filtration technologies, seeks to address the overlap between the Billi and Zip businesses in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

This agreement reflects undertakings that have been submitted to regulators to divest the Billi business to Strix and is subject to the relevant approvals by the competition regulators. As regards the UK, the CMA has confirmed that the offer to divest Billi UK may be acceptable as a suitable remedy, and their assessment will continue with a consultation, the customary next step in the approval process. The undertakings to divest the Billi business in Australia and New Zealand have already been accepted by the ACCC and NZCC, subject to approval of Strix as a purchaser.

This new and committed investor would support Billi to thrive and flourish independently under new ownership and further expand in the fast-growing area of under-the-sink solutions for premium filtered drinking water systems to the benefit of employees, distributors and customers.

Until completion of the divestiture, Billi will continue to operate business as usual, delivering exceptional service for customers, supporting their teams, and executing on their 2022 operating plans.

We anticipate the sale of Billi to complete a short time after the close of the global combination of Culligan and Waterlogic, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to final regulatory approvals.

ABOUT CULLIGAN INTERNATIONAL

Founded in 1936 and headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, Culligan International is a world leader in delivering premium water services and solutions that improve the health and wellness of consumers. Committed to sustainable solutions, the company offers some of the most technologically advanced water filtration and treatment services and solutions available, including water softeners, drinking water systems, and whole-house systems for homeowners and bottleless coolers for businesses. Culligan’s network of dealers and direct operations is the largest in its industry, with more than 7,500 employees and 1,000 dealers in 90 countries. Culligan’s 35+ brands serve more than 50 million consumers every year and share a mission of bringing better water to consumers anywhere they need it – in the home, at work or on-the-go.

ABOUT WATERLOGIC

Waterlogic is an innovative designer, manufacturer, distributor and service provider of drinking water dispensers and accessories designed for environments such as offices, factories, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, schools and public spaces. From freestanding, countertop and integrated dispensers to high-volume hospitality solutions, water filling stations, fountains and boilers, every solution focuses on delivering the best quality water in the safest and most sustainable way. Waterlogic has its own subsidiaries in 23 countries. In addition, Waterlogic’s extensive independent global distribution network spans over 50 countries around the world in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and South Africa.

ABOUT STRIX

Isle of Man based Strix, is a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of kettle safety controls and other components and devices involving water heating and temperature control, steam management and water filtration.

Strix’s core product range comprises a variety of safety controls for small domestic appliances, primarily kettles. Kettle safety controls require precision engineering and intricate knowledge of material properties in order to repeatedly function correctly. Strix has built up market leading capability and know-how in this field since being founded in 1982.

Strix is admitted to trading on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange (AIM: KETL).

1 in 9 people worldwide don’t have access to a clean water source close to home. But as we all know, water is essential for life and good health. That’s why we are challenging ourselves this March to make water our only beverage. We’ll be improving our health, while raising money to help more people enjoy the benefits of clean water.

WaterAid will reach everyone, everywhere with clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene within a generation. This vision inspires us, and we hope it inspires you too.

Please donate to our fundraising page to contribute to WaterAid’s amazing work. For just $70, WaterAid could provide clean water to a child, while $350 could help provide clean water to a family.

https://fundraise.wateraid.org.au/fundraisers/Billi-Australia

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