Robinetto: Pure from the tap, perfectly packed

How Robinetto and Topa created a packaging solution for waste-free water

What if you could make tap water so appealing that people would happily ditch bottled water? That’s exactly Robinetto’s mission. Under the motto ‘Pure from the tap’, they offer smart, sustainable water dispensers for festivals, offices, schools, the hospitality sector, and even for home use. As their product range grew and retail and e-commerce channels expanded, so did the need for a packaging solution that could support their mission: strong, efficient, and waste-free. That’s where Topa came in.

Water with a mission

Robinetto is part of De Leiding BV, an impact-driven company founded in 2018 with a clear goal: drastically reduce plastic waste and CO₂ emissions from bottled water. What began as a sustainable alternative to drinks at festivals has grown into a full product range of water dispensers for both B2B and B2C, from NMBS to Tomorrowland, from corporate offices to kitchen cupboards.

“For consumers, we’ve introduced ‘Robi, water at the touch of a button’: a compact under-sink system that enriches tap water to taste as good as bottled,” explains a member of the Robinetto team. “It helps people make the switch to tap water, without compromising on taste or experience.”

But a product like that, with its organic shape and built-in electronics, needs a packaging solution that does more than just protect.

A complex product, made simple to pack

Robinetto’s ‘Robi’ consists of several components: the tap, a button with battery and built-in electronics, and a filter module. “Retail packaging needs to be sturdy and eye-catching, but shelf space is limited,” says a member of the Robinetto team. “Plus, the button mustn’t be pressed inside the box, or the battery will drain. And the vertical nature of the product needed to be reflected in the packaging design too.”

Topa worked with Robinetto to develop a three-part solution: a large gift box for the tap, a protective inlay, and a separate box for the button. “A standard box simply wouldn’t do,” adds a member of the Robinetto team. “Our product has a unique shape, limited storage space and fragile components. Topa proposed a strong cardboard type and light, recyclable filling materials. The boxes are delivered pre-assembled and stacked directly to our production line, convenient and efficient.”

Sustainable in every detail

Sustainability was a guiding principle throughout the project. No tape, no printing, no plastic. “Topa never pushed anything on us,” says a member of the Robinetto team. “They listened to what we wanted and helped us find solutions that were both sturdy and recyclable.”

The collaboration was smooth too. “The packaging had to suit both retail and e-commerce. So we tested various options together at the Topa Institute, until everything worked, from protection to user-friendliness.”

The fact that the final packaging is 100% recyclable and closes without any extra materials is more than a nice bonus for Robinetto. “Our packaging reflects who we are. It’s compact, cleverly designed and completely aligned with our mission.”

Do you also have a packaging problem or are you looking for advice to optimise your packaging process? Then be sure to contact us by phone: +31 252 245 200 or email: info@topa.nl.

Want to buy a Robi? You can!