In 2010, Shell service stations in New Zealand became locally owned, and were rebranded as Z Energy. The new name signalled the start of the company’s strategy to deliver customers a retail experience unique in New Zealand, offering a visual point of difference and world-class service from a proudly Kiwi company. 

The $60 million campaign included an upgrade of the company's 210 retail service stations, 90 commercial truck stops and all company offices and operations. Alongside this, Z had pledged to ensure their sites were safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable.

The Challenge

Z wanted to use less and waste less in its business operation. By doing what it could to protect the planet, the company began to look at ways to operate sustainably and reduce costs while improving its customers’ bathroom experience, which previously offered conventional paper towels for hand drying.

Across the retail network, Z had committed to using 10 per cent less electricity, and to reduce waste to landfill by 70 per cent. 

Cutting queues and getting customers in and out of the service stations as soon as possible was also part of Z’s speed promise to customers.

The Solution

The Dyson Airblade offers fast hand drying in 10 seconds, which meets Z’s speed promise. As it is faster than conventional warm-air hand dryers, and does not rely on a heating element, the Dyson Airblade uses significantly less energy, reducing running costs.

Z's General Manager of Retail Mark Forsyth says, "With less waste than paper towels, operationally the Dyson Airblade hand dryers have proven better for our business.’"

The Results

Since Z announced its launch in late 2010, it has installed Dyson Airblade hand dryers in its head office and progressively in 100 bathrooms of its larger retail sites from Kaitaia to Bluff. With the network upgrade now complete, feedback from consumers and employees has been very positive.

“Our customers love them. They told us they wanted clean, modern rest rooms and we’ve listened to them. Above all, Dyson Airblade dryers are cool and they make a statement about Z’s bathrooms being hotel quality,” says Mark.