NWNA extends use of 100% rPET to three additional brands

Nestlé Waters North America (NWNA) has announced that three more of its US domestic still water brands are converting their packaging to 100% recycled plastic (rPET).

According to NWNA, the wholesale switch to rPET packaging for its Ozarka, Deer Park and Zephyrhills 100% Natural Spring Water brands, is already underway.

Once the change has been made, the company says that nearly 60% of households in the US will have access to one of its regionally distributed spring water brands in bottles made entirely from recycled plastic. NWNA’s Poland Spring brand already uses 100% rPET bottles.

The packaging conversion for these three brands also reportedly means that since 2019 NWNA has doubled the amount of rPET used across its US domestic portfolio to 16.5%. The company aims to reach 25% rPET across this part of its business by 2021, and 50% by 2025.

A new message will be added to the labels on the three brands’ bottles to help consumers identify the new rPET packaging. These will also feature a QR code that allows people to scan and track the journey of the water they’re drinking, as well as the bottle, thereby increasing transparency.

NWNA also says that it will work collectively with industry, NGOs, governments and consumers to address challenges surrounding the recycling of PET bottles, which is necessary to provide the recycled material for its packaging.

“We have made significant strides on our journey to use more sustainable packaging,” said David Tulauskas, vice president and chief sustainability officer of NWNA.

“Bottles made with other bottles – like these – provide tangible proof that recycling works and the circular economy for plastics is achievable. By using recycled plastic, we are breathing new life into existing materials, reducing the need for new plastic and our carbon footprint, and supporting the 757,000 jobs in recycling and reuse activities in the US.”

Yumiko Clevenger-Lee, vice president and chief marketing officer of NWNA, added: “By embedding sustainability into the foundation of our brands, we are able to deliver a superior product experience that also aligns with what our consumers want and what the planet needs.”

Nestlé recently revealed that it is exploring the sale of ‘the majority’ of its NWNA unit, including its regional spring water brands, the Nestlé Pure Life brand and the ReadyRefresh beverage delivery service.