Strategic partnership with Solvatten
Solvatten carefully evaluated the materials used, not only to ensure that it could produce the water canisters in the most resource-efficient and environmentally friendly way possible, but also to maximize their lifespan: The fasteners in the portable cannisters have to meet high standards in terms of longevity and resistance to corrosion. Working in close collaboration with the Value Creators at the SFS Group, Solvatten identified components that are both lightweight and especially robust. SFS then optimized the existing fasteners and now provides them to Solvatten, along with an annual financial contribution.
Envisioning access to clean water for all
Petra Wadström, the visionary founder of Solvatten – a social enterprise in Stockholm (Sweden) – developed the Solvatten kit, a cannister that uses solar power to purify and heat water. With the ultimate goal to ensure that as many people as possible have access to clean water and renewable energy.
Sustainable added value for the environment and society
This worthwhile partnership helped radically improve the lives of some 640 families in Ugandan refugee camps in 2024. The Solvatten kits give access to hot, clean water to these families, who are often the victims of climate-driven migration, natural disasters, conflicts and social unrest. The result? Fewer medical treatments due to contaminated water and considerably lower energy costs than with conventional heating methods. This saves around CHF 500,000.– and roughly 650 metric tons of CO₂ per year.
Interview with Petra Wadström
SFS meets up with Petra Wadström, who speaks about how Solvatten got started, the significance of strategic partnerships and her vision for the future.
SFS: “Hi Petra. Thank you for taking some time today to tell us a bit about yourself and your work. What inspired you to found Solvatten?”
PW: “Solvatten was inspired by a desire to help families gain sustainable access to clean water and energy. The idea came to me on one of my trips: When I saw how children were suffering from water-borne diseases, I wanted to find a solution. There is so much energy in the form of sunlight and I asked myself how I could leverage that to benefit people with limited access to clean water. That was the origin of the Solvatten kits.”
SFS: “Which were the biggest technical challenges you faced when developing these water canisters and how did you overcome them?”
PW: “Some of the biggest technical challenges were ensuring the canisters’ durability in different climate zones and optimizing the heating and purification functions. We tackled them by conducting many different field tests, collaborating with engineers and continuously perfecting the design based on user feedback and scientific research. User acceptance was the deciding factor. It had to be a solution that simplified the day-to-day lives of the women on site since women are often the ones responsible for fetching water, the children and hygiene in their households.”
SFS: “Does having the SFS Group at your side as a strategic partner help?”
PW: “Absolutely. Having SFS at our side is invaluable. Your expertise in the areas of precision components and mechanical fastening solutions guarantees Solvatten’s reliability and effectiveness. It improves the durability, efficiency and scalability of our products. Partnerships like this are crucial to our ability to offer sustainable solutions to families and their communities all around the world.”
SFS: “How does Solvatten impact the communities where it has been introduced? Can you tell us a success story?”
PW: “I remember a family I met in Bungoma (Kenya). I interviewed a mother, who was beaming with joy. Her name is Rose. She told us about how her family’s health had improved once they started using clean water from Solvatten. How their medical expenses had reduced as a result and how they did not have to buy as much charcoal and firewood anymore. It also saved her time. Time that she was able to use to take better care of her children and work her little farm. Her story is a prime example of how Solvatten strengthens families, and women in particular.”
SFS: “What are your hopes for the future of Solvatten? How do you want it to evolve over the next few years?”
PW: “I hope Solvatten can continue to expand and reach even more needy communities. I envision further innovations that improve its efficiency and sustainability, that make Solvatten an integral part of global efforts to ensure access to clean water and renewable energies.”
SFS: “What piece of advice would you like to give other inventors, women in particular, who are interested in coming up with solutions to global challenges?”
PW: “Here is what I would tell them: Have faith in your vision and be tenacious. Focus on practical impacts and build strong partnerships. Your unique perspective and determination could effect a major change in efforts to overcome global challenges.”
SFS: “So the right partnerships are one of the keys to success?”
PW: “Yes. Good partnerships – like the one we have with SFS – are indispensable. They bring the expertise, resources and different perspectives together that strengthen both innovation and scalability. Collaboration accelerates progress on the path toward shared sustainability goals.”
SFS: “That sounds a lot like our claim of ‘Inventing success together’. Thank you, Petra, for your time and the fascinating insights into the work you do to make your vision of clean water for everybody a reality.”
