A few weeks ago, we presented the seven pillars of the circular economy. These seven fundamental pillars each resonate strongly with CASTALIE. From the moment CASTALIE was founded, we were convinced of the need for a sustainable and responsible model. For 10 years, all our products have been part of a virtuous economy, a circular and non-linear economy. Pillar by pillar, here is how we strive to be as environmentally and socially responsible as possible. Let's get started!
Pillar #1: Sustainable sourcing
That's the basis! To minimize the exploitation of our natural resources, we want our fountains to have an OPTIMAL lifespan. In practical terms, how do we do that?
The vast majority of our components come fromEurope (particularly France and Italy) and we work with our suppliers over the long term, constantly striving to improve our environmental impact. The key is to challenge ourselves in order to progress.
For our water coolers and containers, we favor high-quality, recyclable materials such as glass and stainless steel.
As soon as a fountain leaves this world to join the stars, we recover its components for reuse in our reconditioned fountains. This avoids the need to purchase new parts.
Pillar #2: Eco-design
Eco-what?Eco-design involves careful consideration of a product's life cycle and how to make it as green as possible. At CASTALIE, our entire Pure range of water coolers has been eco-designed in collaboration with CETIM (Technical Center for Mechanical Industries) in accordance with standard NF-E01-005. And in general, reducingthe environmental impact of our products is at the heart of our business. That's why the reconditioning of our water coolers,sustainable sourcing, timeless design, and choice of materials allow us to say that yes, CASTALIE an eco-responsible and sustainable solution.
Pillar #3: Industrial and territorial ecology
Our incredible warehouse, expertly managed by our Product and Industry team, is based in Issy-les-Moulineaux. To serve our customers throughout France, rather than making multiple trips from the Paris region, we have called on the services of EVS, which delivers and maintains water coolers throughout the country.
In the Paris region, our deliveries are carried out by our partner Ecolotrans, a specialist in eco-friendly delivery. Routes are optimized and deliveries are grouped together to minimizethe carbon footprint of transport.
Finally, all our filtration kits are manufactured by ESAT Yvonne Wendling, just a stone's throw from the warehouse.
Pillar #4: The functional economy
What exactly is the functional economy? It is fully in line with an environmental approach. In fact, according to the Ministry of Ecological Transition itself, "it consists of replacing the concept of selling goods with that of selling the use of goods, which leads to the decoupling of added value from the consumption of energy and raw materials." In other words, the functional economy consists of offeringthe use of a good rather than the good itself. And at CASTALIE, we understand this perfectly!
All of our fountains are available for rent, not for sale. Why is this better? Because it allows us to offer regular, customized maintenance services and careful monitoring of their condition throughout their lifetime. And when they start to wear out, instead of throwing them away, they are handed over to Thierry and Sébastien, who give them a second life.
Pillar #5: Responsible consumption
For 10 years, our goal at CASTALIE has been to help hotels, businesses, restaurants, public institutions, and events commit to more responsible and sustainable consumption. This is the core of our business. Thanks to our solution, plastic bottles and other single-use containers had better watch out! Microfiltered water produced on site is another step towards green and virtuous consumption.
Pillar #6: Extending the useful life
Extending the useful life of a product means choosing repair, sale, donation, or second-hand rather than disposal. It means reuse rather than trash. And as you now understand, we work hard on this at CASTALIE. Our water coolers are pampered and cherished to ensure they have the longest possible lifespan . We have also developed a connected fountain to monitor their condition even more closely, focusing on prevention rather than cure.
Pillar #7: Recycling
Last but not least, recycling is the final pillar of this wonderful circular economy. Yes, when you have tried everything to save your water cooler but it has breathed its last breath, we don't just throw it away like an old sock! All its components are carefully sorted by Ecologic, an ISO 9001 and 14001 certified organization, which dismantles our water coolers and sorts the components for recycling in specialized factories. All our water coolers and containers are made from high-quality, recyclable materials, such asstainless steel and glass, to maximize recycling and minimize waste.
There you have it, now you know everything. So, everything isn't perfect yet, but we're brimming with ideas to become even more involved in the virtuous circle that isthe circular economy.
Text: Jeanne Favas
Credits: Laurent Benhamou
