Eco-Startup Gaining Global Recognition

RinseWell, a product of Recycled Hydro Solutions Inc. of Rogers, was one of three water-saving technologies that presented at the 2014 International Emerging Technology Symposium April 23-24 in Washington, D.C. 

Engineers, policy makers, manufacturers and think-tankers from throughout the world attended the event.

RHS founder and president Chris Gilreath said he appreciated the exposure for his product and the chance to gain some professional connections through the symposium.

He hopes the experience will help him land a manufacturer that will license the product so it can be sold to establishments throughout the country. 

RinseWell is an alternative to a fixture found in many restaurants, but especially coffee houses and ice cream shops, called a dipper well, a small sink with constant running water that is used to sanitize food service utensils like ice cream scoops and coffee stirrers. 

Gilreath, who has a background in food service operations, observed first-hand the waste of water — and, therefore, money — caused by use of the dipper well. He has been developing a product that would use less water since 2009, and, in 2011, he formed his company, RHS.

Kim Sweet, co-founder and vice president, helped design a product that uses regulated water pressure controlled by a series of valves.

The valves are triggered when the utensil is dropped in the well. And utensils are turned and sprayed in a five-second cycle.

RinseWell works better than traditional dipper wells at removing pathogens, according to a University of Arkansas study.      

In addition, a beta test at Shakes Frozen Custard in Fayetteville showed the product uses 80 percent less water.