From China With Clarity: 6 Lessons I Brought Back for Ionza

I've just returned from a jam-packed trip to China, where I visited our manufacturers, explored new production partners, and attended one of the world’s biggest water technology trade fairs. When Joseph asked me why I called the trip “amazing,” his Germanic precision made me pause. Why was it amazing?

Here’s what I realised:

1. Seeing Is Believing: Why Visiting Our Manufacturers Changed Everything

I’ve spent months trusting online updates and photos, but nothing compares to seeing it all first-hand. I walked factory floors, inspected testing stations, and met the engineers behind our products. The professionalism and quality control I saw gave me a deeper confidence in our systems.

Early on, when customers would call with issues, I often panicked — “What have I sold them?” But over time, I learned these were nearly always installation-related. Now, after seeing our manufacturing processes up close, I feel more grounded than ever in the integrity of what we offer.

2. A Global Perspective: What I Learned at the Trade Fair

Walking the trade fair was like stepping into the future of water. I tested countless filtration and hydrogen systems — some I’d researched online, many I hadn’t. Seeing the actual scale and construction gave me a clearer sense of what’s out there, what’s innovative, and what’s just shiny packaging.

I now understand which moulds deliver the best user experience, and what’s selling — and working — around the world.

3. Truth vs. Marketing: Why Ionza Only Offers the Latest Tech

One surprising takeaway? Most manufacturers are still producing outdated technology — and not because they don’t know better. When I asked why, they told me: “Because people still buy it.”

It’s a business decision, sure. But it’s not ours. At Ionza, we don’t own old moulds or manufacturing machinery — which means we’re free to evolve. We get to focus on offering only the most effective, up-to-date solutions, no compromises.

4. The Surprise of China: Authenticity, Hospitality, and Human Connection

This might surprise you, but the people I met in China were the most authentic and welcoming I’ve ever encountered. Warm, generous, often speaking excellent English, they made us feel like extended family.

It made me realise that sometimes what feels like mixed messaging is actually just a translation gap. When I asked questions clearly and respectfully, the responses were deeply honest and generous.

5. Our New Hydrogen Bottle — and Why It Matters

One of the most exciting moments was discovering that one of the world’s leading biohackers, Gary Brecka, endorses the same hydrogen bottle model we’re about to launch. It reaffirmed what I’ve already seen in our testing: this product is top-of-the-line in both design and performance. It’s the most attractive, high-spec bottle on the market — and it’s coming soon.

6. From Chance to Alignment: Meeting Our Brand Mirror

While researching branding and messaging, I came across a couple overseas whose ethos resonated with ours. To my surprise, they were at the trade fair — and we connected in person. Our alignment was uncanny. This chance meeting dissolved the last of my impostor syndrome and gave me a fresh perspective: we’re not only on the right path — we belong here.

A Final Reflection

This trip reminded me why we do what we do. At Ionza, we’re not just selling water systems — we’re curating the best available technology, guided by integrity and a mission to uplift wellbeing. I came home filled with gratitude, deeper understanding, and excitement for the future.

We’re not just keeping up. We’re leading with purpose.