Billi’s broad range of water filtration systems has long been a favourite of the Australian architecture and design industries. Fusing stunning visual language, intuitive design, pioneering technology and a sustainable approach, Billi’s systems are the whole package for any modern specifier who wants it all. But while the Billi range already boasts an impressive selection for any residential or commercial project, the ambitious Australian manufacturer is just getting started. In fact, the brand that pioneered the under-bench filtered drinking water category in Australia way back in 1990, has spent two years working on a new product that will undoubtedly raise the bar for sustainable water systems just that little bit higher again. Enter OmniOne.
The name of the new system translates to “all in one”, and describes a range of filtered drinking water systems for residential and commercial settings that will offer boiling, chilled and sparkling filtered drinking water, from a single under-bench module. Set for release this May, the multifaceted appliance maintains a number of the core design principles that define Billi’s offering, while incorporating a range of exciting enhancements.
“With a more streamlined single module design, the system will take up to 30% less space, while boasting over 40% more capacity of chilled and sparkling water outputs thanks to Billi’s unique water-cooling technology,” says Daniel Walker, Billi’s Head of International Marketing. The new system is equipped with water cooling and energy reclaim technologies, which means no boosters, pumps or fans are required. “In practice, that means whisper-quiet operation,” Daniel explains. “OmniOne is also our first full range of products to utilise R290 refrigerant, a Green Gas known for being non-ozone depleting, and the most sustainable refrigerant available.”
The outstanding features are further bolstered by the improved health and safety features. “We have taken out all HFCs, BPAs and heavy metals from wetted areas, and have taken precautionary steps to ensure lead content in the product falls well below current compliance standards to pre-empt the future of lead-free legislation,” says Daniel. “It also includes low voltage serviceable parts, for additional safety.”
These impressive updates are propped by features and technology that continuously elevate Billi’s product above the competition. One of these is undoubtedly their signature water cooling technology, designed to combine ultimate comfort with advanced environmental considerations.
“The water-cooled systems use the constant cycle of water through the appliance to maintain optimum operating temperatures,” explains Daniel. “What that means is that our range of water-cooled products requires far less energy than other products using air-cooled technology. And because they come with the tenet to ‘repair before replace’, there is far less manufacturing and logistical waste than in case of an air-cooled product which generally requires the entire system to be transported to site a second time to be replaced in full.”
Energy reclaim technology is another unique design feature of all Billi products that design professionals will find in the new systems. The appliances are designed to reclaim and recycle the heat generated by the refrigerator, converting it to energy for the hot side of the system. In contrast, in case of air-cooled systems, the heat is expelled into the surrounding environment. “That can raise temperature and pollute the atmosphere, particulate matter and potentially noxious fumes from cleaning products stored in the same locations,” explains Daniel.
This careful consideration where environmental impact is concerned trickles down to all of the areas of the business – other product ranges included. For instance, when it comes to their architectural tapware products range, Billi is also committed to sourcing and using Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) finishes. The PVD techniques are regarded as more environmentally advanced because of the lack of hazardous waste to report as well as the VOC’s emissions in the coating process. “The products are also fully recyclable due to the low metal layer thickness,” Daniel adds.
In addition, Billi has also taken a holistic approach to environmental responsibility by adopting renewable energy and responsible packaging practices. In the bid to reduce the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process, Billi has installed 600 solar panels and six 20kW inverters at their production facility in Thomastown, Melbourne. This allowed their factory to generate 166MWh of energy in 2022, with 94MWh used onsite and 72MWh fed back to the grid.
Furthermore, the company is committed to reducing waste by replacing single-use plastic packaging with recycled materials and non-plastic solutions throughout their supply chain. This move helps decrease overall waste and disposal needs at the facility, while reducing the requirement for new plastic packaging manufacture. Lastly, the company has switched to R290 gas at the production facility. This is part of Billi's broader goal to make their manufacturing process as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible.
By adopting these practices, Billi continues to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility that goes beyond just their product offerings – although as OmniOne would indicate, each new release is a fantastic reflection of their holistic efforts.
