EFBW – representing over 500 producers of natural mineral and spring water across Europe – has published its first sustainability report to illustrate the sector’s long commitment to good environmental stewardship. The publication highlights achievements in the field of source protection, recycling and efficient energy and water consumption.
European producers of natural mineral and spring waters have been protecting the environment for centuries to guarantee the natural purity of underground water. This is done either directly or in partnership with local communities. Europe boasts some of the oldest and largest protection zones around its sources, some of which cover up to several thousands of hectares. Natural mineral and spring water are a renewable resource always abstracted at sustainable rates.
Recycling has always been a top priority for the industry. All packaging used by the sector is 100% recyclable and companies are continuously investing in national recovery and recycling schemes such as the green dot systems. Great results are also being achieved in relation to package light weighting; on average, the weight of a 1.5 litre PET bottled has been reduced from 50g in 1986 to 35g in 2009. Also, more and more European producers are integrating recycled plastic (r-PET) into new bottles.
On average it takes fewer than 2 litre of water to produce 1 litre of bottled water, by far the lowest water ratio of all packaged drinks. In fact, you could say that drinking water helps to save water. The industry also implements water-saving techniques such as recycling industrial water for re-use to maximise resources.
The carbon footprint of a typical bottle of natural mineral or spring water is significantly lower than that of any other packaged beverage. In addition, producers are working hard to improve their overall energy efficiency by integrating low carbon or renewable energy sources throughout their operations and optimising transport.
Commenting on the report, EFBW president Hubert Genieys explained: “Protecting the environment is a top priority for the sector. Our objective is to provide consumers with a natural, pure and safe product whilst ensuring that resources will be available for future generations.”
Source: EFBW
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