The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) announces that Pentair plc is now the official water sponsor of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). The new partnership has launched with the debut of 10 new HOPE Hydration HydroStations in both of the airport’s terminals, the first water refill stations of their kind at any airport worldwide.
Pentair is a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, including through its premiere line of Everpure filtration technology that is used within the HydroStations. MSP is the 19th busiest airport in North America by passenger traffic serving 34.7 million total passengers in 2023.
The HydroStations offer free, chilled, and filtered water in multiple concourses and other high-volume areas. Each station also provides an interactive experience about the positive environmental impact people can make by filling a reusable water bottle, with a focus on while traveling.
Pentair is the first partner in MSP’s new strategic partnership program which aims to collaborate with businesses and community organizations to enhance the passenger experience and drive innovation.
“Our goal is to make it easy for passengers and our airport community to choose reusable options over single-use options,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the MAC, which owns and operates MSP. “We’re excited about this strategic partnership because it shines a brighter spotlight on ways to reduce waste and support sustainable practices that go well beyond the airport.”
The HydroStations are joining an existing water refill station network that totals 80 units at MSP that was used 7 million times in the last year. It’s estimated the network eliminates an estimated 600 pounds* of waste from single-use water bottles every day.
“Pentair aims to create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions,” said Adrian Chiu, EVP and President, Pentair Water Solutions. “Our Everpure filtration technology has been a leader in the foodservice industry, and we are excited to bring our filtration expertise to MSP in support of their efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices by providing travelers with free, filtered water at the HydroStations.”
Using integrated technology, the HydroStations at MSP track real-time impact data associated with the elimination of single-use plastics including plastic and carbon emissions savings, which will be displayed at each station.
“Our mission is to encourage people to Refill, not Landfill; we are excited to showcase the HOPE Hydrostation at MSP, one of the world’s leading sustainable airports, powered by Pentair’s advanced Everpure filtration technology. This is a major step for us together towards building a more sustainable future everywhere,” said Jorge Richardson, HOPE Hydration CEO and Founder. “As frequent travelers, we understand the need for great hydration solutions in airports, and we are thrilled to help travelers make a positive environmental impact.”
The MAC is guided by a commitment to meet 2030 sustainability goals, which includes diverting 75% of material from the waste stream by consuming less or reusing, recycling or composting what is used.
*Assuming 20 oz plastic bottle with a weight of 14.7 oz.
About Pentair PLC
At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.
Pentair had revenue in 2023 of approximately $4.1 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 10,500 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world.
About HOPE Hydration
HOPE Hydration (“HOPE”) is a tech-enabled company that believes water is a human right. The company’s mission is to develop solutions to bring clean water without waste around the world through a technology solution-the HydroStation. HOPE is working to motivate new behaviors around water consumption, conservation, and waste-including reducing the environmental impact of plastics pollution. Brought together by a desire for a more sustainable future, HOPE’s team of co-founders – Dave Tigue, Cristina Gnecco and Ryan Barretta – have deep experience around sustainable development goals, business development, and software and hardware engineering. HOPE CEO Jorge Richardson, a Forbes 30 Under 30 Nominee, has collaborated with major Fortune 500 Brands on technology-powered hydration campaigns.
About The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC)
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) owns and operates one of the nation’s largest airport systems, including Minneapolis-St Paul International (MSP) and six general aviation airports. The MAC’s airports connect the region to the world and showcase Minnesota’s extraordinary culture to millions of passengers from around the globe who arrive or depart through MAC airports each year. Though a public corporation of the state of Minnesota, the organization is not funded by income or property taxes. Instead, the MAC’s operations are funded by rents and fees generated by users of its airports.
Featured image credited to Metropolitan Airports Commission
