FedEx Chicago Hub
How one of the world's largest logistics companies transformed employee hydration with the KUPA Station — serving 2,092 drinks in six months with zero single-use plastic waste.
The Company
A Global Leader in Logistics with a Bold Sustainability Mission
FedEx Corporation is one of the world's largest logistics and transportation companies, generating over $90 billion in annual revenue and operating more than 5,000 facilities globally with over 530,000 team members. The FedEx Chicago Hub is a critical node in the company's national distribution network, handling massive package volumes daily.
In 2021, FedEx announced a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040 — ten years ahead of the Paris Climate Agreement timeline. Backed by more than $2 billion in initial investment across vehicle electrification, sustainable energy, and carbon sequestration, FedEx's "Priority Earth" initiative extends to every aspect of operations, including how the company cares for its people and the choices made inside its hubs and offices.
The Challenge
A Break Room That Wasn't Keeping Up
The admin and office area of the FedEx Chicago Hub had a standard still-water-only station — functional, but uninspiring. It offered one option: plain water. For a workforce expecting modern convenience, the setup fell short in three key areas.
Limited Appeal
Employees seeking flavor, sparkling options, or functional hydration like electrolytes were left to bring their own beverages or rely on vending machines stocked with sugary drinks and single-use plastic bottles.
Sustainability Gap
With FedEx's 2040 carbon-neutral target, every facility — including break rooms and admin areas — needed to reflect the company's commitment to reducing waste and single-use plastics.
Employee Wellbeing
FedEx leadership wanted to offer something that went beyond basic hydration — a genuine perk that signaled real investment in their team's health and daily experience.
The Solution
The KUPA Station by Bottleless Nation
Senior Manager Michael Murphy selected the KUPA Station as a direct replacement for the existing still-water station. The goal: offer something meaningfully different that employees would actually get excited about — while supporting FedEx's broader sustainability objectives.
The KUPA Station is an ultra-modern, bottleless hydration system that connects directly to the building's water supply and uses reverse osmosis purification to deliver premium-quality water. Employees personalize every drink using an intuitive touchscreen or mobile app.
16 Natural Flavors
Sugar-free options crafted from molecules naturally derived from real fruit.
Still or Sparkling
Carbonated or flat water on demand — no cans or bottles needed.
Electrolytes & Enhancements
Functional hydration with electrolytes and optional light sweetness.
Reverse Osmosis
Advanced purification removes impurities for clean, crisp water every time.
IoT Analytics
Real-time usage tracking, automated restocking alerts, and remote management.
Brandable Display
Digital screen for custom videos, messages, or company signage.
Bottleless Nation handled full installation with minimal disruption and manages all ongoing maintenance, sanitization, filter changes, and flavor replenishment — zero effort from FedEx staff.
The Results
The Data Tells the Story
Within six months, the KUPA Station delivered measurable proof that employees wanted more than plain water — and that the investment was driving real engagement.
| Drink Type | % of Total |
|---|---|
| Sparkling + Flavor | 48.9% |
| Still + Flavor | 43.5% |
| Still Water Only (No Flavor) | 7.6% |
Drinks Served in Six Months
Averaging nearly 350 drinks per month from a single station in an admin/office environment — not a high-traffic warehouse floor.
Chose Flavored Water
Given the choice, employees overwhelmingly prefer flavored water over plain. The previous still-water-only station was meeting a fraction of actual demand.
Chose Electrolytes
Employees aren't just drinking flavored water for taste — they're actively choosing functional hydration that supports energy, focus, and recovery.
Went Sparkling
Nearly half of all beverages were sparkling with flavor — a category that would have required cases of cans or bottles under the old model.
Single-Use Plastic Waste
Every drink dispensed into reusable cups, bottles, and glasses. No cans. No bottles. No delivery trucks. Direct alignment with FedEx's Priority Earth initiative.
"Introducing the KUPA Station reflects our commitment to employee wellbeing while enhancing the overall look and feel of our office. It offers a healthy, modern alternative for our teams and visitors, and aligns with our sustainability goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040."
The Bigger Picture
Where Sustainability Meets Employee Experience
The KUPA Station at the FedEx Chicago Hub is more than a break room upgrade — it's a practical demonstration of how large enterprises can align day-to-day employee experience with long-term sustainability goals.
FedEx has committed more than $2 billion toward its 2040 carbon-neutral target, and every decision — from fleet electrification to the hydration station in an admin office — signals the seriousness of that commitment.
The data from the first six months tells a clear story: when you give people a better option, they take it. 92.4% of drinks included flavor. 72% included electrolytes. And only 7.6% of users chose plain still water — the only option the previous station could offer.
Ready to Upgrade Your Hydration?
See how the KUPA Station can transform your workplace — with zero hassle and zero waste.
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