Sustainability Made Local: Sprudel’s Journey Of Making it in the Emirates

Sprudel, the eco-friendly water filtration company, proudly supports the UAE’s Make it in the Emirates initiative. By focusing on local manufacturing, the company not only strengthens economic resilience but also significantly reduces its carbon footprint. Partnering with Dubai and Sharjah-based manufacturers, Sprudel tailors its products to meet the local hospitality sector's needs while contributing to the UAE’s goal of increasing industrial GDP to AED 300BN by 2031.

If you go to the footer section of the company's website, Sprudel, they have written "Proudly From Dubai, United Arab Emirates," and it wouldn’t be wrong to say they take it to heart. The eco-friendly water filtration company proudly embraces the "Make it in the Emirates" initiative, a part of the UAE's Operation 300BN, which aims to enhance the industrial sector's contribution to GDP, increasing it from AED 133BN to AED 300BN by 2031.

A Focus on Local Manufacturing and Sustainability

Channelling it as a unique opportunity for companies to boost local production and contribute to the national economy and ecological goals, Shawn Green, Founder and Managing Director of Sprudel, adds, "By focusing on local manufacturing, we're not only reducing our environmental footprint but also promoting economic self-reliance."

Pointing to COVID-19-induced fractures in the global supply chain, Green highlights how localised production offers a strategic advantage. "The pandemic taught us the importance of economic resilience, and this is exactly what local manufacturing delivers," he notes.

Creating a Local Supply Chain

Creating a robust supply chain while working closely with its manufacturing partners in Sharjah and Dubai, Sprudel has successfully managed to reduce transportation emissions while shortening the time to market for its five signature products. This approach has also allowed the company to tailor its filtration systems for the UAE's hospitality sector, offering custom-made designs that meet specific client needs.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

Localising production has proven to do more than boost economic self-reliance. By minimising international shipping, Sprudel has made significant strides toward reducing carbon emissions. Shipping raw materials instead of finished products means a single 20-foot container can carry enough material to produce over 1,000 Closed-loop Bottling Systems (CBS), drastically reducing the carbon footprint compared to importing finished systems from overseas.

The company's production process optimisation to use stainless steel materials further enhances its commitment to eco-friendly solutions. Green emphasises, "Every business decision we make has a ripple effect on both the environment and the economy. By producing locally, we can ensure that we're contributing to both in a meaningful way."

Overcoming Challenges Through Local Partnerships

While the benefits of local manufacturing are apparent, it also brings complications — ensuring quality control as production scales up, working through supply chain disruptions, and protecting intellectual property. But Green sees these roadblocks as growing points. "Challenges help us refine our processes, and we're fortunate to have amazing local partners who help us overcome them," he says.

Setting a Benchmark in Sustainability

By leveraging local insights and partnerships, Sprudel has greater flexibility to customise its products, maintain strict quality control, and quickly respond to market needs—all while reducing transportation costs and environmental impact.

Sprudel's approach to "Making it in the Emirates" sets a benchmark for sustainable practices and local innovation in a world increasingly focused on environmental responsibility. Green concludes, "Those of us who call the UAE home can now give back to both the economy and the environment. At Sprudel, we're proud to be part of this national movement, contributing to a greener, more self-reliant future."