In this exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Tom Spillane, Vice President of Technical Excellence at Vivreau, shares his insights on how businesses can integrate sustainable practices into their operations. With over 15 years at Vivreau, Tom’s expertise in creating innovative water solutions has helped companies reduce their environmental impact while remaining cost-effective. He discusses how Vivreau’s cutting-edge water systems are not only transforming workplaces but also leading the way in reducing plastic waste. From practical steps businesses can take to reduce plastic in their offices to how Earth Day can serve as a springboard for larger sustainability initiatives, Tom provides valuable advice on making sustainability a core part of business operations. Through his leadership at Vivreau, Tom continues to drive innovation in the beverage industry, making it easier for businesses to embrace sustainability without compromising on quality or convenience.
Tom Spillane is the Vice President of Technical Excellence at Vivreau, North America’s leading sustainable water solution. Previously serving as the Vice President of Operations, Tom Spillane has been with Vivreau for over 15 years since the company’s launch in North America. He comes from a background in the food service industry and is a technical product expert with an acute knowledge of the beverage business. In his role at Vivreau USA and Vivreau Canada, Spillane works with both the R&D and quality departments, where he is devoted to solving issues and making systems better. He is deeply committed to helping companies seek sustainable solutions and eliminate plastic waste.
Can you elaborate on how Vivreau’s innovative water systems help businesses achieve their sustainability goals while remaining cost-effective?
Vivreau’s innovative water systems empower businesses to achieve their sustainability goals by reducing reliance on single-use plastics and minimizing the environmental footprint associated with bottled water. By providing high-quality, filtered water on-site, Vivreau systems eliminate the need for transportation and reduce packaging waste, offering a more eco-friendly hydration solution. By choosing a reusable water system, companies can reduce the expenses of buying, transporting, and disposing of bottled water, all while showcasing their commitment to sustainability.
Vivreau empowers businesses to take a proactive step towards sustainability without compromising convenience, quality, or innovation in their water solutions.
What practical steps can businesses implement to minimize plastic waste in their offices, and how does Vivreau support these efforts?
Reducing plastic waste in the office doesn’t have to be complicated—it can start with a few simple changes. For example, businesses can swap out single-use plastic bottles for reusable options, encourage employees to bring their own water bottles, and say goodbye to traditional, plastic water jugs. Small steps like these can make a big difference in the long run.
Vivreau is committed to reducing single-use plastics in offices by offering sustainable and innovative water solutions. By installing water dispensers that connect directly to existing local water sources, they tackle plastic waste at its origin, promoting a more eco-friendly workplace. With our reusable glass bottles, you get a setup that’s stylish, convenient, and eco-friendly all at once.
By making the switch to Vivreau, businesses are not just cutting down on plastic waste, but they’re creating a more sustainable workplace. Plus, employees will appreciate having access to fresh, filtered water at all times.
How can companies leverage Earth Day to spark meaningful discussions and take actionable steps toward sustainability?
Earth Day provides an excellent opportunity for companies to foster meaningful and impactful discussions about sustainability. Businesses can engage with employees, customers, and stakeholders in various creative and interactive ways, such as organizing informative educational campaigns, launching innovative green initiatives, or actively promoting and highlighting existing eco-friendly practices within their operations. For example, companies might implement comprehensive programs aimed at reducing waste, conserving energy, minimizing carbon footprints, or advocating for sustainable consumer behaviours that benefit both the environment and society as a whole.
These efforts can also include activities like tree planting drives, public shoreline cleanups, or workshops on how to live more sustainably. By using Earth Day as a platform, companies can showcase their transparency and commitment to a healthier planet, while also highlighting their dedication to driving long-term positive change. These efforts help raise environmental awareness, ultimately building brand trust and loyalty in an increasingly sustainability-focused world. Additionally, a sustainable office environment fosters a sense of purpose and responsibility, strengthening team morale.
What are the most significant challenges businesses face when trying to prioritize sustainability in today’s economic climate, and how can they overcome these obstacles?
One of the most significant challenges businesses face when prioritizing sustainability in today’s economic climate is balancing upfront costs with long-term benefits. For example, switching from bottled water to a dispenser in a boardroom requires an upfront investment, but it comes with significant benefits. A single dispenser can eliminate up to 200,000 plastic bottles per year and reduce CO2 emissions by 86%.
Changing entrenched consumer behaviour is another one of the biggest hurdles that businesses may face. Employees and customers accustomed to single-use plastics may hesitate to switch to reusable alternatives. Businesses can address this by offering viable solutions that meet the same convenience and quality standards, such as Vivreau’s advanced water dispensers. These systems provide high-quality, filtered still, sparkling, and hot water on demand, ensuring a seamless transition to sustainability.
As a leader in sustainable solutions, what advice would you give to small and medium-sized businesses aiming to integrate sustainability into their operations effectively?
For small and medium-sized businesses looking to embrace sustainability, starting with simple, low-cost initiatives can make a big difference over time. Business leaders should start by looking at their operations to identify areas for energy savings, plastic waste reduction, or incorporating eco-friendly materials.Leaders can inspire their teams by fostering a culture of sustainability and collaborating on creative ideas to drive meaningful change. For example, this year, Vivreau has set specific fiscal targets in its budget to quantify the number of plastic bottles it can eliminate from the environment, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable accountability. There may also be opportunities within the wider community to challenge other business leaders to ‘be a gamechanger’ by finding practical and impactful ways to integrate sustainability into their daily operations.
Additionally, leaders should share their sustainability efforts with customers—people love supporting brands that care about the planet. Green initiatives can be highlighted on social media or through a company website to foster trust and loyalty. By sharing online, this can also inspire others to take action and join the movement toward sustainability.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this interview are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. This interview is intended to provide insights and information on sustainable practices for small and medium-sized businesses, aligning with our commitment to fostering innovation and environmental responsibility.
